By A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

Days after his recent voluntary resignation as the Chairman of the Governing Council of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa was received in a private audience with His Holiness, Pope Leo, at the Vatican.

In a move highlighting the intersection of public service and spiritual devotion, Sir Chinyeaka embarked on this pilgrimage to seek apostolic blessings and reflect on a career dedicated to administrative excellence and national development.

In what was a high-profile delegation, Sir Chinyeaka was accompanied by the highly revered Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja. The Cardinal’s presence added a layer of profound ecclesiastical significance to the visit, symbolizing the strong ties between the Nigerian Catholic laity and the global Holy See.

Highlights of the Visit included moments of prayer and reflection where Sir Chinyeaka received a formal blessing from the Holy Father, a gesture often extended to those who have concluded significant chapters of leadership as Sir Chinyeaka has done in various walks of life including ESUT.

The visit further served as a spiritual transition, marking the formal conclusion of Sir Chinyeaka’s leadership role at ESUT. Besides being an affirmation of values, recognizing his contributions to education and public infrastructure in Nigeria through the lens of faith-based service, the visit is a diplomatic gesture, strengthening the spiritual bond between the Nigerian laity and the Holy See.

Speaking to our reporters, Sir Chinyeaka said that, "Service to humanity is an extension of service to God. This visit is a moment of gratitude for the opportunity to have led ESUT and a chance to seek divine guidance for the chapters ahead."

Sir Chinyeaka is a veteran administrator and retired Federal Permanent Secretary. His tenure as the Chairman of the ESUT Governing Council was marked by significant strides in institutional stability and academic focus. His visit to the Vatican underscores a lifelong dedication to the Church and the principles of integrity in leadership.

No doubt, to transition from the rigors of university governance to the serene halls of the Vatican is a testament to Sir Chinyeaka's commitment to grounding leadership in faith.