By Brendan Onyemegbulem
The Annual Get-together of members and beneficiaries of the BertoEdAngeli Foundation held on Monday, 5 January 2026, at the BertoEdAngeli Medical Hospital, Eziala Ogwu, Mbaise, was more than a ceremonial gathering; it was a quiet celebration of lives restored, futures re-imagined, and dignity deliberately reclaimed.
This year’s reunion was particularly significant because it recorded an unprecedented turnout of undergraduate beneficiaries. From local communities within Mbaise to distant parts of the country (Enugu, Akwa Ibom, and Ebonyi, etc.), they gathered at the medical center and offered silent testimonies to the widening reach of the Foundation’s impact.
The ceremony commenced with the arrival of Rev. Fr. Benedict Nwachukwudaku (Founder); Rev. Fr. Prof. Columbus Ogbujah; Rev. Frs. Divine Anyanwu, Ifeanyi Njoku, and Oguledo Achileus; Rev. Srs. Lovina Anyanwu, Lovina Ike, Perpetua Ijezie, Margaret Ogbede, and Gladys Agbaraji; Engr. Alphonsus Agomuo and Mrs. Angela Dioka (USA). The event was formally opened with prayers led by Rev. Fr. Prof. Columbus Ogbuja, followed by the introduction of members and priests under the Foundation’s sponsorship, with over 70 students present. In his opening address, Rev. Fr. Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu-Udaku expressed profound gratitude to God and to all collaborators, singling out the 2025 valedictorian of Veritas University, Abuja, Rev. Fr. Divine Anyanwu, as a symbol of disciplined excellence. He disclosed that the Foundation has so far produced 10 graduates and currently supports 27 nursing students, 10 medical students, 5 optometry students, and others, describing these as signs of steady and purposeful growth. He also congratulated Tony Nwishi Michael on his recent clothing with the clerical soutane, commending his zeal for the priesthood. It would be interesting to recall here that since the inception of the scholarship scheme in 2008, the foundation has produced about 102 graduates. In the past 2024/2025 academic session, 41 students graduated from different institutions of higher learning. Among them are one medical student, five nurses, one optometrist, five engineering students, one student of architecture, two students of human physiology, nine hearing-impaired students of special education at Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, two students who studied business administration, two other graduates of educational management and technology, one biochemist, and fourteen graduates from other departments of social sciences and food science and technology. All to the glory of God.
Beyond gratitude, the founder issued a gentle but firm challenge of learning the habit of giving back to the community. True formation, he reminded students, must mature into gratitude expressed through service. To this end, commitment forms were distributed, inviting each student to offer at least six months of service to the Foundation after graduation. This gesture, he explained, reflects a philosophy of accompaniment that is seen before, during, and after success.
Furthermore, words of encouragement were spoken by several speakers. Rev. Fr. Prof. Columbus Ogbuja praised the founder’s docility to the Holy Spirit and warned against the unmoderated use of mobile phones, describing them as “mini computers capable of building or destroying lives.” He emphasized moral discipline, mutual support, and collective responsibility in sustaining the Foundation’s vision. Rev. Fr. Divine Anyanwu, sharing the secret behind his valedictory achievement, attributed his success to diligence, consistency in studies and class attendance, and discipline. From an evaluative standpoint, Sr. Lovina Anyanwu, who assists in assessing weekly assignments, encouraged the students to improve their writing skills through reading and disciplined study, noting the deep link between intellectual formation and moral maturity. Parental voices were also heard. Mrs. Chioma Eke admonished students on modest dressing and conduct, reminding them that “the way you dress is the way you are addressed.” Mrs. Angela Dioka added her voice in appreciation of the founder’s sacrifices, while Mr. Paul Opara, leader of the Eziala Ogwu Lagos Branch, donated exercise books and medications to the Foundation, pledging further support during his speech.
A brief literary moment followed as Rev. Fr. Benedict commended Rev. Fr. Clovis Njoku for his novel “Like the Sun from Morning Clouds (Ikoro),” encouraging him to explore African perspectives on medicine since he has begun a new turn in his professional journey.
As part of the students’ response, three voices rose in gratitude and reflection. Daniel Chilaka, Onyeukwu Chima, and Miss Blessing Igwenagu expressed heartfelt appreciation to the founder while candidly identifying a weakness among the students, which is the neglect of communal prayer.
The presentation of gifts followed in symbolic solemnity. Rev. Dr. Benedict began by presenting mugs, ties, and brand-new laptops. Refreshments and transport support were provided for all present.
In his closing remarks, Rev. Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu-Udaku expressed deep appreciation to all members of the Foundation, with special mention of Mrs. Chinyere Nwachukwu-Udaku for her tireless dedication. He encouraged beneficiaries to reach out whenever in need, affirming his willingness to sacrifice comfort for their continued growth. He concluded with a fatherly charge: to strive daily to become the best version of themselves as beloved children of God. The gathering concluded with prayers led by Rev. Fr. Patrick Nwachukwudaku.
