By: Adolphus Ofoegbulem
The prestigious St. Patrick’s Secondary School, Ogbe Ahiara, Ahiazu Mbaise, Imo State, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, celebrated the 70th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary of the inauguration of the school.
Since its inauguration in the year 1956, the noble institution has been known for its academic excellence, discipline, and Catholic values. Renowned for its strong science education and character training, it is a prominent, well-structured institution in the Mbaise community.
St. Patrick’s Secondary School has been credited as being one of the monuments and great heritage of the Mbaise Nation and even beyond, having produced notable personalities and well-to-do individuals whose presence has had a great impact and positive influence on the world.
A notable distinction for the school was its emerging as the winner in the 2025 Igbo Language Quiz Competition for all secondary schools in Mbaise, demonstrating its love for the local culture.
The event of the day commenced with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at the school compound, which was presided over by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ahiara, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, CMF, and concelebrated by other priests.
While delivering the homily, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Chamberline Irozuru, the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Parish, Ogbe Ahiara, and also the Dean of St. Cyril’s Deanery, Ahiara, thanked God for the day and for the gift of St. Patrick’s Secondary School, Ogbe. “We have come to celebrate 70 years of forming minds, shaping character, and nurturing faith,” the homilist stated while he was harping on the impact of the school on the world. Speaking further, Fr. Irozuru noted that God has endowed each human being with great potential and talents, which are expected to be harnessed properly. He equally highlighted the significant role the Church plays in helping individuals to develop their potential through her various evangelization activities.
Further, the homilist commended the school’s plausible activities and impacts, from which many individuals have benefited, and urged other institutions to emulate their holistic approach towards the formation of students. He thanked and appreciated the efforts of the diocese, the host community (Ogbe, Ahiara), and the traditional leaders led by HRH Eze Pat Ihuoma and all whose support and contributions have been instrumental towards the growth of the school.
In the vote of thanks, Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Iheanacho, the principal, welcomed and thanked the bishop and all present for the occasion.
Addressing the congregation, the bishop commended the efforts of the incumbent and erstwhile principals for their resilience and doggedness towards the growth of the school. The prelate congratulated the staff, students, and alumni, and in a special way, he acknowledged the representative from the first set that studied in the school, Chief Paulinus Nwabugwu Onyejietu. He advised the students to take their studies seriously and work hard, which will help them become worthy ambassadors of the school. “Like St. Patrick’s, make an effort to work hard to be celebrated for the work of your hands,” the bishop concluded.
The reception took place on the school premises, with the opening prayer led by Very Rev. Fr. Lawrence Opara, the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity’s Parish Ezeagbogu, and the president of the Ahiara Diocesan Priests’ Association. The kolanuts were presented by HRH Eze Cosmas Onyeneke. Part of the dignitaries present were Mr. Chinedu Ikedieze (AKI); the royal fathers of the day were HRH Eze Pat Ihuoma (Eze Udo III of Ogbe), HRH Eze B.O.S. Mmadinobi (Odozi Obodo I of Ogbenisi), and HRH Eze Cosmas Onyneke (Ekwueme IV of Lagwa & Ise I of Mbaise). Other notable personalities include Ezeala Jude Egwim; Chief Mrs. Francisca Okwudiri Obasi (Ada Mbaise na Kenya), who was the mother of the day; and many others. Hon. Chigozie Nwachukwu, who duly represented the chairman of the occasion, Mr. Okechukwu Macdonald Obilor (Ugo I of Chinaetugo Age Grade of Ogbe), in his opening remarks, thanked God for the gift of the school and emphasized the need for consolidated efforts towards the sustenance and further development of the school. This landmark event was equally co-chaired by High Chief Chinedu Akpayo (Aku Ruo Ulo I Na Mbaise)
Further, honorary and meritorious awards were presented to distinguished individuals whose contributions and support have been greatly instrumental in the growth and development of the noble institution.
Other activities that took place include the national/school anthem by the school band group, an address by the principal, unveiling of the anniversary brochure, presentation of awards, and cutting of the anniversary cake.
This epoch-making and remarkable event has once again reaffirmed the school’s commitment to academic excellence and character development, while it looks forward to many more years of shaping future leaders.
