St. Francis College Otukpo once again played its fatherly role by successfully hosting the Festival of Arts and Culture organised by the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo through its agency; the Catholic Education Services.
The events brought together contingents in a joyful celebration of cultural diversity,creativity and unity. Participating Schools included;
- St. Francis College, Otukpo
- St Anne's sec School Otukpo.
- St. Joseph Sec. School, Ito.
- Michael The Archangel Minor Seminary,Ochobo.
- St. Marks Ugbodom.
- Holy Innocent, Ampia.
- Our Lady Of Apostles, Obi - Otukpa.
- Holy Child College, Asa.
- Holy Rosary, Adoka.
- St. Joseph's Auke.
- Devine Mercy, Ochobo.
- Emmanuel Secondary School,Ugbokolo.
- St. Monica Secondary School Otukpo.
At the mass that served as the prelude for the commencement of the festival,the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Michael Ikwoyi Apochi admonished the contingents to remain disciplined as they display their God's given talents in these extracurricular activities they are about going into. According to him, as they display their beautiful dance steps through the cultures they are showcasing,be it Okpirigidi dance, Odabaru dance, Aklamaitoto dance,Aja dance, Okwee dance, ogirinya dance, they should dance to the glory of God. He warned contingents against glorifying the devil by dancing nude on TikTok.
After the mass, the contingents marched from the Cathedral to St. Francis College Otukpo, the venue of the festival.
The host Principal who doubles as the CPC Chairman Rev. Fr. Augustine Ochai welcomed everyone to this year's festival of Arts and Culture with the theme; 'CELEBRATING GOD'S GIFTS AND OUR UNITY THROUGH CULTURAL DIVERSITY' and enjoined the contingents to do well by presenting their cultures in positive light.
In his speech, the Education Secretary, Catholic Education Services, Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Adai urged the contingents to make the most use of this festival by showcasing our rich Cultural heritage and to interact with one another for meaningful relationships in life.He further more welcomed everyone to this year's festival of Arts and Culture.
March past was carried out by the participating schools as the contingents from different schools displayed their skills in front of the Catholic Education Secretary; Most Rev. Dr Emmanuel Adai who took the salute.
After the march past, guests were treated to traditional dance entertainment by the St. Francis College Cultural Troupe alongside other sister schools. It was a rare display of rich Cultural heritage.
After a short break by the guests, the next programme that came up was Arts exhibition by participating schools ably represented by a student each and it was reviewed by Education Secretary and his team
On the second day, more schools took their turn in entertaining the guests and the crowd with traditional dance depicting different cultures . The fashion parade was next on line as the representatives gave good account of themselves by a rare display of cultural diversity within and outside of Benue State .
The third and the final day witnessed traditional dance entertainment and drawing competition amongst the participating schools involved in the Arts exhibition. They were asked to capture the scenario of the events,the crowds,the beautiful trees and the hostels of St. Francis College as their background.
At the end of it all, presentation of certificate of participation was issued to the various schools through the face of different cultures that the contingents showcased. Being sister schools ,it was a clear case of 'no Victor , no vanquish' .
The host principal who doubles as the CPC Chairman , Rev. Fr. Augustine Ochai appreciated the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, the Catholic Education Secretary, his co- Catholic School principals and the contingents for their cooperation in ensuring that the program was a huge success. He said the closing prayer and Very Reverend Fr. Dr Emmanuel Adai gave the final blessing. The festival flag was finally lowered bringing the events to a close.
News Comments