The 10th year memorial lecture series and presentation of books authored by late Rev. Fr. Prof. Stan Chinedu Ani was held recently in Enugu. The event which took place at the state-of-the-art auditorium, Coal City University, Enugu witnessed a gathering of cream de la cream of the society who were on hand to celebrate the life and times of a clergyman, philosopher, an educationist per excellence, a prolific writer and philanthropist. Encomiums poured out in large numbers as protégés, personal staff, class mates, friends and relations reflected on their encounter and warm experiences with the man Fr. Stan Ani.
The late clergyman was the founder of Institute of Ecumenical Education, (IECE), Thinkers Corner, African Thinkers Community of Inquiry College of Education (ATCOI) and was the vision bearer of Coal City University all in Enugu state. He lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation. A shining light in ecumenism whose diligence and personal sacrifice transformed the educational system in Enugu and old Anambra state. He left indelible marks on the sand of time.
In his opening remarks, the chairman Board of Trustees, PROFSCA Foundation, Sir (Dr.) Chinedu Ani, organizers of the event extolled the virtues of Fr. Ani and his exploits in promoting quality education. Continuing he said, “today is special because apart from being one of the days we relieve the life and times of a colossus of our time, the Very Rev Fr. Prof Stan Chinedu Ani, it was also a day in which we celebrate his greatness; a greatness that has refused to die; a greatness that will never die; one that perpetually lives in our hearts and in our own world and will, most certainly, outlive us all.”
The chairman of the occasion Barr. Richy Agu, spoke to the essence of Fr. Ani’s drive and effort towards raising the standard of education especially in planting schools in Enugu Zone of the old Anambra state. He chronicled Fr. Ani’s major impact on educational development describing him as an entrepreneur, a champion for the concerns of the poor and an outstanding lover of humanity whose accomplishments and phenomenal contribution to the society speak volume even in death.
The key memorial lecture entitled “Planting the Seed of Better Nigeria through Ecumenism, Critical and Creative Thinking Education” was delivered by Chief John Nnia Nwodo, a former minister of both Information, Aviation and also ex-President-General Ohaneze Ndigbo World Wide. The guest lecturer described Fr. Ani as, “a pathfinder and an indefatigable soldier of Christ. A passionate promoter of education. A builder of schools who made significant impact by widening the scope of knowledge and critical thinking. Chief Nwodo who frowned at the fallen standard of education, juxtaposed the old system championed by Fr. Ani with the current alarming situation in the sector. He however, concluded that all hands must be on deck to salvage the once celebrated educational system not only in Enugu but across the country. He called on the government at all levels, spirited individuals to rise to the occasion by investing in quality education which is often said to be the bed rock of the society. The guest lecturer charged the bearers of his legacy to keep the flag flying.
The Director General of PROFSCA Foundation, Zulu Ofoelue, recounted Fr. Ani’s humility, energy and immense contribution to the body of knowledge. He reiterated the foundation’s commitment to keep his memory alive and continue with the annual memorial event which has been in series since his departure to the great beyond ten years ago.
The Vice Chancellor, Coal City University, Prof. Afam Ichia-Ituma, in his goodwill message commended PROFSCA – the event organizers and congratulated the Chancellor, Sir Chinedu Ani for having the presence of mind to institute a memorial lecture for Father. He added that the University identifies with the great ideals and values which Prof. Ani represented. The VC paid homage to the uncommon feats and legacies of Fr. Ani and pledged the continued support of the University to the organizers saying the institution looks forward to hosting the event next year. While reiterating the importance of books in shaping the society, Professor Ituma concluded by echoing the words of Benjamin Franklin – an American philosopher and publisher which said, “If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write something worth reading or do something worth writing about.”
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Coal City University, Prof. Emeka Igwe, who worked closely with late Fr. Ani, for well over a decade and a half, described the late sage and spiritual leader as a man of impeccable character. He thanked God for the life of a man who believed that no one is uneducable. I am glad we are able to carry on with his vision and maintain the legacies he left behind, he concluded.
The well attended event was graced by captains of industries, Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, the clergy, traditional rulers, politicians, businessmen, friends and relatives,. Others in attendance were management, staff and students of Coal City University, ATCOI College of Education and Institute of Ecumenical Education. Highlights of the event featured a documentary on the life and times of Very Rev. Fr. Prof Stan Ani, presentation of a body of his intellectual works, special appearance of students of Winsophia International School, Enugu and a variety of cultural dances.
Sent in by Sunday Onyemaechi Eze, Lecturer Department of Mass Communication, Coal City University, Enugu
