Kukah, Okiro, Kalu, others to be honoured by OSAN
By Cross Udo, Abuja
The Old Seminarians Association of Nigeria (OSAN) will on Friday honour prominent Nigerians, including the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah; retired Inspector-General of Police, Mike Okiro; and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, at its 2025 National Convention.
The event, themed “Insecurity: Navigating the Complexities of Nation Building,” will take place in Abuja and is expected to bring together distinguished personalities to deliberate on Nigeria’s security challenges and foster national cohesion.
According to a statement by OSAN’s Public Relations Officer and Chairman of the Publicity Committee, Johnbosco Agbakwuru, the gathering will feature high-level discussions, keynote addresses, and the recognition of exceptional contributions to national development.
Prof Michael Sasa, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Veritas University, will deliver the keynote address, while retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Wilson Inalegwu, is billed to share expert insights on security management and peacebuilding.
His Majesty, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, the Obi of Obinugwu, will serve as the Royal Father of the Day.
The President of OSAN and Chief of Staff to the President of the Senate, Chinedu Akubueze, is the Chief Host, while Chief Cosmas Iwu, Secretary to the Government of Imo State, will chair the occasion.
Other eminent personalities to be honoured include Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry; Bishop David Ajang of the Catholic Diocese of Lafia; Justice Benedict Kanyip, President of the National Industrial Court; and Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku, Vice Chancellor of Veritas University.
Also listed for recognition are Rt. Hon. Saviour Enyiekere, Hon MacDonald Ebere, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, Hon. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi, Dr Patrick Umoh, Dr Nnamchi Sunday, Andrew Ogbonna, and Prof. Maxwell Gidado (SAN), among others.
Agbakwuru said OSAN was established to promote national integration and cultural cohesion, leveraging the ethical and intellectual formation of its members for the common good.
He noted that the association’s values are rooted in Catholic education’s enduring virtues—discipline, character formation, and service to humanity.
“Catholic education has stood the test of time globally, producing well-rounded individuals driven by integrity, compassion, and leadership,” he stated.
Agbakwuru added that at a time when Nigeria is grappling with social, political, and economic challenges, it is crucial for former seminarians, who have benefited from moral and spiritual formation, to take the lead in restoring integrity and purpose to public life.
Quoting the Bible, he urged members to emulate Christ’s call to service: “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:15-16).
