The Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) commemorated its 43rd anniversary today with a solemn and richly symbolic celebration. The event, held on the  Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, featured a Solemn Mass, the induction of new PhD students, and the presentation of an academic excellence award.  

The celebration began at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Chaplaincy, the institute’s chapel, with the choir’s stirring rendition of *"On This Day, O Beautiful Mother."* The Eucharistic celebration was presided over  by the Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Jude Abidemi Asanbe, who was flanked by Rev. Fr. Ogundare David of  Spiritual Theology Department and Rev. Fr. Dr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie of  Communication Studies Department—both alumni of the Seminary of All Saints, Uhiele Ekpoma, 2015 set—and over fifty other priests. 

In his welcoming address, Fr. Asanbe expressed gratitude to God for CIWA’s 43 years of impactful contributions to theological and academic excellence in West Africa. He warmly welcomed the congregation, stating:  

> “Today is a day of triple celebration: the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the 43rd Anniversary of CIWA’s establishment, and the induction of 17 first year PhD candidates who have successfully met the institute’s rigorous standards after completing their  probation. We give thanks to God for His blessings and ask for the blessed Virgin Mary’s intercession as we continue this journey.”  

The homily, delivered by Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Okogwa of the Moral Theology Department, centered on the theme *“Responding to the Mercy of God Like Mary.”* Fr. Okogwa described mercy as “the disposition to be kind and forgiving, to help those in need, and a profound expression of love.” Reflecting on Mary’s humility and obedience, he declared, *“If you cannot be a good disciple, you cannot be a good leader.”* He urged Christians to go beyond bearing the name “Christian” and to live lives that reflect the demands of their faith. Concluding, he lauds CIWA for its contributions to the Church and society over the years and asks for greater collaboration for high feats. 

Before the final rites of the first half of the celebration, the Registrar of the Institute, Rev. Fr. Wilson Akhigbe, extended gratitude to all present for their active participation in the celebration. He then invited the Rector to formally declare the 2024/2025 academic session open. Responding to the call, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Jude Abidemi Asanbe, in the name of the Most Holy Trinity, Saints Augustine and Thomas Aquinas, Pope Francis, and Bishop Camelius Umoh, officially inaugurated the academic year.  

The Chaplain of CIWA’s St. John the Baptist Chaplaincy, who served as the Master of Ceremonies,Very Revd Fr. Dr. Peter Uchu, guided the liturgy with precision. The Mass culminated in a solemn rendition of *"Salve Regina"* as priests processed out of the chapel, marking the conclusion of the first part of the day’s activities.  

The second segment of the day's celebrations took place  at CIWA’s Multipurpose Hall, where Rev. Fr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie anchored the programme. The Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Jude Abidemi Asanbe, gave the opening address, thanking God and commending CIWA community for its  dedication and contributions to the wheels of progress. He commended specially Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Ignatius Obinwa, CIWA’s oldest faculty member from the Biblical Theology Department, for his  commitment to the institute’s vision and activities.  

Before the induction ceremony for the 17 first-year PhD candidates, the Rector provided guidance:  

> “Many have embarked on this journey you are about to begin—some successfully, others not. I urge you to choose topics that are researchable and relevant, and to embrace your studies with focus and dedication. Avoid distractions and the temptation to gallivant; instead, commit fully to the rigours of academic life.”  

The highlight of the day was the presentation of the Academic Excellence Award to Rev. Fr. Dr. Callistus Ikhane of the Liturgy Department, whose Dissertation was adjudged the best for the 2022/23 academic session. The Rector emphasized that the award criteria now include academic excellence, dissertation depth, and active participation in CIWA community life.  

> “This award,” the Rector noted, “is part of the initiatives of this administration to foster excellence. I also take this opportunity to announce that once we receive the required light from Rome, CIWA will resume its convocation ceremonies for the STL programme, a tradition that has produced seven convocations in the past.”  

In his acceptance speech, Fr. Ikhane expressed deep gratitude:  

> “This honour is both unexpected and humbling. I thank the  rector  and my primary supervisor, Very Rev. Fr. DDr. Anagwo, for his guidance and  CIWA academic management for recognizing my efforts. I encourage CIWA to continue its strides toward autonomy so that all our activities and ceremonies can take place seamlessly within our campus.”  

The ceremony concluded with a Benediction by Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Ignatius Obinwa, bringing the historic day to a close. The atmosphere was one of joy and anticipation as the new PhD candidates, the awardee, and the entire CIWA community celebrated their shared achievements and aspirations.  

**Reporting for CESACC-CIWA*

_Rev. Fr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie, Precious Famgba, Benedict Adara, and Dickson Enwono_.