The new year began on a joyful note. On January 4, Fr. Dr. Okuta, Coordinator of Works (Port Harcourt Campus), sent a message to  CIWA academic community:  

> *"Very Rev. Fr. Rector, distinguished professors, senior lecturers, and venerable colleagues, today is Fr. Dr. Charles Essien's birthday. Many more years in good health of mind and body. Happy birthday, Fr."*  

The Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Jude Abidemi Asanbe, was quick to respond, writing:  

> *"Charlie, congratulations on being a significant part of the season's born. May your life be peaceful and impactful this year and beyond. Amen."*  

In gratitude for the warm wishes, Fr. Dr. Charles Essien, who on this occasion marked his fifth decade, responded:  

> *"Dear Very Rev. Fr. Rector, Professors, Senior Lecturers, and dear Colleagues, I write to thank you for your good wishes and prayers for me on my birthday. May the Lord bless and provide for you all in this 2025 and beyond. Amen."*  

The celebrations continued on January 7, as Fr. Victor Jammah Usman, the Institute’s Director Academic Planning (DAP) and Secretary of the Staff Welfare Committee (Obehie Campus), announced another milestone:  

> *"On behalf of the Rector, the Welfare Committee wishes Rev. Fr. Dr. Samuel Gwimi God's blessings, grace, and peace as he celebrates 30 years of fruitful service in the Lord's vineyard. We wish him more grace, good health, and wisdom in the Lord’s vineyard."*  

Fr. Gwimi, touched by the outpouring of love and prayers, responded:  

> *"Appreciation to all my brother priests and sisters for all the prayers said, organized, and wished for me in the event of my 30th anniversary of sacerdotal ordination. Blessings and Happy New Year."*  

The 15th of January brought yet another celebration as Fr. Dr. Paul Jatau, like Fr. Essien, marked his 50th birthday. His heartfelt note of gratitude read:  

> *Subject: Heartfelt Thanks*

> *"Good evening, Dear Fr. Rector, Esteemed Professors, Senior Lecturers, and Colleagues, I hope this message finds you well. I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the wonderful birthday calls, messages, and warm wishes I received. Your thoughtful gestures truly made my day special and reminded me of the supportive community we share. Thank you once again for your kindness and generosity of spirit. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a remarkable team."*  

>  

> *Warm regards,  

> Jatau.*  

One of the most significant events of the month was the convocation ceremony for the *HILTON-CIWA Theological Institute for Women Religious in Africa*, which took place on January 15. The ceremony was a moment of pride and reflection, celebrating the academic achievements of women religious who had dedicated themselves to theological studies.    

Another highlight of the month was the celebration of CIWA’s Patron Saints—*St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Augustine of Hippo*—on January 28. The feast day coincided with the *Matriculation Ceremony*, an event that brought together parents, well-wishers, staff, and students of the prestigious institution. The dual celebration marked both the spiritual heritage and the academic future of CIWA, reinforcing its identity as a centre for theological excellence.  

As the month drew to a close, academic rigour took centre stage, with the *First Semester Examination* commencing on January 31. However, amid the celebrations and academic engagements, CIWA was struck by moments of deep sorrow as some former academic staff transitioned to the great beyond. 

News broke of the passing of a distinguished priest and professor of Canon Law, *Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Cosmas Aluede Ojemen*. A wave of condolences poured in, including this heartfelt tribute from Fr. Adeyemi:  

> *"Huuuuuuum! Yet another fallen hero of CIWA, Revd. Fr. Prof. Cosmas Ojemen. May God grant eternal rest to him and consolation to his family members, the Catholic Diocese of Uromi, the CIWA community, and all those who mourn his demise. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon him. Amen!"*  

The month also saw CIWA extending condolences to the *Diocese of Nnewi* on the passing of *Msgr. Prof. Christopher Ejizu*, another great scholar whose contributions to theological education and research were immense.  

January at CIWA was a month of transitions—of celebration, academic progression, and condolences. It was a time of joy as milestones were marked, a time of intellectual rigour as academic activities continued, and a time of mourning as the institute bid farewell to some of its  finest minds.  

Thanks for reading 

Fr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie à

@cesacc-ciwa