
16/10/2023
EVERY HARDWORKING MAN DESERVES TO EAT THE FRUIT OF HIS LABOUR.
The great gentleman in the attached pictures wearing a long winter jacket was my first Principal at Marist Brothers' Juniorate Uturu, Abia State Nigeria. His name is Rev Bro. Joachim Ifeanyichukwu Okoye Ezetulugo. He is a consecrated Reverend Brother of Marist Brothers Religious Congregation foundered by St Marcelline Champagnant.
My encounter and knowledge of the man; Rev Brother Joachim Ifeanyichukwu Okoye Ezetulugo in my first and second year in secondary school (1995-1996) as our then Principal has been an unforgettable memories which inspired me towards attaining greatness in life through teaching, training and formation of children and youths especially in secondary school age.
Bro Okoye as we very much know and call him then, is a fearless disciplinarian of great repute. He is an intelligent and devoted Man who worked hard to instill discipline, hardwork and dedication in us during our Secondary School days.
The truth is the fact that many of us never understood the impact of what he was doing for us then, some hated him, many of us never wished to see his him in the school premises, due to the tension, silence and seriousness his presence created in school those years. Bro Okoye's style of punishment and caining is a type that have never been seen, witnessed or experienced before. All students of Marist Brothers Juniorate feared never to enter either Bro Okoye's punishment nor his random caining machine.
Many years after we graduated from secondary school, we all came to the realization of the impact of Bro Okoye's discipline made in our lives.
In what prompted this presentation which is the fact that he is now ripping the fruit of his labour from the grown up students he taught, nurtured, disciplined and guided to a progressive way of life. The old boys association of Marist Brothers Juniorate recognizes and acknowledges his impact in Marist Brothers Juniorate and in the lives of the Juniorate students of Uturu. Every year, different classes invite him to their old boys reunion in different parts of the world. Last month, some sets invited him to their class reunion at Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. He is currently being entertained and taking around interesting places in United Kingdom and other parts of Europe.
Undoubtedly, his inspiration has contributed in no small measure in my involvement in teaching, training and formation of children and youths especially in secondary schools where I have worked as Principal, Administrator and as Dean. I therefore look forward to ripping the fruit of my Labour at the right time.
God continue to bless Rev Bro Joachim Ifeanyichukwu Okoye Ezetulugo.