Lorine Emenike
The Most Rev. Dr Ignatius C. O Kattey (JP), the archbishop province of Niger Delta and bishop diocese of Niger Delta North, visited Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic Port Harcourt on Thursday to officially announce his disengagement from forty years of active service and to introduce his successor, Most Rev. Wisdom Budu Ihunwor.
In his welcome address, the rector of Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Dr. Samuel B. Kalagbor, lauded the archbishop for the success story of changing the name and status of the institution from Rivers State College of Art and Science to Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic which was spearheaded by the archbishop. The rector also appreciated him for sympathizing with them over the rainstorm that damaged several properties in the institution on the 7th of May, 2018.
Continuing, Dr Samuel B. kalagbor stated that: “we know you have discharged this duty faithfully to the glory of God. Indeed you have been a monumental blessing to the Anglican community, not only in Rivers State but also in Nigeria and beyond.
“On behalf of the management and staff of the institution, we congratulate you for having served without blemish. There are people who will be elected and consecrated and will not live to see a successful disengagement process. We thank God for your life, you have served Him, you have served humanity”.
Dr. kalagbor also applauded the archbishop for leading all his active service year with little or no crisis at all.
He said “it takes a man who understands the heartbeat of God to do what you are doing”
He eulogized the archbishop further, explaining that despite the fact that he is retiring from active service, the institution will continue to consult him spiritually and otherwise when the need arises.
Also, as an institution, given the fact that the bishop has planted missionaries in seven countries including Canada, the institution will support him.
On his part, the archbishop, Most Rev. Ignatius Kattey (JP), said he is proud of the laudable and giant strides of the rector of the institution, Dr Samuel B. Kalagbor as well as his leadership qualities.
The archbishop stated that “ we are aware that in your assumption of office, you projected your vision and mission geared towards the development and improvement of the institution.
“We note the institution and the student improvement in teaching and learning, the infrastructural and welfare of both staff and students; I applaud you for the infrastructural upliftment of the institution.
” I also applaud you for the provision of office space, approved departments, the right placement of staff and advance level preparation for accreditation of courses, the cordial relationship among the three unions in the institution namely: Academic Union Staff of Polytechnic, Senior Staff Association of Polytechnic and the Non-Academic Staff Union, and also the introduction of ICT in the institution for productive and effective teaching, learning and research and also human capacity development.
“Also, your commitment in pursuit of your vision and mission is commendable in spite of obvious challenges, and evidence in your sincere passion to serve God. May the good God continue to sustain you and your family”
“A highly motivated staff will equally produce a happy and quality graduates. Your administration will produce graduates who can excel, not only in academics but also in character”
“As part of the developmental initiative, we call on you to identify some notable institutions outside Nigeria where you can send some of your lecturers for an exchange program for at least three months. I am sure if this is done, they will be further developed for high productivity”.
The archbishop used the medium to thank the executive governor of Rivers State, Governor E. N Wike for finding Dr. kalagbor worthy to serve.
“We also, want to inform you that I and my wife are retiring from active service this year 2018, and on the 24th of August this year I will be seventy years old” he added.
