From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
The Arewa Consultative Students Forum (ACSF) has conferred twin award on Rev Fr Peter Apagher in recognition of his remarkable contributions to education, spiritual growth, and infrastructural transformation within Makurdi Diocese.
Rev Fr Peter Apagher is the Parish Administrator of St. Dominic’s Catholic Church Shachi, Makurdi and Director Catholic Education Services, Makurdi Diocese.
The award ceremony took place last Sunday during the 8:30 am Holy Mass at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church Shachi, Makurdi, and was performed by the executives of the association made up of various institutions across the 19 Northern States of Nigeria.
Speaking, the President of the association, Comrade Aji Abraham said the associations was committed to tackling various social vices with emphasis on fight against cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice among others.
He said they are also dedicated to championing social causes including social justice which promotes fairness and equity for all, and protection of children, safeguarding against abuse and child marriage.
He also conferred on and installed Fr Peter Apagher as the Sarki Arki na Arewa meaning “King of Work of The North.
Performing the award ceremony, ACSF Vice President, Comrade Musa Yusuf, declared that the award of Excellent Performance was conferred on Fr Apagher in recognition of his dedication to service to humanity, most Outstanding Education Secretary and his contribution to the education Sector in Benue State and Nigeria at large.
Reading his citation, the ACSF praised Fr Apagher’s tireless efforts in promoting academic excellence, spiritual development and community empowerment.
They said “His selfless dedication to the betterment of society has had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals, particularly the youth.
They also noted that Apagher has been instrumental in promoting spiritual growth and development within the Makurdi Diocese saying “His inspiring sermons, counseling, and pastoral care have brought comfort, guidance, and hope to many.
They also praised his doggedness in the infrastructural transformation of the pastoral centre where he is resident and urged him to keep up the good work.
According to them, the award was a way of encouraging him to keep on with the wonderful work he was doing which shares the association’s vision.
In his acceptance speech, Fr Apagher expressed gratitude to members of ACSF for the honour bestowed upon him. He attributed his success to the support of his Bishop, His Lordship, Most Revd Wilfred Anagbe, his deputy, Sr Mary Iber, colleagues, students, and the community at large.
Parishioners who spoke during the event including the Parish Laity Council President, Mr Benedict Dezuan and the Pastoral Chairman, Elder Torgba Nyitse, expressed their joy and appreciated the ACSF for noticing the wonderful works of Fr Apagher is doing.
They all stated that, Fr Apagher, who is their Parish Administrator and barely four years a priest, has been doing wonderful in God’s vineyard especially in the areas of massive infrastructural and spiritual transformation.
While noting that the “Reward for hard work is more work” both speakers urged the cleric to never grow weak as they pledged their unalloyed support to enable him continue the good work he is doing.
The Arewa Consultative Students Forum is a non-partisan, non-denominational organization that aims to promote academic excellence, cultural exchange, and community development among students from the 19 northern states of Nigeria.