Bishop Jonas Benson Okoye Visits Jesus International Technical Secondary School, Oraifite

The Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Jonas Benson Okoye, has commended the management of Jesus International Technical Secondary School, Oraifite, for its commitment to academic excellence and moral formation, describing the institution as one in which the Diocese has a special interest.

Bishop Okoye made the commendation on Saturday, July 25, 2026, during his pastoral visit to the school, which commenced with a Pontifical Holy Mass at All Saints Parish, Oraifite, at exactly 11:00 a.m.

The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by more than 22 priests, including the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Very Rev. Fr. Raphael Ezeogu, alongside other diocesan clergy.

In his homily, the Bishop expressed profound gratitude to God for His abundant blessings and thanked the management, staff, and entire school community for their dedication to the growth of the institution. He paid glowing tribute to the outgoing Manager and Principal,  Fr. Valentine Ifiorah, applauding his remarkable contributions to the academic, spiritual, and infrastructural development of the school.

Bishop Okoye noted that the Diocese places great importance on Jesus International Technical Secondary School because of its role in providing quality education while instilling sound moral and Christian values in young people.

As part of the pastoral visit, the Bishop officially introduced Fr. Jude Ubuka as the new Manager of the school. He explained that the appointment became necessary as Fr. Valentine Ifiorah would be travelling to Rome, Italy, to pursue further studies.

Addressing the students, Bishop Okoye encouraged them to remain focused on their studies, cultivate discipline, and develop confidence in themselves, stressing that self-belief is indispensable for success in life.

"He who does not have confidence in himself can never gain the confidence of others," the Bishop told the students, urging them to strive for excellence and become responsible leaders in society.

A major highlight of the pastoral visit was the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation to 37 students, who received the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the presence of their parents, teachers, clergy, and other faithful.

The event also featured the recognition of the school's Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) graduating students, who were celebrated as they prepared to complete their secondary education and embark on the next phase of their academic journey.

In his thanksgiving address, the outgoing Manager, Fr. Valentine Ifiorah, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Bishop Okoye, the priests, teachers, parents, benefactors, and the entire school community for the support and cooperation he enjoyed during his tenure.

He urged the students to remain faithful to the discipline, values, and sound education they had received, encouraging them to be worthy ambassadors of Jesus International Technical Secondary School wherever they find themselves.

The Holy Mass ended at approximately 12:45 p.m., after which the celebration continued at the school's arena, where students delighted guests with colourful cultural dances, musical performances, drama presentations, and other talent displays.

The event concluded in a joyous atmosphere, with Bishop Okoye, the clergy, parents, staff, and guests celebrating another successful pastoral visit that reaffirmed the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi's commitment to promoting holistic education through academic excellence, technical skills development, and moral formation.