By Cecilia Ologunagba
New York, Dec. 25, 2023
A Canadian-based Nigerian Priest, Rev. Fr. Patrick Ampani, has praised the irrevocable commitment of Nigerians in the diaspora for serving and supporting their homeland.
Ampani told the New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York that Nigerians abroad had been sacrificing to give back to their country, urging people to always emulate the generous gesture.
In his Christmas message for Nigerians in the diaspora and those at home, the priest applauded the irrevocable commitment of Nigerians living abroad towards serving and supporting their country of birth, Nigeria.
“The giving of your time, talents and treasures in service to the nation continues to bear fruits that will eternally endure. Prophet Isaiah reminds us that ‘God is making a new thing’ (Isaiah 43:19) which means God is constantly creating.
“This is evident in some of the initiatives you introduced and or supported to ensure nation building,’’ he said.
According to him, these initiatives will be beneficial to the people of all generations.
He said people of all generations would benefit from them and become intentional in contributing towards nation building, noting that “our sphere of influence will touch those in power to understand the plights of the nation.
“As we come to the end of the year, it is fitting to count the blessings we have enjoyed this past year in our individual lives and in our growing nation Nigeria.
“I bless you all and your families with the love of the most Blessed Jesus. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year 2024,’’ the priest said.
He, however, urged Nigerians to count their blessings and develop ways of giving back to the society.
Ampani, who is a Chaplain with the Canadian Armed Forces, told NAN that he had been contributing his own quota by supporting the less privileged in Nigeria, especially by supporting their education.
He said he would be using the occasion of his 22nd priestly anniversary to organise a school fund-raising campaign to rebuild his alma mater primary school at Gidan Bako.
“The fund-raising campaign is coming up on Friday, December 29, at the Holy Family Catholic Parish, Gidan-Bako.”
He, therefore, urged Nigerians who wish to support the initiative to contact the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Rev. Fr, Michael Magaji, on 08035370091, for their donations
“I am using the occasion to take a lead in rebuilding the community primary school in my village, Gidan- Bako, Ikulu ward in Zangon-Kataf Local Government area of Kaduna state.
“This is a public primary school and it is the only government presence among my people.
“All the hopes for education of children from my village stems from this school. However, the school’s structure is in a dilapidated condition, a collapsed structure and an unsuitable learning environment with no furniture.
“The dilapidated condition of the school serves as a threat in recreating the future of my community, and the psychological effect on the mind of the pupils is huge,’’ Ampani said.
According to him, this negatively impacts their learning abilities and thwarts their chances of succeeding in life and as such, “I’m inspired to embark on this project of rebuilding the school’s structure for the good of the community.”
The priest also said the project would improve the quality of education of children, which by extension facilitates national growth and development.
“As a citizen, I have a responsibility to contribute to the society and support the efforts of the government in my own little way.
“The government might not be able to provide for the needs of all its citizens. However, I see the need to make a difference that will benefit the people and the government as well.
“Also, as a Catholic priest, I have the moral obligation to inspire growth and success in the life of others. This is one of the ways to effect the change we all need in the society,” he said.
Ampani, however, called on well-meaning Nigerians at home and abroad to support his efforts, noting that he is a priest and therefore doesn’t have the resources to rebuild the school.
“I will appreciate the intervention of both the Local government and state government leadership to step up and support me and perhaps to inspire others in other communities to bring about initiatives that would benefit the people.
“Also, to support my effort to achieve this goal by providing financial resources, and or donate materials to facilitate the building project and to furnish the classrooms to make them suitable for learning,” he said.
