AS Christians prepare for the feast of the Nativity, the Special Assistant, Media to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Comrade Fidelis Egugbo, has called for prayers for the governor,.

Egugbo, in an address on Tuesday at the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols of Maris Schools, Amachai, Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, stated that Okowa has contributed to the growth of education and deserves to be prayed for by the people.

"It is important that we commend the Governor of Delta State, Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for his administration’s commitment to the growth of education in different forms, including skill acquisition for youths.

"We should remember him in our prayers," Egugbo said.

He continued, "You are welcome to the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols of Maris Schools. Maris Schools is located in an education-friendly environment at Amachai, Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government area within the Delta State Capital Territory. It provides flexible and cozy learning spaces for children.

It is conceptualized to enhance good moral training and prepare well-inspired future leaders through a system of Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools. 

The gate of Maris Schools was opened to pupils and students in the month of September, 2018 following a successful thanksgiving Mass celebrated by an array of Catholic Priests at the school compound on Wednesday, 25th July, 2018.

As we assured our parents and guardians, standard facilities that are in tune with 21st century learning environment will not be compromised as international standards, with great attention to the rich cultural heritage of Nigerians, will be adhered to in ensuring that students of Maris Schools compete with their peers anywhere in the world.

Today is very significant, especially as we anticipate the great feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Due to the effects of COVID-19 on the economy, a good Samaritan paid the tuition fees for all the pupils and students for the first term 2020/2021 academic year. 

Also, bearing in mind that there are pupils and students who have not met with their payments since the inception of Maris Schools three years ago, we hope that in the spirit of the season, you can assist parents of such pupils/students to offset such bills.

As an institution established in memory of Stella-Maris Chukwufunimnenya Egugbo, it is still young, and we believe that God will provide for you to assist us to grow and contribute to making the society better. Though, a philanthropist has donated a bus to the school, we cannot use the bus presently as the engine got burnt at Ore, on its way from Lagos.  

We most humbly solicit your assistance to enable us complete the Maris Hall which, by His grace, will host subsequent annual festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, provide venue for the celebration of the Holy Mass, et all. Based on location, we still need buses, finance to boost our facilities, scholarship for indigent and intelligent students/pupils. 

God has used you to assist us to this stage, He that knows all will certainly, touch you to assist us the more. Kindly reach us on +2348032933933 or through our bankers: Zenith Bank Plc, Account Number: 1017189528. NAME OF ACCOUNT: Maris Secondary Schools.

"... your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:6.

It is important that we commend the Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, for his administration’s commitment to the growth of education in different forms, including skill acquisition for youths. We should remember him in our prayers.  

This festival of Lessons and Carols ordinarily, would have been done in the evening with candle-lit splendour, but, as you can see, Maris Hall – a multi-purpose hall that will also serve as Chapel, is still under construction. The prayers and scripture readings, the great hymns and the soaring music of the choir, by the grace of God, is our Christmas tradition.

Our Nigeria of today is full of uncertainties, but we have faith that with proper upbringing of children, fervent prayers for peace, goodwill and understanding rising with hymns and carols can make the difference. The choir shall render most of the songs but the congregation plays a central role in this service as it involves the coming together of everyone in making a joyful noise to the Lord.  

Should your child be further inspired to the making of 'extended joyful noise' while others are trying to listen, we do ask that you escort your little one to the gathering area or outside for a brief moment or two until he or she becomes more contemplative. Please, do not be shy about doing this as many of the adults surrounding you are parents too, and are very glad that you and your child are here! Nursery care is available during the festival.

We have every reason to thank Him for His goodness; we survived COVID-19 and by His grace, we are celebrating Christmas. 

Please listen intently, pray and sing with your heart, mind, and voice.

Once again, we thank you for attending this memorable event."

Some of those who partipated in this year's celebration include, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, Chief Christopher Oyemike, Hon. Uche Uraih, Mrs Sussan Egwunyenga, Mr Amaechi Udemba, Mr Nelson Egware, Mr and Mrs Innocent Diachi, Sir Godwin Iyawa, Mr Monday Uwagwu, Dennis Otu, Emmanuel Enebeli, Okiemute Adjogri, Comrade Sam Ijeh, Comrade Patrick Ochei, and Thelma Eliogu.

Others include Comrades Paul Osuyi, Dominic Adewole, Charles Emeni, Chibuzor Isichei, representatives of Kanma Estates, choir groups from Catholic Church of the Ascension, Asaba, St. Michael's Catholic Church, Okpanam, parents, pupils and students of the school; Christians, among several others.