Enugu CKC Old Boys celebrated the Feast of Christ the King and reaffirmed support for the N1.5bn CKC Endowment, honouring the historic legacy of a school that has produced eminent national and global leaders.
Enugu | Tuesday, December 9, 2025
The CKC Endowment has emerged as the central rallying point for Christ the King College (CKC) Onitsha Old Boys Association Worldwide as they celebrated the Feast of Christ the King across their global chapters. The recently launched N1.5 billion endowment fund stands as a bold, long-term commitment to strengthening CKC’s infrastructure, academic excellence, and student welfare. It reflects not only the gratitude of the Old Boys but also their belief in preserving the legacy of one of Nigeria’s most impactful educational institutions.
Founded in 1933 by Archbishop Charles Heerey, an Irish missionary driven by vision and discipline, Christ the King College quickly grew into a powerhouse of character formation and academic brilliance. Over the decades, CKC has produced eminent figures who contributed profoundly to Nigeria’s legal, political, religious, and intellectual development. These include Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, Justice Ambrose Akagoa, Justice Anthony Aniagolu, Mr. Peter Obi, Prof. Pat Utomi, Dominic Cardinal Ekandem, and Cardinal Francis Arinze. Their achievements underscore why the CKC Endowment is more than a financial drive-it is a pledge to maintain an institution that has shaped national history and global leadership.
The N1.5bn CKC Endowment is built around four strategic pillars: continuous improvement of infrastructural facilities; enhancement of teaching, learning, and sporting facilities; scholarship assistance to brilliant but indigent students; and incentives for academic and sporting excellence. With 12 robust chapters under the global body, every arm of the association is expected to contribute to the fund, ensuring that the CKC legacy not only endures but expands.
In Enugu, the spirit of the CKC Endowment was strongly felt as the Enugu Chapter celebrated the Feast of Christ the King in a joyful, nostalgic atmosphere. The day began with a reverent Sung Mass at Holy Ghost Cathedral, marked by solemn hymns, symbolic liturgy, and reflections on gratitude, brotherhood, and service. The Mass reaffirmed why CKC men-across generations-return annually to celebrate faith and fellowship.
From the cathedral, celebrations moved to Filbon Hotel, New Haven-one of Enugu’s vibrant social venues. The shift from sacred worship to lively camaraderie was seamless as Old Boys reconnected, shared memories of their CKC days, and reignited the bonds that time has only deepened.
Engr. Greg Nnaji, President of the Enugu Chapter, presided over proceedings with clarity, warmth, and a firm sense of purpose. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of unity within the Old Boys community and emphasized that supporting the CKC Endowment was both a duty and a privilege. He reminded attendees that CKC’s essence lies in its ability to raise disciplined, confident, and value-driven men-a tradition that must be protected through deliberate investment.
The fundraising segment was anchored by Engr. Okwy Emejulu, Chairman and CEO of Akiota Works Nigeria Ltd, who served as Chairman of the ceremony. He delivered inspiring remarks on gratitude, personal responsibility, and the need for successful alumni to sow back into fertile ground. He then demonstrated exemplary leadership by donating a significant amount to the CKC Endowment, drawing resounding applause and motivating others to support the initiative.
Also present were Sir Patrick Ekemezie, 2nd National Vice President of the Association, and Dr. Cyrillic Okpala, Secretary of the Enugu Chapter. Their participation underscored the cohesion between national and chapter leadership in driving the endowment vision. Yet the event’s tone ensured that every Old Boy in attendance-whether named or not-felt like an indispensable part of the CKC family.
The gathering attracted an impressive array of personalities whose careers reflect the calibre of CKC alumni. Among them were Sir M. J. Ilona, the oldest CKC Old Boy; Jerry Okolo (SAN); and Justice Patrick Amaizu, retired Justice of the Federal High Court. Adding further prestige was the presence of invited guest Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, the Enugu State Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, and Industry Investment.
However, beyond the array of distinguished faces, the heartbeat of the event was the camaraderie. Set after set, decade after decade, the hall echoed with laughter, recollections, and the unmistakable warmth of brotherhood. Treasured memories were revisited, new bonds were formed, and the collective resolve to uplift their alma mater was renewed.
This sense of unity seamlessly connects to the broader mission of the CKC Endowment. The alumni understand that sustaining CKC means giving future generations access to the same excellence that shaped icons like Justice Oputa, Peter Obi, Prof. Utomi, and Cardinals Arinze and Ekandem. It is a commitment to strengthen a national institution whose impact continues to echo across Nigeria and far beyond.
As the Enugu Chapter’s celebration drew to a close, one message stood firm: CKC may have produced generations of great men, but now it is the turn of those men-through the CKC Endowment-to secure CKC’s future. And judging by the energy, unity, and generosity on display in Enugu, the future of Christ the King College Onitsha remains incredibly bright.
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