User talk:Tmozie

Philip Ugochukwu Okpala is the sixth of eight children born to Mr Canice Nwafor Okpala and Cecilia Nawobiaeriaku Okpala on April 27, 1971 in a small town called Adazi in the South Eastern part of Nigeria in Anaocha Local government area of Anambra State. Phil as he became fondly called latter in life by friends and associated has 7 Sibbling as follows in order of birth; Jude Chukwuemeka (brother), Charles Ifeanyichukwu (brother), Maureen Chinedu Ewesi (sister), Catherine Chinwe Udeagha (sister), Francisca Nwanneamaka Dimojiaku (sister) Annastasia Ijeoma Ezekwem (sister), Gloria Ekpaleamaka Ikegbunam (sister). Ugo as he was known and called earlier in life started his early education in Awka, the capital of Anambra state in Nigeria in 1977. Ugo was well known and loved by both teachers and fellow students in his local school called Amamife Primary School, Awka, Anambra State because of his outstanding academic achievements. He graduated from primary school in 1983 with best overall result in First school leaving Certificate examination as well as the Common entrance examination. Ugo passed the entrance examinations both to the Federal and State Secondary Schools, He was also admitted to the prestigious Catholic Church of Awka Diocese owned Saint Domenic Seminary School. Ugo was fondly called Engineer by his family beacuse of his ability to toy with mechanical and electrical components of various machines. Ugo was brought up in very strict Catholic family tradition. He was a member of the Bishops club of the Diocesan Catholic Alter boys Association also known as Mass servers. Ugo served in many important Diocesan liturgical ceremonies, including ordinations as well as in the State Mass to welcome the visiting Pope John Paul II in 1982. In 1983 Ugo went to Saint Domenic Seminary School for a three years junior secondary schoolto be trained as a Roman Catholic Priest. Ugo strated to be addressed as Philip because the seminary policy is that every student must be assiociated to a patron Saint. He graduated with distinction in 1986 and immidiately proceeded to Saint John Bosco Seminary School in the same State for his senior secondary education in continuation of his training as a Priest. In what has been termed his most troubling time by his friends, in 1988, Philip made up his mind that Priesthood was not for him. He freely discussed his opinion and reservations about the Catholic Church and the Roman Catholic Priesthood with his friends and teachers. His criticism about the School policies and programs pitched him against the authorities and he was suspended severally. In early 1989 Philip made up his mind to leave the Seminary School and complete his secondary eduaction in a secular Secondary School and and when he mentioned it to his parents, he resceived a strong resistance from his entire family except his first brother Jude.