Austin Avuru Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AA Holdings Limited, the family office and private investment company with a focus on Energy, Agriculture,Real Estate, and Equity Capital Market investing has announced the successful opening of Arrupe Jesuit College, Abbi, Delta State. The opening event was held on September 17, 2023, through a blessing ceremony at the Arrupe Jesuit College Campus, to mark the completion of this visionary project, that seeks to provide top–tiereducational opportunities to children in Abbi, Delta State, and beyond.
In 2018, the idea of building a top-class secondary school that wouldbe run to international standards in perpetuity was born. In 2019, theAustin Avuru Foundation approached the leadership of the Jesuits ofthe North–West Africa Province offering to build a primary andsecondary school bequeathing it to the Society to provide for theeducational needs of young men and women in Abbi, Delta State,and beyond.
Arrupe Jesuit College is a non-profit co-educational boardingCatholic and Jesuit secondary school, that welcomes young men andwomen of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds and providesthem with a comprehensive education and formation to lead meaningful lives with and for others. The project constructioncommenced in February 2021, through the foundation-layingceremony of the college, with its completion in September 2023.
Speaking at the blessing ceremony, Austin Avuru, the benefactor ofthe foundation through his family office, AA Holding highlightedthe significance of philanthropy to the growth of the education sectorin the country. He said “The Austin Avuru Foundation believes thateducation is the key to unlocking the potential of individuals andcommunities. The foundation’s vision is to create a world whereevery child has access to quality education, regardless of theirbackground or circumstances. The foundation’s partnership with theJesuits is a testament to this vision.
“Working alongside the Society of Jesus of the Roman CatholicChurch, the Government and relevant stakeholders in theeducational sector and through Arrupe Jesuit College, I believe wecan push out on a pedestal to reach even more people to collectivelyimpact the educational system in Nigeria,” he added.
Fr. Oluwasdare A. Michael SJ, Principal of the college ,said “ArrupeJesuit College, named in honor of the revered Jesuit priest PedroArrupe, stands as a beacon of educational excellence in Abbi, DeltaState. Through a comprehensive curriculum, cutting–edge facilities,and a commitment to nurturing holistic development, the collegeaims to empower young men and women with the knowledge, skills,and values necessary to excel academically and make positivecontributions to their communities and society.
The college represents the realization of a shared vision foreducational advancement, as the Austin Avuru Foundation and theJesuits of the North-West Africa Province continue its collaborativejourney. Together, we seek to create a legacy that will enrich thelives of generations to come”, he added.
About the Austin Avuru Foundation:
The Austin Avuru Foundation is the philanthropic vehicle of AAHoldings Limited, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in areassuch as education, community development, and healthcare. With afocus on sustainable initiatives, the foundation aims to empowercommunities and improve the quality of life for individuals andfamilies in Nigeria and beyond.
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