Azione Verde University Opens in Amaigbo, as Founder Rev. Fr. Duru Receives Widespread Praise

By Christiana Nnaemeka

Azione Verde University was formally inaugurated on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Amaigbo, in Nwangele Local Government Area of Imo State, amid widespread commendation for its founder, Rev. Fr. Boniface Ifeanyi Duru, and his collaborators.

The epoch-making event attracted religious leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders, government functionaries, international partners, and well-wishers from within and outside Nigeria.

In his welcome address, Rev. Fr. Duru expressed gratitude to the people of Amaigbo—both at home and in the diaspora—for their unwavering support, describing the inauguration as the fulfillment of a long-cherished vision spanning over two decades.

“I salute the great sons and daughters of Amaigbo for your love for this land and your presence at this historic event,” he said, while acknowledging the Orlu Catholic Diocese led by His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Ukwuoma, for its guidance and encouragement throughout the journey.

Rev. Fr. Duru also paid tribute to the Papal Nuncio to Ethiopia, Archbishop Brian Unigwe, whom he described as a brother and proud son of Amaigbo, as well as priests, religious, and international collaborators—particularly members of the Italian-based humanitarian organisation, Opera Don Bonifacio Azione Verde, which he founded and currently presides over.

Tracing the roots of the university, Rev. Fr. Duru revealed that the project was conceived over 20 years ago and formally took off on September 29, 2005, when the late Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gregory Ochiagha, laid the foundation stone and challenged him to translate his vision for community development into action.

He explained that the institution’s philosophy was inspired partly by the tragic Sosoliso plane crash of the late 2000s, which claimed the lives of nearly 100 schoolchildren.

“That tragedy strengthened my resolve to save more children for humanity through accessible, quality education,” he said, noting the burden many Igbo parents bear in searching for good schools far from home.

According to him, education remains a critical driver of development, with universities playing a central role in shaping the future of society through intellectual, moral, and emotional formation.

Rev. Fr. Duru emphasized that Azione Verde University is built on a holistic educational model that integrates academic excellence with moral and character formation.

“Our vision is to nurture balanced individuals—intellectually, morally, and socially—who will become agents of positive change in society,” he stated, adding that the university represents the culmination of an already established nursery, primary, and secondary school system under the same philosophy.

He described Amaigbo as a natural gateway to Igbo culture and heritage, expressing confidence that the university would firmly position the community as a renowned university town.

The founder appealed to individuals, communities, and organisations to support the growth of the institution, stressing that projects of such magnitude require continuous investment.

“We need quality lecturers, modern libraries, functional laboratories, stable electricity, and recreational facilities,” he said, calling on stakeholders to be part of what he described as a legacy project that would outlive the present generation.

Earlier, during the Pontifical Mass, the Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Ukwuoma, commended Rev. Fr. Duru and members of the Opera Don Bonifacio Azione Verde Association—largely made up of Italians—for selflessly investing their resources in the establishment of a university for the benefit of humanity.

He prayed for the continuous growth of the institution and urged students to embrace learning with courage, reminding them that failure simply means “First Attempt In Learning”.

The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Dr. Michael Onuoha, described the university as a landmark contribution to Nigeria’s education sector and a beacon of hope for Imo State.

He noted that the institution would enhance access to higher education, stimulate local economic growth, create employment opportunities, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship.

In a show of commitment, he pledged to donate a state-of-the-art building valued at ₦50 million to the university.

Also speaking, the President General of Amaigbo Town Union and a member of the institution’s Board of Trustees, Chief Sir Fyne Madumere, praised the founder’s vision and assured that the board would work tirelessly to ensure the university achieves its full potential.

He further appealed to the state government to support the institution by rehabilitating the access roads and providing proper drainage systems, noting that the host community had to deploy over 100 truckloads of sand to make the roads motorable for visitors and staff to come in.

The Communications and Social Media Director of Opera Don Bonifacio Azione Verde, Mr. Andrea Somma, who came from Italy, expressed joy over the inauguration, noting that the association had worked tirelessly since the year 2000 to actualize the dream.

He urged the community to protect the institution, describing it as a gift to future generations and the global community at large.

The ceremony featured choral renditions during the Pontifical Mass, colourful cultural dances, and traditional displays during the reception. Several dignitaries present pledged support towards the growth and sustainability of the institution.