By Ikenna Nwokedi
Members of the University Management, Executives of the Students Union Government (SUG), staff and students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka on Tuesday, 20th September 2022, attended and witnessed the colourful ground breaking ceremony of the proposed Garuba Square arena of the institution.
The ceremony was aimed at officially commencing the process of giving the Garuba Square arena facelift, beautification and improving the aesthetics which is the brainchild of the UNIZIK SUG President, Comrade Charles Obinna Ijeomah.
The proposed new Garuba Square arena upon completion will have its podium expanded and extended with double sitting arrangements, new model roofing, lighting and illumination at night powered by Solar Energy, modern convenience and provision of charging points for phones.
In his address, UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, FAS, described the process as a ground breaking project that will change the current status of the Garuba Square arena which is a unique location with historical antecedent that portrays the image of the institution.
“This ground breaking project is the idea of the SUG under the leadership of the vibrant and hardworking President, Comrade Charles Ijeomah. Great projects are started with great ideas and little funding which usually metamorphose into a finish product”,
“Like John F. Kennedy, former US president would say, don’t think of what your country will do for you but what you will do for your country, this has been demonstrated today by the present EXCO and am delighted that it is happening during my tenure while I am also hopeful that by the end of the third quarter of 2023, I will be back here to commission this project,” Prof. Esimone stated.
The vice chancellor also said that the project is in line with his vision for ‘Project 200′, the scholar emphasized on the need for synergy that will help to mobilize the Alumni to contribute their quota towards institutional growth.
He stated that his administration will be lending the necessary support towards ensuring that the project is completed without hitches.
Reacting to the development, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Engr. Prof. Chinonso Achebe described the project as apt as it will expand and beautify the Garuba Square which was given a facelift more than 10 years ago and has remained in its present state for a long time.
The Professor of Mechanical Engineering described the present SUG as Progressive and developmental in it’s stride to enhance the state of the institution to be better than it is.
He thanked the Vice-Chancellor and members of the University management for their consent and approval for such laudable exercise to enhance the image of the institution.
Others who expressed their views on the laudable project were the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Chairman UNIZIK Chairman, Comrade Steven Ufoaroh; Chairman, Joint Campus Council of National Association of Nigerian Students (NAN) Anambra State axis as well as the Zonal Financial Secretary, Comrade Ernest Okafor.
Highpoints of the occasion was the foundation laying of the project performed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone and description of the design and project plan by the President of the SUG, Comrade Charles Ijeomah.
Present at the occasion were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Frederick Odibo; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu; University Librarian, Dr. Stella Ngozi Anasi; Director of SIWES and Immediate Past ASUU Chair UNIZIK Chapter, Prof. Dennis Aribodor; the institution’s Chief Safety Officer, Chief Ken Chukwurah; Director of Works, Engr. Samuel Onwuemena; Head, Information and Public Relations/Chief Protocol Officer, Mrs Chika Gladys Ene; Director UNIZIK Business Ventures, Dr. Chris Ngenegbo; Coordinator/Chairperson Alumni Relations Unit UNIZIK, Dr. Nwachukwu Obiakor and the Chaplain St. Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Remigus Ezeokonkwo.
