By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Prof. Charles Esimone, FAS, on Wednesday, 22nd November 2023 re-opened and re-dedicated the Student Union Government (SUG) Giant House remodelled and refurbished by the CEO Pool King Estate, Hon. Gabriel Chinwendu.
The special occasion which brought about the convergence of the benefactor, principal officers of the institution, SUG EXCO and students was held at the SUG Giant House arena.
In his remarks, UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone eulogized the CEO of Pool King Estate, Hon. Chinwendu for investing in the institution describing the act as an investment on a fertile ground which the Pool King CEO will reap abundantly from in the near future.
The VC stated that his administration which is thriving on the impact of ‘Project 200’ had hitherto committed the institution to God for acceleration and positive development in both sphere of academics and university administration.
Prof. Esimone commended Hon. Chinwendu for also investing in the students of the institution by absorbing them as realtors who will help in marketing his organization. The Chief Servant of the institution described the lucky students as brand ambassadors of the institution who have keyed into the motto of the institution by being self-reliant, showcasing discipline and excellence.
He admonished the SUG to ensure they utilize the refurbished Giant House to serve the main purpose for which it was built in the first instance. He called for support from the students to the present SUG to enable the Union attain greater heights.
In his remarks, the CEO of Pool King Estate, Hon. Gabriel Chinwendu thanked Prof. Esimone for his visionary leadership which has brought about rapid development and transformation in the institution.
The Pool King CEO emphasized that the refurbished Giant House was part of the corporate social responsibility of his firm in giving back to the society and driving the course of educational growth and development.
Hon. Chinwendu opined that giving and touching lives has always been part of his contributions to humanity, he affirmed that there will be more to come from him for the institution by way of philanthropic gesture to students of the institution, infrastructural development and support towards the sports sector owing to his love for sports and recreation.
On his part, the President of the UNIZIK SUG, Comrade Izuchukwu Francis Ejikeme offered that his administration and the student at large are grateful to the VC for his transformational leadership describing the roadmap and sustainability growth as one that is beyond human understanding.
Comrade Ejikeme described the occasion and moment as a beginning of historic dawn for the 30th SUG house.
Comrade Ejikeme averred that his administration’s clear mission and well thought out plan engineered a glorious partnership with the union’s most revered benefactor, friend of the SUG and the University, Hon. Gabriel Chinwendu, a philanthropist, seasoned investor and a true son of the soil.
The student leader thanked immensely the CEO of Pool King Estate for the complete renovation of the giant house complex including the replacement of the house roof to an ultramodern metro tiles roof as well as the donation of a shuttle bus to the SUG for ease of movement and logistics, a generating power set, furniture and air conditioners.
Ejikeme also appreciated the Dean of Student Affairs, Engr. Prof. Chinonso Achebe for repositioning the SUG, he enjoined the student community to collaborate and cooperate with the SUG in ensuring that the students reap the full dividends of good governance and democracy.
Responding, the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Chinonso Achebe thanked Hon. Chinwendu for coming to the aid of the SUG with the remodelling of the giant house which the scholar described as visible, tangible and a laudable project. Prof. Achebe commended Hon. Chinwendu for being selfless in his investment in the institution one of which is now a new giant house.
The scholar described the VC as one who has a listening ear, student oriented and student loving Vice-Chancellor with his vision for ‘Project 200’. He also commended Comrade Ejikeme for his leadership style and doggedness towards the welfare of the students of the institution.
Re-echoing the views of Prof. Achebe, the APGA State Youth Leader, Hon. Dr. Tochukwu Obiadi described Prof. Esimone as a student friendly VC with his transformational leadership through the vision of ‘Project 200’, he commended Comrade Ejikeme for a job well done as a student leader as well as the benefactor, Hon. Chinwendu for his humanitarian gesture. He charged the students to support the administration of Prof. Esimone and the SUG for the common good of the students.
Highpoints of the occasion was the official cutting of the ribbon of the refurbished house, re-dedication and tour of the newly remodelled Giant House. Present during the event were principal officers of the University, benefactors of the institution, friends of the CEO of Pool King Estate, youth leaders in the state and students of UNIZIK.
