By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Mayor of Peace, Engr. Dr. Kizito Nnamdi Onunkwo, Anambra Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Dr. Felix Odumegwu and Amb. Obiora Okpalajiugo were on Thursday, 4th April 2024 inducted into the Pioneer UNIZIK Hall of Fame.
The special induction ceremony held at the office of the Director, UNIZIK Business School (UBS) was a follow up of the Hall of Fame and award presentation ceremony of the 17th UNIZIK Convocation held in December 2023 which witnessed the convergence of political office holders, captains of industries, philanthropists and friends of the University in attendance.
In his address during the special induction, UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, FAS stated that the special induction was to recognize in a special way personalities who have partnered with the institution towards her growth and development. Esimone averred that the event will now be an annual programme of the institution while also noting that the group will now be ambassadors of the institution and are well placed to offer advise and render services to the institution.
Responding, Anambra Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Dr. Felix Odumegwu thanked the institution for the honour done to him with the award. Hon. Odumegwu commended Prof. Esimone for his giant strides through his vision for ‘Project 200’, he revealed that he is ready to do more in the areas of infrastructural development to accelerate the growth of education in the institution.
On his part, the Mayor of Peace, Engr. Dr. Kizito Onunkwo described the Vice-Chancellor as a man of honour whose dedication, resilience and commitment towards the growth of UNIZIK can be seen with his achievement through the vision of ‘Project200’, the business mogul promised to do more in the areas of support to the students and infrastructural development.
In a vote of thanks, the Coordinator, Fund Raising and Hall of Fame Committee, Engr. Dr. Paul Okolie thanked the new inductees for their immense support towards the growth of education in the institution both in academics and infrastructural development. The scholar stated that the Hall of Fame is a way to strengthen the existing relationship between the town and gown.
Also present during the occasion were the Provost, College of Postgraduate Studies (CPGS), Engr. Prof. Philomena Igbokwe; Director of UBS, Prof. Chinedu Onyeizugbe; Chairperson Fundraising and Hall of Fame Committee, Rev. Sr. Dr. Adaoma Igwedibia and secretary/member of the committee, Pharm. Dr. Lizettee Ezenekwe.