By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Advisory Council of the Traditional Ruler of Enugwu-Ukwu known as the Enugwu-Ukwu Aristocracy Traditional Cabinet on Friday, 19th July 2024 paid a courtesy visit to the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu.
The cabinet chiefs of the community led by the Deputy Traditional Prime Minister, Chief Clement Nwafor stated that the visit was at the instance of Eze Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri, HRH Igwe Ralph Ekpeh to felicitate with the new sheriff in town and congratulate him on his appointment.
Chief Nwafor informed that the visit was also geared towards strengthening the relationship and conviviality already existing between the community and the institution but also to identify with Prof. Ikechebelu who hails from Abagana, the neighbouring town with both domiciled in Njikoka Local Government Area of the state. Chief Nwafor prayed for the success of the current administration while emphasizing that the community is solidly behind him and will offer him the necessary support in ensuring that he achieves his mission and dreams at the citadel of learning.
Responding, UNIZIK Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ikechebelu specially thanked the team for the visit, support and prayers for his administration. He stated that Enugwu-Ukwu has a rich history in the aspect of promotion of the cultural values of the Igbo race and have also played a pivotal role in ensuring that what is obtainable cultural wise in town can be replicated in the gown as seen with the Igu Aro and Iri Ji UNIZIK Cultural festivals of which Igwe Ekpeh has always administered on annual basis.
Prof. Ikechebelu also noted that Enugwu-Ukwu community is blessed with men and women who are well placed in the society while calling the sons and daughters of the community to also support the growth of the institution and education at large via endowments and willful donations.
In a vote of thanks, Chief Uju Nwume thanked the Acting Vice-Chancellor for the warm reception accorded the advisory council. Dr. Nwume, who during her time was the Best Graduating Student in Economics, once again congratulated Prof. Ikechebelu for his appointment and affirmed that the existing relationship between the institution and the community will be further strengthened. She prayed for the elevation of the institution to higher heights under the current administration and wished the Acting Vice-Chancellor well in his vision and ideas for the University.
Also present during the courtesy visit from the Enugwu-Ukwu team were the MD/CEO of Jaspino Hotels, Chief Jasper Okonkwo and the Chairman of the Enugwu-Ukwu Igu Aro Commission, Chief Pat Nwume while on the part of the University were a member of Governing Council, Professor Ezinma Nnabuife and Special Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor on Academic Matters, Professor Frederick Odibo.
