9TH UNIZIK GOVERNING COUNCIL PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO IGWE KENNETH ORIZU

By Ikenna Nwokedi, PhD

The 9th Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka (UNIZIK) on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the monarch of Nnewi town, H.R.H Igwe Kenneth Orizu, III, following the need to acquaint itself with the various campuses in the University with the College of Health Sciences domiciled in the town.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles O. Esimone, FAS, said that it’s a tradition that when a new Governing Council comes on board, there is need for them to be taken around or introduced to elders and core traditional rulers within the state. The Professor of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology stated that the institution is delighted to have the new Council members on board.

Speaking during the visit, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council, Prof. Sulyman Alege Kuranga thanked the Igwe and his cabinet for a warm reception and immense support by his cabinet and the good people of the town for their philantropic gesture to the institution. Prof. Kuranga stated that the visit is to pay homage and identify with the Royal Father of the town who has ensured that there is palpable peace, tranquility, harmony and adequate security in the community regarded as the Japan of Africa. The Pro-Chancellor posited that the new Governing Council is committed to the actualization of the vision of “Project 200” under the administration of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles O. Esimone, FAS. The scholar prayed God for long life and good health for the Igwe towards becoming the longest serving Monarch of the Town.

A cabinet member and the first son of the Nnewi Monarch, who spoke on behalf of the Igwe, Prince Obi Orizu thanked the members of the 9th UNIZIK Governing Council for the visit to the Traditional ruler and cultural custodian of the town. Prince Orizu said that Nnewi is a unique town which accords great respect for culture and traditions. He pointed out that the four clans which Nnewi town is made up of are Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim and Nnewichi. Prince Orizu said that Igwe Orizu is 96 years of age and has been on the throne for 58 years. The son of the monarch emphasized that Nnewi is the land of Gold as everything in the land prospers and blesses everyone who steps on its land. He asked God for blessings on the members of the 9th Governing Council.

In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Frederick Odibo thanked the Igwe and his cabinet for the hospitality, the University Don called on the Cabinet members and the entire Nnewi Community to continually support the growth of the institution and education by always extending a hand of fellowship and goodwill to the College of Health Sciences at all times.

Highpoints of the visit is the introduction of members of the 9th Governing Council by the University Orator, Prof. Chike Okoye to the Igwe and his Cabinet as well as a group photograph with the members of the Governing Council and the Monarch.

RPT/IYKE