Esimone Lauds Ogene For Stabilizing His Administration …Advised Ndi Anambra To Cooperate With Soludo For Greater Anambra
By Julie Sylvia, Onitsha
The former Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone, on January 3, lauded the former Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Damian Okeke Ogene, whom he said played a key role in stabilising his administration during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the institution.
Esimone made this disclosure during the tripartite celebration of Okeke Ogene’s 72nd birthday, 42nd wedding anniversary, and 30 years of selfless service to Ndigbo, held at his country home in Nanka, Orumba Local Government Area of Anambra State.
According to the former Vice-Chancellor, “We came to thank God for him because a person like him has been instrumental to many of the progresses we recorded. As a former Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Ogene was an instrument that stabilised my administration.
“You know, Ohanaeze Ndigbo was very productive and instrumental in the things we were doing, and Ogene was always at the forefront. There was never an occasion we had where Ogene failed to attend. He always came to authenticate the things we were doing.
“We thank God for what He has done for him as he celebrates his thanksgiving. We pray for long life and good health. God has blessed him and will bless him more, giving him greater opportunities to continue to help Ndigbo, Anambra, and the South-East.”
He further stated that Ogene is an illustrious son not only of Anambra State but of Nigeria and the South-East in general, adding that the tripartite celebration was indeed something worthy of thanksgiving to God.
Speaking on the recent controversy surrounding the succession at the institution he once served as Vice-Chancellor, Esimone said the good news was that a substantive Vice-Chancellor has now been appointed in the person of Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie.
“When I left, people said I left a very big shoe that someone on acting capacity could not wear. That was why there was so much drama. Now, with the appointment of the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor and the collaboration we are already enjoying with him, UNIZIK will stabilise, and we are very optimistic,” he said.
In his New Year message, Esimone prayed for renewed hope for Nigeria, Ndi Anambra, and the South-East.
“Tomorrow will be better than today. We have been at the climax of hardship and challenges in Nigeria in every form, and it can only get better with the cooperation we will give our governor.
“We are in Anambra, and we ought to cooperate with our governor because he is doing very well. I have seen the wonderful things he is doing. Let us cooperate with him and make Anambra great.
“Let the vision he has for Anambra be actualised with our own contributions. It is not what one person can do alone; we all have roles to play, and our role is to be good followers and responsible citizens of Anambra State,” Esimone posited.
