Ngige, Muoghalu, Orjiakor, Others Honored At COOU Memorial Lecture

Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen Chris Ngige and former Education commissioner, Prof Leonard Muoghalu were on Wednesday honored by management of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra state for their outstanding support and contributions to the institution.

Others honored during the Founder’s day – 4th Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Memorial lecture as part of activities marking the 16th Convocation ceremony of the institution were Co-founder, Seplat Energy Plc, Dr Ambrose Orjiakor, former lawmaker representing Ihiala Federal Constituency, Engr Fort Dike, former Executive Secretary, National University Commission (NUC), Prof Julius Okojie and Bar Donatus Okeke.

Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor, Prof Kate Omenugha said the event celebrated the institution’s heritage and achievements, noting that the university had 15 faculties, 70 academic departments, about 1,500 staff and over 55,000 alumni.

According to her, the institution has also intensified campaigns for a clean, green and sustainable environment, as well as introduction of strict sanctions, including one-year suspension for students caught littering.

“The university established what we call “Pick it campaign” to ensure a clean and green environment. Any students that litters the environment will be sent on one year suspension.

“All these measures are to instill environmental responsibility as well as make our students take ownership of cleanliness. We can’t afford to have dirty environment,” she added.

Also speaking, Amb Bianca Ojukwu, Minister State, Foreign Affairs and Wife of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu described the late Dim Ojukwu as a statesman whose intellect, legacy and dedication to his people remained indelible.

She said Ojukwu believed strongly in justice and principled leadership, adding that he championed community restoration throughout his lifetime.

While commended the university for the honour extended to her, the Minister pledging continued support to the institution.

She described the event as a convergence of history, intellect and legacy, just as she described her late husband as a towering figure whose unwavering commitment to his people’s dignity remained indelible.

“Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu was not just a soldier and statesman but a leader who believes in the power of knowledge, justice and principal of leadership.

“He’s also a firm believer in the sanctity of trees and their potentials, not only for erosion control, but provision of cooler and cleaner environment,” she added.

European Union Ambassador To Nigeria, His Excellency, Mr Gautier Mignot described the EU as a major global driver of the clean transition, explaining that it involves shifting from fossil fuels to low-carbon, sustainable energy systems while maintaining economic competitiveness and fairness.

Delivering his lecture themed, “Sustainable and Climate Resilience Future: Beyond Rhetorics” Mignot said the EU has been partnering with governments to advance climate action because of its potential to drive economic growth.

“Clean transition is not just the responsibility of government; it requires everyone’s effort.

“We also need to mobilise private funding for climate actions and not rely solely on public funds,” he said.

Mignot commended COOU for its climate initiatives and efforts at inspiring younger generations toward environmental sustainability.

Earlier, Chairman of the occasion and CEO, Sheiks & Bishops Ltd, Sir Chikwendu Udensi urged the university management to uphold integrity in its role of moulding character.

Describing education without integrity as dangerous, a consultant with Interpol Systems, promised to establish an Ethical Center in the university, a facility he said would house library for books on ethics.

Highpoints of the event were planting of trees cutting of cake and presentation of awards to personalities for their outstanding support to the institution.

Credit to Praise Chinecherem