As part of activities marking this year’s Valentine Day, otherwise Lovers Day in Imo State, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) youth wing,YOWICAN South East of Nigeria, last Friday, February 14, 2020, honoured the Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, Professor (Lady) Adaobi Obassi, for her giant developmental strides and her maternal cordial relationship with the Christian community of the institutionIn his speech while presenting the award to Professor Adaobi Obasi at the college campus auditorium, the CAN Chairman South East, Barr Oluchukwu Nnebugwu, described the Vice Chancellor as a great achiever, whose tenure has brought great structural development to the university. He also acknowledged her relationship with the Christian community for which she is the only person chosen for such honour this year.
Speaking further, he stated that it is based on the facts of her numerous contributions and impact on nation building that the Christian Association thought it wise to honour her as well appreciate the management of the university on their various remarkable achievements.
Speaking on behalf of the university community, Prof. B.E.B Nwoko, Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration expressed joy over the award given to Professor Obasi, stating that “it is not of him that willeth or runneth but of God that showeth mercy”.
Prof Nwoke commended the V.C for restoring Solemn Assembly, a monthly prayer summit in the University, aimed at committing the University, State and Country into the hands of God, which has helped to crack down cultism in the Institution.
Prof Nkwam Uwaoma, Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) Academics thanked the association for honoring the Vice Chancellor and stated that years back, the University was a glorified secondary school but today, it’s one of the best institutions in the country both academically, structurally and otherwise.
He appreciated Prof Adaobi Obasi for attracting so many projects to the University and stated that she will always be remembered for all her enormous works.
On his part, Rev. Fr. Uzoma stated that the Honour is a Manifestation that indeed she has made huge impact in the University. He appreciated her services, urging the Management to emulate her.
Facilitators of “Solemn Assembly”, Prof T C Chineke, Prof Agnes Osita – Njoku and Prof Gab Oze, also unanimously appreciated the Vice Chancellor for the award received and urged her to continue in her amazing works.
In her response, Prof Adaobi Victoria Obasi thanked God for what He is doing in her life and the entire University. She reiterated that the University decided to come together and pray monthly, so an Altar was raised where Divinity meets Humanity and it has curbed cultism in the University.
She dedicated the Award to all the Professors in the University for standing by her especially during the stormy days and also commended Imo State Media for working with truth and diligence. She concluded by thanking the association for finding her worthy to be a recipient of the award and assured them of continuity in her good works.
Prof B.T.O Ikegwuoha, Head of Department, Political Science during his vote of thanks said, he is thrilled and exceedingly happy for honouring the Vice Chancellor, as he is an advocate of gender equality.
He further stated that when a righteous person or leader is on the throne, the people rejoice adding that he is glad that a woman is on the throne and the people are rejoicing.
Prof Ikegwuoha concluded by thanking the University Principal Officers for their support to the Vice Chancellor and described Prof Adaobi Obasi as a woman filled with the quintessential of feminity and womanhood.