Delta State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, made this known in Asaba at a dinner and special awards night organized by the Asaba chapter of the “Great Ife” Alumni Association.
The Governor, who was represented at the occasion by his deputy, Professor Amos Utuama, applauded the foresight of founding-fathers of the University, and the efforts of the present leadership of the University for inculcating sound moral and academic discipline into the students.
According to him, the successes recorded by successive administrations in Delta State are traceable to the diligence and hard work of OAU alumni who occupy enviable positions within the state civil service. Governor Uduaghan, who was one of the four awardees, however urged “Great Ife” Alums in Delta State to venture into politics so that their native wisdom and academic knowledge could be tapped and broadly used in advancing the cause of Deltans.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Michael Faborode, had commended the government of Delta State under Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan for formulating and implementing policies that are truly beneficial to the people of Delta State. Professor Faborode thanked the Governor for finding OAU graduates worthy of appointment into positions of higher responsibilities.
Welcoming guests and well-wishers to the occasion, the Chairman of the Asaba Chapter of “Great Ife” Alumni Association, Sir, Eseoghene Peter Ogagifo, implored tertiary institutions in Nigeria to show more than passive interest in the organization of their Alumni Associations.
According to Sir Ogagifo, properly harnessing the alumni body would open up institutions to massive infrastructural and personnel development needed for academic progress. Apart from Governor Uduaghan, other awardees are: Senator Francis Nwajei, a 1966 graduate, Engr. Peter Sunday O. Gbandi and Chief Austin Izagbo.