Alvan holds grand reception for Imo Deputy Governor

By Jude Onyenedogha

The atmosphere of Alvan Ikokwu Federal University of Education was fully charged, yesterday as Management, staff and students rolled out the drums for a grand reception for the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady (Dr) Chinyere Ekomaru.

The event was originally planned and held as a grand reception for  the deputy governor by Mbaitoli Staff Welfare Association, Alvan, but with the acceptance and touch of the Vice Chancellor and Management of the University, it turned out to be an affair of the entire University.

The deputy governor was a staff of Alvan and a full fledged member of the Mbaitoli Staff Welfare Association before she was selected as the running mate to Senator Hope Uzodimma, during his second term governorship race, which they won, resulting to her emergence as the deputy governor of the state.

Speaking at the event, the deputy governor appreciated the association for the honour done her, promising to remain forever grateful to them.

She dedicated the award to Governor Uzodimma, who she re-emphasized, provided her with platform to be celebrated, “and most importantly, contribute my own quota to the progress and development of Imo state”.

The deputy governor used the opportunity to charge the management and staff of the institution to pay more attention to the upbringing of the children and youths entrusted to their care, especially at the nursery and primary level.

She challenged every welfare association in the school to take a clue from the Mbaitoli Welfare Association, to develop their association, even to the level of Corporative Society, to enable their members get more benefits from it.

Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Venerable Doctor Emmanuel Agoha, a senior lecturer in the Religion and Cultural Studies Department of the University said the institution celebrated the deputy governor, because she left good legacies in the school for over 22 years she served there as an academic staff.

“Also, since her assumption of office as deputy governor of Imo State, she has performed excellently well, helping the governor to make sure that there is smooth and seamless running of government, bringing about prosperity and success in the state”.

Before proceeding to the venue of the reception, the deputy governor first paid a courtesy visit to the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Aloysius Onyeka.

Onyeka while welcoming the deputy governor in his office, expressed excitement at hosting her and other distinguished guests and appreciated Mbaitoli Alvan Welfare Association for attracting the deputy governor.

He disclosed that he was in the fourth month of his six months transitional administration, saying his desire of paying the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma a courtesy visit and attracting him to the University was almost fulfilled with the coming of the deputy governor.

Highlight of the event included different awards and gifts to the deputy governor, including a gigantic portrait and award plaque from the Mbaitoli Alvan Staff Welfare Association, award and gift from Alvan SUG, award from Mbaitolu Students Association, conferment of the title of Ezinne Achalugo on her by Alvan Students traditional association.

Among dignitaries who accompanied the deputy governor to the grand reception were; member representing Mbaitoli/Ikeduru at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Akarachi Amadi, chairman Mbaitolu LGA, Hon. Ifunanya Nwanebu,  chairman, Ikeduru LGA, Hon. Justice Nze, member representing Mbaitoli LGA in Imo House of Assembly, Hon Innocent Ikpamezie, APC Apex Leader in Mbaitoli, Chief Marcelinus Nlemigbo, Managing Director of Imo Rural Roads Maintenance Agency (IRROMA), Hon. Kingsley Ononuju.

Also present were the Principal Secretary (CD) Office of the Deputy Governor, Pastor Chris Akushie, the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Charles Uzopuo, other principal staff of the office of the deputy governor and entire staff of the office.