Otti asks new graduates to be good ambassadors

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti. Photo: File

The Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has charged graduates of Rhema University, Aba, to be good ambassadors of the state in every field of human endeavours.

The governor also commended the Chancellor of the University, Bro Emma Okorie, for his vision and commitment in establishing the institution, describing it as a significant contribution to education and human capacity development.

Otti spoke during the 9th to 13th Combined Convocation Ceremony of the university in Aba, congratulating the new graduates.

The governor also commended distinguished academics of Abia origin, including Professor Ogwo E. Ogwo, whose contributions to university administration and academic development has earned him widespread respect.

He particularly acknowledged Professor Ogwo’s service as Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University between 2000 and 2005, noting that Abia State is blessed with distinguished scholars and accomplished intellectuals.

He said, “Our State is blessed with intellectuals, and our job is to create the enabling environment for people to excel in what they are doing.

“We charge the graduates to emulate Abains who have distinguished themselves in different fields of human endeavours and become good ambassadors of our state.”

The state’s chief executive announced that the Abia State Government would soon host renowned Abia-born Professor of English Language, Prof. Benson Oluikpe, to celebrate his 90th birthday and recognise his immense contributions to scholarship.

Otti further disclosed that the government would also celebrate another distinguished Abia-born Professor of Biomedical Sciences based in the United States in December, adding that he had secured the scholar’s consent to return home for the occasion.

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According to the governor, the planned celebrations reflect the government’s commitment to honouring accomplished individuals whose contributions to knowledge and professional excellence have brought pride to Abia State.

The governor also disclosed that the State Government would celebrate the 80th birthday of Professor Ogbonnaya Onwudike, Vice-Chancellor of Rhema University, next year.

The Chancellor of Rhema University, who is also the President and Founder of Living Word Ministries International, Okorie, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to equipping humanity with knowledge, sound character and values needed to make meaningful contributions to society.

Okorie commended Professor Nnenna Oti for her resolve to uphold what is right, describing her conduct during the 2023 governorship election in Abia State that produced Governor Otti as an example of integrity and principled leadership.

The Pro-Chancellor of the university, Prof, Ogwo E. Ogwo, expressed confidence that the graduates would uphold the university’s values and bring honour to their families and the institution in their respective fields.

Ogwo announced that the university had produced its first set of medical doctors, describing the achievement as a major milestone in the institution’s development.

He reaffirmed the University’s zero-tolerance policy for cultism and other social vices, stressing its commitment to shaping future generations for excellence, and urged the graduates to take responsibility for creating positive change in society.

Earlier, the VC, Onwudike, described the convocation as a testament to the transformation of lives and preparation of individuals to contribute meaningfully to society.

Highlights of the event were the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on Sis. Chinyere Emma Okorie and Prof. Nnenna Oti.