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Otti Pledges Support For Abia Scholars To Excel Globally
Otti Pledges Support For Abia Scholars To Excel Globally
…Set To Celebrate Prof Benson Oluikpe, Others
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has pledged to create an enabling environment for scholars and professionals from the state to excel and make meaningful contributions to society.
Governor Otti stated this on Saturday at Rhema University’s 9th to 13th combined convocation ceremony in Aba, where he congratulated the 293 graduating students.
The Governor noted that Abia was blessed with accomplished academics and men and women of distinction whose achievements had earned them recognition across the globe.
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He particularly praised the Chancellor of Rhema University, Bro. Emma Okorie, for his vision and commitment to establishing the institution, describing it as a significant contribution to education and human capacity development.
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Governor Otti also commended the university’s leadership for its contributions to academic development.
The Governor acknowledged the contributions of distinguished scholars of Abia origin, including Professor Ogwo E. Ogwo, whose record in university administration and academic development had earned him widespread respect.
He recalled Ogwo’s tenure as Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University between 2000 and 2005, noting his contributions to the development of higher education.
The Governor further commended the university for honouring the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Science and Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Professor Nnenna Oti, with an honorary doctorate degree.
He described Oti as a distinguished academic whose contributions had played a significant role in changing the narrative of Abia State.
In keeping with his administration’s commitment to celebrating individuals whose achievements have brought honour to the state, Governor Otti announced plans to mark the 90th birthday of Professor Benson Omenihu Oluikpe on October 31, 2026.
He also disclosed that the state government would celebrate the 80th birthday of Professor Ogbonnaya Onwudike next year.
The Governor added that arrangements were being made to celebrate another distinguished Abia-born scholar, a professor of biomedical science based in the United States, who had consented to return home for the occasion.
In his address, the Chancellor, Bro. Emma Okorie, expressed fulfilment at contributing to the academic and spiritual development of humanity through his ministries and educational institutions.
He thanked Governor Otti for what he described as rewriting Abia’s history through purposeful leadership, saying the governor’s administration had helped restore the pride and dignity of the people of the state.
Okorie also acknowledged Professor Oti’s contributions to the changes being experienced in Abia and congratulated her on the honorary doctorate degree conferred on her by the University.
In their valedictory speeches, the overall best graduating student across the combined convocation years, Miss Emeruem Adaobi Chibuike, and the overall best graduating student in the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme, Anointing Ugwokegbe, expressed gratitude to God for what they described as His unfailing grace.
They also appreciated the University’s management, lecturers and parents for their guidance, professional counsel and support throughout their academic journeys.
The ceremony featured the conferment of an honorary doctorate degree on Professor Oti, among other activities.
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