Allison Abanum writes about the recent convocation ceremony of Western Delta University in Oghara, Delta State, which was attended by academics, graduands as well as politicians across party divides.
The Western Delta University (WDU) held its 11th to 13th Convocation Ceremony on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 in Oghara Town, Delta State.
Oghara Town is one of the beautiful places you might want to see on your next visit to Delta State. The town is not just notable for its serenity and enjoyable atmosphere, or for being a hub of a number of educational institutions, among others, but also the home of many notable people of influence.
Speaking of influence, Chief James Onanefe Ibori who was the visitor at the just concluded WDU convocation ceremony, is a force to reckon with on this note.
The recent event saw dignitaries from all walks of life in attendance. People from various political, religious and cultural divides showed up to honour the invitation of the school.
I arrived the town where the event was held on Friday, 1st December, to see the town bustling with life and activities. Nearly all the hotels in it had been fully booked, and it took the help of a friend who is a son of the soil to barely find a place to sink in my heels.
I was told almost all the Hotels in the town had been booked a day before my arrival. The air was a mixture of excitement and anticipation for the coming ceremony.
Why was this ceremony special, one might ask. Clearly, this is not the first time a convocation ceremony would be held in Nigeria but the difference is about who is involved and the impact of WDU on the lives of its students, the society and those connected to it.
At the ceremony, political big wigs, revered monarchs, respected religious leaders, notable academicians, were all present.
It was equally amazing to see dignitaries from the Northern part of the country grace the occasion as well.
On the list of great academic minds were Prof. Andy O. Egwunyenga, Vice Chancellor Delta State University Abraka, Prof. Sam Guobadia, Vice Chancellor, Benson Idahosa University, Prof. Lilian Salami, Vice Chancellor University of Benin, Prof. Emmanuel Achuenu, Rector Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Ukwu; among others were present, and duly represented in some cases.
Royal fathers from all parts of Niger Delta, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman, Edo State Chapter, and other religious leaders of the Islamic faith were present as well.
Political juggernauts including the NDDC Chairman, Mr Chiedu Ebie, Presidential Amnesty Programme cordinators, and the Speaker (duly represented) of the House of Representatives, were in attendance.
Icing on the cake was the attendance of the Emir of Zazzau, His Highness, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, who was received by the Olu of Warri at the airport and awarded an honorary doctorate at the ceremony.
The massive turn up by these dignitaries witnessed at the event is not unconnected with Chief James Ibori’s impact on the society as a past leader, the great value he has placed on human capacity development and his continued commitment to his vision of building youths who will become future leaders.
We would recall that during his administration as Governor of Delta State, he set up prestigious institutions both in the health and educational sectors. The Oghara Teaching Hospital, for instance is one of those.
During the ceremony, I observed that the school had an anthem (sung by the graduands), whose theme was centred on societal development and nation building, thereby communicating its vision.
A vision which has already been set in motion of fulfilment through the delivery of quality education to its students.
Other highlights of the event included the award of a doctorate degree to Dr (Mrs) Ajoritsedere Josephine Awosika, Mr Igho Okoteke and Mr Oritsedere Otubu.
Also, 18 graduating students bagged first class honours and were financially rewarded for their hardwork. A graduating student of Economics, Aniekan Uwak while sharing his experience; remarked that the Western Delta University has been a place of transformation for him. He lauded the standard and substantial facilities of the school, the impressive calibre of lecturers, and the exceptional learning experience acquired during his time there.
One of the parents of the graduating students, Mrs Blessing Itivieh, commended the school for its commitment to excellence. She noted that the impact WDU had on her son, a law graduate was more impressive and far-reaching than that of another private university where her older son graduated from. She hailed the visionary leadership of the school and its founder, Chief James Ibori for the good work being done.
Surely the nation deserves more men like Chief James Ibori whose life, values and vision continues to empower the young for the future; and bring great minds together for good. Findings revealed that Ibori for the past 16 years have been building young people to excel in knowledge, research and training within affordable limits through deliberate innovation and engagement.
He has been gradually unearthing great potentials, igniting excellence, empowering brilliancy, strengthening aspirations, building character and great minds, and catalyzing bright dreams and great ideas among the youth and students.
This sets him apart from many of his contemporaries who were in government as at 1999, with the exception of a few like the then Governor of Lagos state, now President Bola Tinubu.
Small wonder both men are like-minded and have remained good acquaintances. Ibori places premium on maintaining good relationships, a trait that can be traced back to his days as the Governor of Delta State. During those times, he set a standard of leadership and achievement which remains unparalleled, despite the rivalry poised at him while in office and beyond.
His records of achievements while in office remains exceptional, a feat which cannot be erased by opposition or envy, and has not been surmounted by any of his successors. On this premise, Ibori’s good deeds continues to speak loud enough and unprecedented.
A note of advice to all those coming after or lining up behind would be to embrace the strategies employed by Ibori in bringing Delta State to the height he did.
The event ended on a high note of merriment and celebration before guests and dignitaries dispersed.
-Abanum is Strategic Communication and Documentation Assistant to Bayelsa State Governor
