PROFESSOR E. UCHE IKONNE MARKS ONE YEAR IN OFFICE AS VICE CHANCELLOR WITH PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING
It was a gathering of who is who at Abia State University as the Vice-Chancellor, Professor E. Uchenna Ikonne, celebrated one year in office with a Non-Denominational Thanksgiving service.
Present during the occasion was the former Senate President and Pro-Chancellor of the University, Senator Adolf Nwagbara, Abia State Commissioners- Professor Ikechi Mgbeoji (Education), Bar. Uzo Azubuike (Agriculture) and Bar. Hagler Okorie (Youth Development), Former Vice-Chancellor’s of ABSU –Professors S.O Igwe, Ogwo E. Ogwo, Mkpa A. Mkpa and Chibuzo S. A. Ogbuagu. Others include elected & Appointed political office holders, Clergymen, Traditional Rulers, Staff and Students of the institution.
Professor Ikonne was accompanied by his wife Barr. Lady Uzoamaka Uche Ikonne, his Children Dr. Chike Uche-Ikonneand Mr Okezie Ikonne, and members of his extended family. In his speech he thanked God for one year of his administration and gave Kudos to the Governor/ Visitor to the University Okezie Victor IkpeazuPhD, His Management team and the University community at large for their unalloyed support.
His remarks “One year down the line, we have reasons to thank God. God inspired me to put my thoughts in writing as my MANDATE and today, I present it to you as my score card. The things we said we will do, please go through them and find out how far we have gone. It is not yet Uhuru, it is only one year and of a truth, Ebenezer, thus far the Lord has led us”.
Professor Ikonne admonished members of staff and students to always be of good behavior as Godliness with contentment is great gain.
He further advised those who may decide to treacherously scuttle this God giving processes of change in Abia State University for pecuniary selfish interest to desist from such as consequence attached will not be palatable.
Earlier in their sermon that centered on Ebenezer “FOR HITHERTO HATH THE LORD HELPED US”, the guest ministers, The Rt. Rev Manasseh C.I Okere (Bishop of Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Anglican Communion), The Very. Rev. Prince Ahaiabuike (Presbyter, Methodist Church Nigeria, Uturu Circuit), Rev. Fr. Paschal Onyemelusi(St. Augustine Chaplaincy ABSU)
Rev. Barr. Wembley Uduma (PCN Okigwe Urban Parish), admonished the assembly on the need for Christian’s to choose the part of righteousness and always give thanks to God.
They further described Professor Ikonne as God’s special gift to Abia State University and prayed God’s continual grace to fearlessly driver this task ahead.
In their Goodwill message, the Pro-Chancellor, Senator Adolf Nwagbara and the State Commissioner for Education, Professor Ikechi Mgbeoji expressed satisfaction towards the CHANGE STORY of Abia State University under the supervision of Prof. Ikonne and prayed for God’s continual grace.
Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of one session tuition fees to those who took the first position in Igbo debate at just concluded ABSU Cultural festival from the Vice Chancellor and his nuclear family purse; Special renditions by fellowship choirs and Special prayers for Abia State University, Professor Ikonne, Governor Ikpeazu, Abia State Government, amongst others.
To God be the glory!
