By Abel Johngold, MNIPR
The University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), Asaba Chapter, yesterday paid a courtesy visit to the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, FNIALS, to congratulate him on his ascension as the 14th Asagba of Asaba and to seek his royal blessings and support for the association’s initiatives.
Led by the Chapter Chairman, Jacob Iduku Kagho, Esq., the delegation used the visit to formally introduce the association’s presence in Asaba, request land allocation for the construction of a Secretariat, and invite the Asagba to serve as Royal Father of the Day at their forthcoming Annual Lecture in honour of their former Chairman, Sir Okey Ofili.
Welcoming the delegation, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Azinge, lauded the University of Ibadan’s legacy as Nigeria’s premier institution of higher learning, with a rich history dating back to the 1940s. “The University of Ibadan has produced some of the best and brightest minds in this country. We are proud of your contributions, not only nationally but also here in Asaba,” he said.
Prof. Azinge praised the alumni for fostering unity and networking among themselves, describing it as essential for mentoring younger generations. He, however, expressed concern over the declining number of Asaba indigenes attending the University of Ibadan compared to previous generations. “Does it mean that our people don’t remember UI anymore? Or have they been consumed by local catchment areas?” he queried, urging the alumni to rekindle the spirit of excellence the university is known for.
He also stressed the need to sustain the high standards that the University of Ibadan is renowned for, especially in areas like medicine, surgery, and human capital development. “We need to hear more of those ingenious innovations from the laboratories of UI,” he said.
In his remarks, Jacob Igbuku Kagho, Esq., highlighted the chapter’s contributions to national development and its historical significance. “The University of Ibadan is the first university in Nigeria, and for the past 68 years, its alumni have impacted every facet of our society,” he stated.
Tracing the chapter’s history, Kagho recounted how, 34 years ago, some illustrious Asaba sons, including Hon. Chief Uso Onianwa, Chief Dr. David Maduemezie, Prof. B.A.C. Okobi, Surveyor Augustin Anisha, and Chief P.I.G. Onyeobi, came together to form the UIAA Asaba Chapter. He noted that Asaba has proudly produced two Worldwide Presidents of UIAA.
Kagho also lamented that previous attempts to secure land for a permanent Secretariat were frustrated by government actions but expressed optimism that with the Asagba’s support, the project would soon become a reality.
“Our upcoming Annual Lecture, dedicated to Sir Okey Ofili, is a key highlight of our activities this year,” Kagho added. “We would be deeply honoured if Your Royal Majesty would accept to be the Royal Father of the Day at that event.”
The courtesy call was attended by several prominent alumni members, including Prof. Job Akpodiete, Prof. Uchenna Uzokwe-Igbadi, Chief Eghwrudjakpor Irikefe, Dcn. Emmanuel Dudu, Abel Johngold, Sir Fidelis Ashuikeka, Mike Ofili, Mrs. Wendy Odor, Psalm Owhojite, Mrs. Angela Nwaomu, Hon. Chief Ambrose Nnamdi Okakwu, Mr. Ralph Ebi Nkeze, and many others.
The Asagba warmly received the delegation and promised to consider their requests, assuring them of his commitment to fostering growth and unity within his kingdom.