By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
Warm tributes poured in from eminent academics, alumni leaders and associates across Nigeria and beyond as former President of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) Worldwide, Prof. Anthony Kemi Emina, marked his birthday amid glowing commendations of his leadership and service.
Prof. Emina, who also holds the traditional title of Odi Ega I of Ebu Kingdom, was celebrated for his unwavering commitment to the alumni body and his impactful contributions to academia and community development.
The Immediate Past President of UIAA Worldwide, Prof. Elsie Olufunke Adewoye, described the celebrant as a “very committed Past President” whose passionate service to the association “cannot be denied, ignored or underestimated.”
In her goodwill message, she prayed for many more years of celebration in good health and happiness, adding that God would reward his labour of love toward the association.
Similarly, Chairman of the Asaba Chapter of UIAA, J.I. Kagho, Esq., extolled Prof. Emina as a worthy ambassador of the chapter and urged members to celebrate and remember him in prayers. He prayed that God would meet him at the point of his needs and grant him continued grace in his endeavors.
Adding his voice, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. E. A. C. Nwanze, who holds the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), prayed for God’s continued blessings upon Prof. Emina and his entire family, wishing him a joyful and memorable celebration.
A serving Polytechnic Rector in Delta State, Prof. Uchenna Uzokwe-Igbadi, described him as “a very special person” who has carved a niche for himself over the years. He prayed for divine direction and greater achievements as the celebrant steps into a new year of life.
Also celebrating the former UIAA Worldwide President, the Association’s Worldwide Treasurer, Dr. Oyinade Olujimi Tomori, JP, wished him many more glorious years in good health and prosperity. She prayed that as his days increase, so shall his strength be, expressing hope that the new year would be filled with abundant reasons to celebrate the goodness of God.
Prof. Emina’s tenure as President of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association Worldwide was widely regarded as a period marked by unity, strategic growth and strengthened global engagement among alumni of the University of Ibadan.
As felicitations continue to pour in, colleagues and admirers agree that the birthday celebration is not only a personal milestone but also a celebration of enduring leadership, scholarship and devoted service to humanity.
The outpouring of goodwill reflects the high esteem in which Prof. Kemi Emina is held across academic, professional and traditional circles.