By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Kayode Adebowale, has led a wave of glowing tributes to former President of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) Worldwide, Prof. Anthony Kemi Emina, as he marked his birthday.
In a heartfelt goodwill message, the Vice Chancellor fondly addressed the celebrant as “Baba Emina,” praying for renewed strength, wisdom and grace for the years ahead.
“May the Lord continue to grant you commensurate strength, wisdom and grace both for today and tomorrow of your life, sir. May He continue to keep and sustain you. May you continue to grow both in strength and in impact. Congratulations and enjoy the day, sir,” Prof. Adebowale stated.
Following closely, the Immediate Past President of UIAA Worldwide, Prof. Elsie Olufunke Adewoye, described Prof. Emina as a deeply committed leader whose passionate service to the association “cannot be denied, ignored or underestimated.” She prayed for many more celebrations in sound health and happiness, asking God to reward his labour of love.
Adding his voice, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. E. A. C. Nwanze, OON, prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the celebrant and his entire family, wishing him a joyful and memorable birthday.
The Worldwide Treasurer of the UIAA, Dr. Oyinade Olujimi Tomori, JP, also extended warm wishes, praying for many more glorious years in good health and prosperity. She declared that as his days increase, so shall his strength be, and expressed hope that the new year would be filled with abundant reasons to celebrate the goodness of God.
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 him and remember him in prayers, expressing confidence that God would continually meet him at the point of his needs.
Similarly, a serving Polytechnic Rector in Delta State, Prof. Uchenna Uzokwe-Igbadi, described the celebrant as “a very special person” who has carved a niche for himself over the years. He prayed for divine direction and greater achievements as he steps into a new year of life.
Prof. Emina, who also holds the revered traditional title of Odi Ega I of Ebu Kingdom, is widely respected for his contributions to alumni unity, institutional growth and community development. His tenure as President of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association Worldwide is remembered as a period marked by strengthened global engagement and strategic advancement.
As felicitations continue from across academic and traditional circles, admirers agree that the celebration is not merely of another year, but of a legacy defined by scholarship, integrity, cultural pride and devoted service to humanity.