By Francis Epkone
The Royal fathers from the Old Aguata Union, last weekend, conferred a an honorary chieftaincy title of Ide Ji Mmuta (Pillar of Education) on the Vice- Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Joseph Eberendu Ahaneku.
The title was in recognition of his hard work, resilience and service to humanity, especially his role in promoting education as the Vice Chancellor of the prestigious Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state.
Conferring the title on Ahaneku at the premises of Aguata Local Government headquarters, Ekwulobia with paramount rulers from the 45 communities in attendance, the Chairman of the Old Aguata Traditional Rulers Forum, Igwe CAO Muohgalu said the title was in appreciation of his education policies that have impacted on the communities across the state.
Muoghalu noted that the VC’s sincerity and fairness in driving the wheel of progress and development fetched him the honorary title and urged him not to relent in his effort in making the citadel of learning the number one university in Africa.
Responding, Ahaneku lauded the traditional institution in the old Aguata for the honour done him, assuring that the gesture of being a cabinet member of 45 communities in the area, would accord him a great opportunity to do more.
He informed that UNIZIK partnership with the Peoples Republic of China made them to open Confucius Institute in Oko, revealing that 54 Igbo students were given scholarship in eight Chinese universities at Masters level “and they promised to give us up to 1000 scholarships after the first batch”
The Vice-Chancellor however called on the people from Igbo extraction to go back to the Igbo tradition, saying that Igbo people are known for hard work, production and marketing rather than mere buying and selling.
Ahaneku emphasised that UNIZIK has established Igbo village and African Civilisation Centre where African culture and civilisation can be studied.
Gov. Willie Obiano, represented by his Deputy, Nkem Okeke, congratulated Ahaneku for the milestone and urged him to continue to be a shining light upon mankind.
He also hinted that Obiano’s administration has provided security and enabling environment for business to thrive in the state, calling on the people to support his second term bid.
A philanthropist, Godwin Ezeemo, described Ahaneku as a hardworking fellow, selfless and visionary leader who have distinguished himself among his contemporaries, noting that the cap of Ide Ji Mmuta 1 of Aguata fits him.
According to Ezeemo, “Ahaneku’s good works in Anambra State has qualified him for this great honour. Old Aguata traditional rulers know the right time and when somebody is due for this kind of honour and am happy they identified a man who has used his position to impact on various communities in Anambra state”