AE-FUNAI HOST COMMUNITY CELEBRATES, CROWNS OUTGOING VC, PROF. NWAJIUBA AS HE HANDS OVER SHOPS TO MARKET WOMEN.
The joy of Ohankwu Community in Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, the host Community of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, knew no bounds Tuesday, 27th January, 2021, as Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, joined by University Officers handed over a block of shops he built for Ohankwu women traders at the Nwakpu Market in Ikwo, Ebonyi State.


Prof. Nwajiuba dancing with Ohankwu Women as he was being received.


Prof. Nwajiuba dancing with Ohankwu Women as he was being received.
It was singing and dancing galore to express their joy and gratitude as the women gathered in their numbers to receive Prof. Nwajiuba and his entourage, who were thrilled to native songs and dances by the women and the amiable Vice-Chancellor. Prof. Nwajiuba and wife, Prof. Mrs Chinyere Nwajiuba. By that act, the exiting VC of AE-FUNAI continued to demonstrate his commitment to community service and corporate social responsibility without boundaries, resulting in the existing lasting bridge between the University and its host Community, invariably enhancing the favorable disposition of the public(s) towards the young and fast growing University.


Profs. Chinedum and Chinyere Nwajiuba doing the trado way.
Event started with fervent prayer conducted by Rev. Canon Chigozie Dimebo, Anglican Chaplain, AE-FUNAI, who handed over VC, Prof. Nwajiuba, his family, the University and the market shops Prof. Nwajiuba built for the Ohankwu women, to God.


Opening Prayer Session
In her introductory remarks, Mrs. Nnenna Ugwuocha of AE-FUNAI Directorate of Physical Planning, Works and Services, who supervised the project, narrated that the reason for the gathering and jubilation were in appreciation of the fact that Prof. Nwajiuba was present to hand over the shops he built in fulfillment of his promise to Ohankwu women, who were displaced from where the new Faculty of Management Sciences is sited. She recalled that the Ohankwu market women had mud house shops at the location in the University land, at Back Gate, which were destroyed to make way for the new Faculty building. Mrs. Ugwuocha told the gathering that the women were overjoyed for promise fulfilled, as Prof. Nwajiuba continued to work his talk by building them modern shops at their choice place, at the Nwakpu Market, before his exit, as he promised. The shop is cement block built with long span zinc roofing.


Mrs Ugwuocha making introductory remarks
Man of the moment, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, told listeners that the Ohankwu women came visiting, few days to the University Special 5th Convocation, during which they presented a Bible to him, appealing that he built new shops in replacement of the mud house shop they erected years ago that was destroyed in the cause of constructing the Faculty of Management Sciences Complex and that the women opted to be compensated with new shops instead of accepting money offered them as compensation. For their decision, Prof. Nwajiuba extolled the women, “You are very wise women” he said, pointing out that the coming of the University to their Community is a good thing and a blessing that has brought development to their door steps. He recalled how the University was when he came in 2016, enthusing that the young University has been so much transformed the amazement of all who visited the institution presently. According to him, only one storey building was existing along the campus front road but that as at November, 2020, over 100 storey buildings are sited all over the area for instance and that more development would be coming to Ikwo as the University grows. He further informed his audience that UNN is located at the North West extreme of Igboland while AE-FUNAI is at the North East extreme of Igboland, which he said is good for development of ALA IGBO.


Prof. Nwajiuba making his speech
Prof. Nwajiuba recounted how Prof. Mrs. Azikiwe, wife of the legendary Zik of Africa, encouraged him when he was appointed in 2016, even when he was yet to come to assume duty, in her words “Chinedum go and work for my people” among other things she told him.. God called me to work and I have worked…. Am working” he stated, announcing that Prof. Azikiwe would be visiting on Wednesday 3rd February, 2021, to see the fruits of her ‘command’.

The outgoing VC did not mince words to state that the construction of the shops for Ohankwu women was entirely funded through voluntary donations made by him and some of his friends and that what he got exceeded the budget for building the stalls. The excess he said was put into the new University Crèche, Nursery and Primary School built for children of Ikwo and staff of the University, which had just commenced academic activities for 2020/2021 Session.

He mentioned all the donors and amount they gave with MD/CEO of Ebere-Links topping the list with a donation of 2.4million. He gave the cost of building the shops as N2.4million, he thanked all the donors and prayed that God will reward them abundantly. He said “I have done my own, I have ended my work. I will leave in two weeks but will not hesitate to visit when invited”, he concluded.


ONODU- UGO 1 of Ohankwu Ikwo.
In appreciation for his demonstration of courage, diligence, visionary leadership, unparalleled infrastructural development he brought to the University and Community, Corporate Social Responsibility, Strategic Community relationship and above all, the love he has shown the women and people of Ohankwu and Ikwo in general, Prof. Chinedum Uzoma Nwajiuba was crowned at Nwakpu Market with the Title “Onodu-Ugo” meaning, the Eagle has taken position or firmly seated. No other title could have been better for the Great Lion in the Eyries.


Hon. Barr Emeka Nwode Appreciating Prof. Nwajiuba.
Hon. Barr. Emeka Nwode, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Legal Matters to the Governor of Ebonyi State, a son of the soil, who witnessed the event, thanked Prof. Nwajiuba for his giant strides in the young University and for showing love to the host community. He prayed that God will reward him abundantly, stating that he has written his name strongly on the sands of Ikwo community and Ebonyi State. He made a donation of N50,000 in support of the project.


Madam Regina Aloh praying for blessing upon Prof. Nwajiuba and family.
The women Leader, Madam Regina Aloh, thanked God for the gift of Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba and praying God to keep him, bless and reward him and his family immensely, urging leaders and people in positions of authority to emulate the Prof. Chinedum Example. The Eldest man in Ohankwu, who bestowed the title, Onodu-Ugo upon Prof. Nwajiuba, gave his blessings, calling on God to protect and guide him as he leaves for higher assignments, after blessing Ikwoland with his presence and service, these five years, to the glory of God.


The Eldest Man, Nnanyi Peter blessing Prof. Nwajiuba



Onodu- Ugo in group photo with his people.



ONODU-UGO Leaving the stage as ovation rises.