Ukwa People Celebrate Prof. Ogbulu for Making them Proud as VC, ABSU
It was a day of tributes as the people of Ukwa East and Ukwa West local government areas of Abia State, friends, well-wishers, traditional rulers, a galaxy of eminent professors, captains of industry and other notable dignitaries from far and near gathered at Lenzor Hotel and Suite, Ezendioma Asa, Ukwa West local government area on December 21, 2024 to celebrate the immediate past Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), Prof. Onyemachi Maxwell Ogbulu for his unblemished reputation and achievement-laden tenure as the 8th substantive Vice Chancellor of Abia State University Uturu, (ABSU).
That day, the age-long maxim, “A prophet is without honour in his place” appeared to hold no water for them as they showered encomiums on him one after another for his unimpeachable integrity and outstanding performance at Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU).
The chairman on the occasion, Dr. Chika Emuchay opened the floodgate of tributes in honour of Prof. Ogbulu’s exceptional stewardship and monumental achievements at Abia State University, Uturu saying that they gathered to celebrate their illustrious son, a renowned intellectual colossus and icon of peace, Prof. Maxwell Onyemachi for his stellar performance at Abia State University, Uturu and immense contributions to the nation’s education sector stressing that his legacies as the 8th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University would remain indelible in the sands of time.
He noted that Abia State University, Uturu witnessed remarkable academic excellence and rapid infrastructural development during his tenure and encouraged him to write books to help improve the society and better the lot of the people.
He described Prof. Ogbulu as a rare gem saying that they are happy to celebrate him now that he is alive and appreciated all who found time to grace the occasion as well as those who contributed to its success.
Contributing, the immediate past member representing Ukwa East State Constituency, Hon. Paul Taribo lauded Prof. Ogbulu for his uncommon humility, forthrightness, intelligence and administrative prowess.
He recalled their encounters with him when he (Taribo) was in the Abia State House of Assembly, which made him to doff his cap for him as a rare gem and special gift to Ukwa people, Abia State, Nigeria and the world.
According to him, when Prof. Ogbulu was invited to appear before the State House of Assembly Appropriation Committee to defend the Budget of the University, his humility, simplicity, candour and the way he explained everything endeared him to all and sundry including those who were baying for his blood.
He described him as a true and worthy son of Ukwa stressing that Ukwa people are very humble, simple, peaceful, hardworking, God-fearing and honest to a fault.
He noted that Prof. Ogbulu’s remarkable achievements at ABSU would continue to remain the talk of the town for a very long time to come.
He thanked God that Prof. Ogbulu came back in peace and good health after his stewardship at ABSU and wished him success in all his future endeavours.
In his speech, the traditional ruler of Isi-Obehie Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Ndubuisi Ogbuji thanked God that their illustrious son, Prof. Ogbulu went, saw and delivered adding that he is happy that as a true son of Ukwa he came back with dignity and good health.
He thanked God for making it possible for him to attain the greatest height in his academic career adding that God would continue to guide, inspire and give him the strength to do more in the days ahead.
Dr. Goodlord Nwaobike paid glowing tribute to Prof. Ogbulu describing himself as his adopted son.
He thanked him for making them proud adding that the grand civic reception is their own way of appreciating him for making them proud as the Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU).
He described Prof. Ogbulu as a trailblazer adding that his achievements at ABSU are there for all to see.
On his part, Hon. Godwin Adiele, the member representing Ukwa West State Constituency appreciated the organizers for bringing them together to celebrate Prof. Ogbulu, an icon, a rare gem and intellectual colossus.
He said that he knew Prof. Ogbulu in the late 80s and since then he sees him as his role model adding that he played a major role in moulding him to be who he is today.
Continuing, Hon. Godwin Adiele said that he adores him and envies everything about him, especially his integrity.
According to the popular and quintessential lawmaker, Prof. Ogbulu is humble, simple, honest, peaceful, hardworking, God-fearing and approachable despite his exalted position.
Hon. Godwin Adiele maintained that Prof. Ogbulu’s humility, simplicity and sincerity would continue to influence him throughout his lifetime.
He lauded Prof. Ogbulu’s phenomenal transformation of Abia State University, Uturu both in academics and infrastructure stressing that he transformed the university to greater height far beyond the state he met it.
He described Prof. Ogbulu as their son in whom they are well-pleased anytime, any day, anywhere and prayed God to grant him long life and the grace to continue to excel in his future endeavours adding that he sees him landing another job, which maybe higher than being the Vice Chancellor of ABSU.
In his remarks, former Commissioner for Science and Technology in Abia State, Chief Reginald Ezenta described Prof. Ogbulu as a man of the people – humble, simple, forthright and God-fearing.
He said that both of them have been so close for over 50 years adding that the grand civic reception in his honour is to appreciate God for all His goodness upon his life.
He pointed out that this is the first time an Ukwa man was appointed a Vice Chancellor in the history of the nation.
He thanked the immediate past Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for allowing God to use him to appoint Prof. Ogbulu as the Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) as well as Governor Alex Chioma Otti (OFR) for allowing him to remain on that position for eighteen months.
He also appreciated his colleagues for their support, which enabled him to achieve so many things during his tenure.
In his remarks, Prof. Gazie Okpara went down memory lane and said that he
met Prof. Ogbulu in 1985 during his year one at Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU). He said that Prof. Ogbulu was exceptional and highly respected.
He disclosed that this is the third grand civic reception he has attended in his honour since he left Abia State University, Uturu on November 1, 2024 stressing that the receptions keep getting bigger and bigger each time.
Prof. Kazie Okpara described Prof. Ogbulu as a great achiever and man of grace saying that during his tenure all their programmes were fully accredited adding that when funds were not coming, as a Professor of Finance, he kept doing his magic and the university continued to move on and salaries were paid.
He wished Prof. Ogbulu the best in his future endeavours and assured him of his continued support.
Similarly, Prof. Ezenwa Ngwakwe, the Dean, Faculty of Law, ABSU expressed happiness to be part of the grand civic reception of their former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ogbulu.
He said that the University witnessed great improvements in academic excellence and infrastructural development during his tenure.
He gave him kudos for making the university to occupy the 16th position out of the whole universities in the nation and 2nd position among state-owned universities.
He noted that the Faculty of Law where he is the Dean for the first time in the history of the university under Prof. Ogbulu produced Seven First Class graduates.
He appreciated God for leading him safely throughout his tenure and prayed that he would continue to ascend to greater height by the grace of God.
Speaking, the immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) and the present Executive Director, National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN), Prof. Ogbonna Onuoha described Prof. Ogbulu as a rare gem and a beacon of peace, unity and progress.
He said that his reputation and prudent management of scarce resources contributed immensely to the tremendous transformation of the university during his tenure as the Vice Chancellor.
The distinguished Professor of Linguistics and Igbo said that the grand civic reception in his honour was not only a way of expressing the people’s appreciation of Prof. Ogbulu’s remarkable stewardship at ABSU but also to encourage him to sustain his good works for the betterment of the people, the state and the nation.
He described him as a man of the people and compassionate leader who has the interest and welfare of those around him at heart and ever ready to improve their lot despite all odds.
He appreciated him for appointing him as the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of ABSU and thanked God for helping them to succeed considerably despite all odds.
He said that Prof. Ogbulu deserves a national merit award for acquitting himself as an administrator par excellence.
He pointed out that Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) attained greater heights in academics and infrastructure during his tenure.
According to him, the university ranked 16 among the whole universities in Nigeria and the second best state-owned university in the nation in research with all the courses accredited.
He further disclosed that Prof. Ogbulu was at home with the students, which made it possible for him to manage them very well even in the worst of times.
He wished him long life and more accomplishments in all his future endeavors.
In his speech, Jubiland Ojika, an indigene of Umuagbai-Ndoki in Rivers State thanked the people of Ukwa for bringing them together to give honour to whom honour is due.
He disclosed that he met Prof. Ogbulu so many years ago at Asa High School and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka saying that they have been very close since then.
He described him as a very good man and wished him long life, good health and more accomplishments in life saying that his journey on earth would not end after his stewardship as the Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU).
Also speaking, Chief Lazarus Enwereuzor, the Chairman and Managing Director of Lenzor (Nig.) Limited described Prof. Ogbulu as an erudite scholar and a leader extraordinaire.
He said that his tenure as the Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) was replete with monumental achievements.
The retiree of Shell Petroleum Development Company said that he met Prof. Ogbulu in 1982 when he came to deliver a lecture at Obehie Primary School adding that the lecture made a positive impact in his life.
He disclosed that they celebrated him in his hotel when he was appointed the 8th substantive Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) and when he came back they decided to honour him in his hotel again for making them proud.
He extolled Prof. Ogbulu for his remarkable administration and numerous achievements at ABSU adding that a more beautiful future awaits him.
In his response, the celebrant, Prof. Onyemachi Maxwell Ogbulu thanked his kinsmen for honouring him.
He appreciated Chief Reginald Ezenta and the entire members of the Planning Committee for their tireless efforts in making it a reality.
He described the grand civic reception in his honour as a clear indication that he is surrounded by people he can call his real friends and brothers both in favourable and unfavourable times.
He appreciated Dr. Chika Emuchay and others too numerous to mention for their immense contributions to the success of the occasion and prayed that their brothers, sisters and friends would honour them likewise.
Prof. Ogbulu thanked God for His goodness upon his life and family and urged all to put all their trust in God and humble themselves.
He said that his emergence as the 8th substantive Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) was not by happenstance but by the grace of God.
He thanked the immediate past Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for finding him worthy to be appointed as the 8th substantive Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU).
He also acknowledged the efforts of other people, especially their brother and former Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Adolphus Wabara, PhD.
He appreciated the incumbent Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR) for retaining him up to eighteen months because he also found him worthy to serve in his administration.
He prayed that God would help all of them to succeed in the onerous task of building a better Abia State.
Prof. Ogbulu commended his colleagues at Abia State University, Uturu for their support, which made it possible for him to pilot the affairs of Abia State University, Uturu to greater height despite numerous challenges.
Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of award to Prof. Ogbulu in recognition of his academic excellence and immense contributions to the educational development of Ukwa and Abia State.
He thanked his kinsmen for the award and prayed that the Almighty God would continue to keep all of them alive and afford him and other good spirited individuals the opportunity, grace, wisdom and resources to continue doing their best for the general good of their people and society at large.
The occasion climaxed with an unforgettable reception and attracted the presence of so many dignitaries including Godson Enwereuzor, Captain Onyema Kanu (Rtd), Sir Bright Agu, Hon. Charles Iheanacho, Dr. Barr. S. E. C. Nwosu (KSC), Hon. Tony Mezie Nwaubani, Hon. Eze C. Onyedi, (Chief Liaison Officer of ASOPADEC in Ukwa), Onyebuchi Ojiji among others.
