Paul University, Awka, Anambra state, has honoured the Traditional Ruler of Umueri, HRM Igwe Sir Dr. Ben Izuchukwu Emeka, JP, who is the Oke- Ebo ll of Umueri kingdom in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra state with an honorary doctorate degree in Business Administration.
The first class traditional ruler and philanthropist extraordinary who doubles as the Executive Chairman, New Idea Construction Company Limited and Hilton Leisure Resorts and Hotels, was conferred with the Honoraria Causa during the fourth convocation ceremony of the university which held at the weekend at the university auditorium.
His Royal Majesty, Igwe Sir Dr. Benneth Izuchukwu Emeka, JP, Oke-Ebo II of Umueri was honoured alongside other prominent Nigerians including the President, Actors Guild Of Nigeria, Ejezie Emeka Rollas, MON and Amaopusenibo ( Barr. ) Mike Epelle.
Among prominent personalities present were the special guest of honour and the presidential candidate of Labour Party in 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, the Convocation lecturer, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo; The Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria ( Anglican Communion ) and Chancellor, Paul University; The Proprietor, His Grace, Most Revd Prof. Emmanuel O. Chukwuma, OON; Archbishop Province of the Niger and Bishop Diocese of Awka, His Grace, Most Revd. Alexander Ibezim, PhD; The Wife of Bishop, Diocese of Niger West ( Anglican Communion ) Dr. Mrs Ekwe; and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Paul University, Awka, His Excellency, Alabo Dr. Gabriel T. G Toby KSC amongst others.
In a citation while conferring the Honoraria Causa on His Royal Majesty, the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria ( Anglican Communion ) and Chancellor, Paul University, Awka, described Sir Dr. Emeka, JP, as a noble man and philanthropist who has continued to make salient contributions towards advancing knowledge and humanity. He said the governing council, management and staff of Paul University, believe HRM Igwe Sir Dr. Ben Izuchukwu Emeka, JP, Oke-Ebo II of Umueri is well deserving of the honour in recognition of his immense contributions to the overall development of education, including his service to God. Recall that Igwe Sir Dr. Ben Izuchukwu Emeka, JP, had single handedly build, equipped and donated St Gabriel Anglican Church, Umueri, now the Cathedral Of Niger West as well as the completion of Emmanuel Anglican Church. He also built and donated many classroom blocks to the Umueri Community and many others.
The delighted Honorary awardee was full of appreciation and gratitude to the University for the honour done to him and reaffirmed his commitment to partner the institution to further improve on its human and physical infrastructural development.
While acknowledging the special recognition accorded him, the traditional ruler said that though he had received several awards from many organisations, he was particularly excited by the Honorary doctorate degree bestowed on him by Paul University, Awka, because according to him it is special, more so as it came unsolicited and from an institution of repute owned by a Christian domination, the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion. In his usual magnanimity, Igwe Sir Dr. Emeka, JP, announced a cash donation of ten million naira to the University.
A recipient of multiple awards within and outside Nigeria, HRM Igwe Sir Dr. Ben Izuchukwu Emeka, JP, Oke-Ebo II, sits as board Chairman of many companies, including New Idea Construction Company Limited, Caterpillar Masters West Africa Limited and Hilton Leisure Resorts and Hotels.
