By Ovat Abeng
Paul University Awka, has honoured the traditional ruler of Umueri Community in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Benneth Izuchukwu Emeka with an honorary doctorate degree in Business Administration.
The Monarch was honoured alongside other prominent Nigerians including the President, Actors Guild Of Nigeria, Ejezie Emeka Rollas, Barrister Mike Epelle and others during the 4th convocation ceremony of the University, held recently in Awka, Anambra State Capital.
In a citation while conferring the award on the traditional ruler, the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria ( Anglican Communion ) and Chancellor, Paul University, Awka, His Grace, The Most Revd. Henry C. Ndukuba, described Igwe Emeka, 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, is well deserving of the honour in recognition of his immense contributions to the overall development of education, including his service to God.
According to the Archbishop, Igwe Emeka, 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.
He announced a cash donation of ten million naira to the University.
The Monarch has sits as board Chairman of many companies, including New Idea Construction Company Limited, Caterpillar Masters West Africa Limited and Hilton Leisure Resorts and Hotels Awka.
Among prominent personalities present during the ceremony were 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, The Most Revd Prof. Emmanuel O. Chukwuma, Archbishop Province of the Niger and Bishop Diocese of Awka, His Grace, The Most Revd. Alexander Ibezim,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 among others.