By Abubakar Yunusa
Paul University, Awka (PUA) in Anambra State has conferred a doctorate degree in Business Administration upon the traditional ruler of the Oke-Ebo ll of Umueri kingdom in Anambra-East Local Government Area of Anambra State, His Royal Majesty, HRM Igwe Sir Dr. Ben Izuchukwu Emeka, JP.
The Royal Father was honored alongside other prominent Nigerians, including the President of the Actors Guild Of Nigeria, Ejezie Emeka Rollas, MON, and Amaopusenibo (Barr.) Mike Epelle.
The convocation was attended by the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, the Convocation lecturer, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo; The Archbishop, Metropolitan, and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chancellor of Paul University, His Grace, The Most Revd. Henry Ndukuba; The Proprietor, His Grace, The Most Revd. Prof. Emmanuel O. Chukwuma.
Speaking at the fourth convocation ceremony of the university held on Friday, October 6, 2023, at the university auditorium, the Archbishop, Metropolitan, and Primate of All Nigeria and Chancellor of PUA, along with others, described Sir Dr. Emeka, JP, as a noble man and philanthropist who has continued to make significant contributions to advancing knowledge and humanity.
According to him, the governing council, management, and staff of Paul University believe that HRM Dr. Ben Izuchukwu is well-deserving of the honor in recognition of his immense contributions to the overall development of education.
He mentioned that the paramount ruler had single-handedly built, equipped, and donated St. Gabriel Anglican Church, Umueri, now the Cathedral Of Niger West, as well as completed Emmanuel Anglican Church. He also constructed and donated many classroom blocks to the Umueri Community and many others.
Reacting to the awards, he thanked the University for the honor given to him and also reaffirmed his commitment to partner with the institution to further improve its human and physical infrastructural development.
The traditional ruler said that although he had received several awards from many organizations, he was particularly excited by the Honorary Doctorate degree bestowed upon him by Paul University because, according to him, it is special.
He emphasized that it came unsolicited and from an institution of repute owned by a Christian denomination, the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.
Meanwhile, Dr. Emeka also donated ten million naira in cash to the University.
