IMSU Alumni Ends 2024 Convention, Otti, Ndubuizu, Obi, Asawalam, Onyema, Uju, others Hail Leadership
The long awaited 7th National Convention of Imo State University Alumni Association (IMSUAA) has come and gone with remarkable imprint left behind aimed at reshaping and revamping Imo State University, Owerri, and democracy in Nigeria.
The event anchored by Francis Ndimkoha and Sinikiem Ayoko, tagged, “Abia 2024,” with the theme, “Excelling in the Midst of Limitations: Education, Human Capital Development and Political Leadership in Nigeria” had Nze Chimaroke Nwosu as Chairman of the Central Planning Committee. The event served as an eye opener to prospective leaders who used the topic as a guide towards their vision.
A release signed by Ikenna Onuoha, Mnipr, Publicity Secretary, IMSUAA says the occasion attended by great personalities in politics, law, academia and business world accorded major boost to the annual event.
Some of the attendees include, Governor Alex Otti of Abia state, pioneer Vice Chancellor of IMSU, Prof TOC Ndubuizu, Guest Lecturer, Mr. Kelechi Obi (SAN), Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Abia state, Hon Ikechukwu Uwanna, discussants, Profs Kelechi Asawalam, Emeka Onyema and the Chief Launcher of IMSU Endowment Fund, Hon. Uju Kingsley Chima, amongst others.
The Board of Trustees led by Barr. Chinwe Mbakwem and his team, Barr. Clovis Okereke, High Chief Enyioha Chris Anyanwu, Pastor John Maduka, Sir Ambrose Obioha and Barr Timi Ebitari were fully on ground to moderate the AGM.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Otti, ably represented by Commissioner for Information and Culture, Hon Okey Kanu eulogized the association for their readiness in championing a conducive avenue where democracy anchored on true leadership would thrive, and appealed to the alumni to keep the flag flying.
According to him, the Governor of the state has created conducive environment for democracy to work as it ought to function, adding that what is required was for everyone to cue into the policy trust of his administration.
Governor Otti, while discribing government’s involvement in the event as an ample opportunity to partner with the association on possible ways to make the society better, further vowed that his administration would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that dividends of democracy were delivered to the people accordingly.
While urging the association to partner with his administration to be able to proffer lasting solution to leadership failures in Nigeria, stressing that the involvement of the alumni would serve as measure to impact positively on the people and their alma mater.
Speaking, Guest Lecturer, Mr. Kelechi Obi (SAN) said that what constitutes leadership failure was the level of greed, selfishness and lack of vision for a better society predominantly displayed by public office holders, and suggested the need for the people to be bold to kick-out bad leaders during voting, rather than allowing their consciences to be bought over with money.
Earlier, pioneer Vice Chancellor of IMSU, Prof TOC Ndubuizu expressed happiness on the performance of the leadership of the association, and recalled how he was instrumental to moulding and creating better direction for IMSU students during his time as VC.
He admonished the leadership and members of the association to continue to replicate the policy mandate of the school anywhere they find themselves, expressing optimism that an every Imo Star would do everything possible to impact the society.
In their separate responses, the discussants, Profs Asawalam, Onyema and Hon Chima, represented by Prof Clinton Ezekwe described the theme as apt, and suggested the need for the alumni to sensitize the public on the need to boldly make relevant decisions during elections, to be able to select good leaders for the society.
Giving his remarks, the host chapter Chairman, Mr. John Ogbuji welcomed all delegates and invited guests, adding that the event was successful through the efforts of all Imo Stars and urged them to sustain the tempo.
According to him, the convention was a privilege to reunite, reconnect and recreate in order to be stronger as an association, and pleaded with every member not to be deterred from working for the alumni, saying that the IMSUAA remains the only platform for communal reintegration.
Also, in his speech, President of the alumni, Chief Barr Okey Ozumba thanked Abia state Governor, Dr Alex Otti, Guest Lecturer, Mr Kelechi Obi, SAN, Board of Trustees led by Barr Chinwe Mbakwem, invitees and delegates for gracing the event.
According to him, the event was a transition convention that would make preparation for the election of new leadership, and appealed for all hands to be on deck to realize the programmes of the association.
Addressing the theme of the event, Barr Ozumba maintained that, “it’s important to note that of all aspectss of human endeavors, education remains the bedrock of human capital development, which our alma mater has played significant role in shapping the lives and careers of Imo Stars. Therefore, we must support and strengthen Imo State University, Owerri to continue to produce graduates who can excel in various fields in this era of technology driven society and innovations.”
Barr. Ozumba further said that members of the association would continue to recognize the critical role that should be played in shapping and sustaining Nigeria’s political, economic and social future, adfing that the alumni would play active role in mentoring the next generation of leaders by equiping them with relevaskills and values necessary to excel in publuc service.
The President further maintained that in doing that, the alumni has the responsibility of giving back to the alma mater and immediate environment to be able to support education, research, and human capital development initiatives.