Emma Elekwa
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state, Prof. Alex Chinwuba Asigbo has been honoured by the Eastern Nigeria Merit Awards for his contributions to educational advancement in Nigeria.
Asigbo, a Professor of Theatre and Performance Studies was honoured alongside other awardees across different categories during the 6th edition of the Eastern Nigeria Merit Awards held on Sunday at Best Western Meloch, Awka. with the theme “Inspiring Growth”
National Coordinator of the organisation, Prince Ikechi Okereke explained that the Awards is designed to celebrate individuals, groups and organisations that have distinguished themselves in their respective field of specialization and contributed immensely to the standardisation of activities within the Eastern Region.
He disclosed that Asigbo was shortlisted as a Star Awardee of the event because of his personal pedigree and the heights he has attained in his professional career trajectory.
Speaking after receiving the award, Prof. Asigbo thanked the organisers for the recognition, assuring his commitment to advancement of ideals of learning and knowledge sharing.
He said, “As an educationist, I’m committed to the advancement of the ideals of learning, knowledge sharing and contributions to the society in general.
Dedicated to excellence
“I dedicate this award to all who go after excellence. It is a challenge, inspiration and encouragement to continue to inspire the younger generation especially in the area of education.
“For some people like us, wealth is not the greatest measure of life.
“There are other things that motivates us the more-how you are building a better society, moral upbringing, equity, fairness and other virtues.
“In the business world, most times, some of these virtues don’t count.
“But for us as teachers, our focus in on education, how to recognize teachers because they are the molders of the society, the nation builders” he stated.
Earlier, Rev. Fr. Dominic Obielosi spoke about the 12 common types of growth and the need to boycott all forms of negative mindset and avoid complacency in the journey of growth.
He charged the audience not to die with treasures God deposited in them but rather strive to fulfill their purposes on earth.
Fr Obielosi urged the youths to learn delayed gratification noting that the difference between success and failure is discipline.
Another speaker, Sylvanus Okpor also underscored the place of discipline and excellence.
He described discipline as beginning of growth while the hallmark of growth is excellence.
Okpor asserted that many admire success but few commits to the process, noting that excellence and growth are not a one-day affair but a daily affair.
Prof Asigbo’s recognition was witnessed by staff members of the university including a member of the Governing Council, Mr. Iyke Onwuemene, Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji, former Dean of Students Affairs, Prof Stan Udedi, and Prof. Chinedu Onyeizugbe among others.
