By Amos Okioma, Yenagoa
Former Nigerian president, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, the minister of state for petroleum resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, and the vice chancellor of the Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Prof Samuel Edoumiekumo, were among eminent personalities, alumni members of University of Port Harcourt that were bestowed with various merit awards by the Bayelsa State chapter of the unique university.
Others include, HRH King A.J. Turner, Chief Chris Adokeme, Evang. Bio Ibogomo – Gbeyasa, Chief Diekivie Okulovie -Obhoo, former speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Monday Edwin Obolo Bubou, amongst others.
Dr Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by Dr Sunday Omekwe, advised the University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association, Bayelsa State chapter to work together to build a formidable association worthy of emulation.
The former president gave the charge during the alumni’s 2020 Merit Award and Dinner ceremony which took place at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha banquet hall, also appreciated the association for the honor done him.
In his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Prof Barlays Ayakoroma, head of Department, Theatre Arts, Africa University, Toru – Orua, expressed gratitude to the association for putting the programme together as well as honouring him.
He added that the association has over 3000 members in Bayelsa State and charged them to use their numerical strength to their advantage, adding that they capable of building a structure in the university as part of their contributions.
Mr Dagogo Edmundson, president of the association, used the occasion to encourage members to attend monthly meetings, pay their dues and help to secure jobs for young graduates, describing these as the only way they can leave a legacy behind.
He also reiterated the aims and objectives of the association to include fostering unity of purpose among graduates of the institution, identifying challenges affecting members and knowing how they can possibly intervene, contributing their quota to the advancement of members and the society in general and partnering and collaborating with other institutions to build a better society for all.
He also disclosed the achievements of the body, among which are facilitation of admission for children and wards of members in higher institutions, provision of welfare packages and physical supports to members in need, the formation of the alumni multi-purpose cooperative society and increase in membership strength and acquisition of a 3 plots of land in Yenagoa metropolis, courtesy of Chief Timipre Sylva.