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By Young E. Freeborn, Warri
Professor Temi Akporhonor, dean, School of Post Graduate Studies, and Professor Sunny Aghwefeada, dean, Faculty of Arts, both of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka and other lecturers and school heads from other tertiary institutions across the state recently celebrated an Urhobo academic icon and a political leader in the state, Professor Godini Gabriel Darah on his induction as a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NALS).
The get-together which was held at Professor Darah’s country home, in Ovwian community, Udu Local Government Area of the state brought together top-notch of the academic community from the various tertiary institutions in the state, members of Darah’s immediate family, friends and well wishers.
The event which was majorly organized by those faculty heads and lecturers from DELSU, described Prof Darah’s recent academic achievement and title “as a new feather stuck to his academic hat.” They eulogized him as a renowned educational administrator, philosopher, political scientist, mentor and role model.
Speaking to our correspondent during the event, Prof Darah who was highly elated over the honour and respect bestowed on him by his associates and colleagues said, “I’m happy to be inducted as a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters.
“In fact, we the Urhobos are highly privileged. Out of the seven persons that were inducted this year, two are from Urhobo, myself and Professor Rose Aziza. It’s the reward for my academic researches, publications in my discipline and my general contributions to the development of education in Nigeria.
“This Nigerian Academy of Letters was established in 1974 for those in the Arts, Literature and Humanities in Nigerian universities. The first requirement to receive the fellowship of the academy is to be a member. Therefore, I want to appeal to you to join the academy so that you can be considered for the fellowship very soon. You have done enough in your academic field, but you equally need publicity to know your academic worth. On this note, I want to really appreciate all of you here for the honour and respect done to me for celebrating this moment with me and my family.”
In his remarks, Professor Temi Akporhonor described Professor Darah as a father worthy of emulation by young lecturers across the country’s tertiary institutions and others in the African continent.
He however called on the Federal Government to pay more attention to the educational sector of the country, while reiterating the fact that, education is the power house of any government and the bedrock of national development.
In his own remarks, Professor Sunny Aghwefeada described the academic laurel obtained by Professor Darah as well deserved.
He used the occasion to call on the Federal Government to attend to the demands of ASUU in the bid to call off the strike and enable university students resume their academic activities without further delay. The renowned literary author added that delay in meeting up the ASUU’s demands by the Federal Government would cause total failure and collapse of education in the country.
Others who presented goodwill messages to the great academic achiever and celebrant, applauded him on his track records in the academic community and his services to humanity and the Nigerian government. They called on the Nigerian government to emulate other African and Western countries by placing high regard on great scholars like Professor G.G. Darah in Nigeria.
Among those that attended the get-together were Professor Emmanuel Biri, rector, Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara, Prof. (Rev. Fr.) John Mark Ikeke, Dr. and Mrs. Peter Omoko, Dr. and Mrs. Emmanuel Emama, Mr. Peter Udi, Chief Emma Avworo, Comr. Peter Esane Darah, Mr. Lucky Ejobee, Mr. Joseph Ajiri Oreh and host of others.
