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By Godwin Chukwumaechi, Port Harcourt
Former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dakuku Peterside has urged Nigerians, especially scholars to aim for the zenith in their careers and respective fields of endeavours.
Peterside made the call during a book launch in commemoration of the 87 birthday/ 60th marriage anniversary of world’s first black professor of Geodesy, Emeritus Professor Dagogo Fubara in Port Harcourt.
The former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, said Prof. Fubara’s feat in the academic world should inspire all to strive for the top in whatever they do.
He observed that with humility, hardwork and sacrifice, no barrier is insurmountable.
Peterside said: “One important thing is the fact that if we apply ourselves, there is nothing we cannot accomplish. This man rose from grass to grace. He was singleminded, he was determined. And so if you set your minds on anything and ready to make necessary sacrifice, there is nothing we cannot accomplish”.
“This man is the first professor of geodesy of black descent. Now there is no barrier that we cannot conquer. We can compete with Europeans and there is no excuse because we are as endowed as other people, as the Americas, as the Europeans. He competed and was celebrated globally. So for me let’s aim for excellence,” he added.
Peterside emphasized that humility and hardwork pays, urging Rivers people to learn from Fubara’s legacies.
“We are not just celebrating Professor Fubara but to celebrate his legacies and what Rivers people should learn from his life is the fact that humility pays. You can see the virtues of humility, integrity, hardwork and commitment x-rayed throughout his life,” he said.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, RSU, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi lauded Fubara’s dedication to community development particularly the Niger and especially in addressing environmental challenges, and advocating for sustainable development.
Represented by Prof Jack Jeremiah, the vice chancellor acknowledged that Fubara read into the future when he opted for geodesy considering the environmental challenges facing the country.
He said Fubara’s legacy should inspire the younger generation of scholars to aim for the top and to serve with integrity.
“As we launch this biography today, let us reflect on the values he embodies, his quest for knowledge, the commitment to community. The Professor Fubara’s story inspires us all to strive for excellence in our respective fields and to serve with integrity and compassion,” he said.
Responding, Emeritus Professor Dagogo Fubara stated that the book titled “Dagogo Micheal Jim Fubara: Life of Divine Providence,” should inspire the younger generation to stay true to their believes and that nothing is insurmountable.
In his review of the book, titled: “Dagogo Michael Jim Fubara: Life of Divine Providence, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin) of RSU, Prof Victor Akujuru, stated that the 15-chapter book is a testament of the dedication and sacrifice of Prof Fubara both in society, academics and family life, adding that the celebrant’s legacies transcend space and man.
He said the book reveals Prof. Fubara’s journey from Federal Government College, Umuahia to Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, before gaining scholarship abroad for further studies, which began his journey to success and impact.
He added that Fubara ventured into geodetic study at a time no man of black descent wanted to, making him the first black professor of geodesy.
Speaking shortly after cutting the celebration cake, Prof Fubara said his life is a story woven with threads and divine providence.
He thanked the initiator of the book, Prof Kingdom Abam and commended the author, Mr. Dieye Dakolo for their commitment in ensuring that the book becomes a reality.
He also expressed joy that the book will stand as a reminder to society and especially the younger generation that no circumstance is insurmountable.
“The biography is not about my life, but to thank those who worked with me, those who taught me and supported me all through my life,” he stated.
