…Describes him as touch bearer
Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University (RSU), Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi has been honoured by a group, the Kirekese Acedemic Community in Okirika town in Okirika local government area.
At the ceremony held at the government School Field in the town, the group described Prof. Zep-Obipi as a touch bearer, a pace setter who has made the Wakirike people proud.
Some members of the forum who spoke to newsmen at the event said the feat achieved by the VC will spur and motivate youths of the area to pursue their acedemics with all seriousness and determination.
Engr. Mission Franklin who spoke on behalf of the chairman of the group, said the academic community in the area decided to honour him in appreciation of the feat he has attained as the first VC from the area to head the State University.
“So we found him worthy this day by recognizing his achievements and to honour him in our land for his glowing acedemic feat. These are feats that was impossible but now the ceiling has been broken and with him, he becomes our light and all can follow on that part”, he declared.
According to him, Prof. Zep-Obipi’s position will act as a pathfinder and touch light to be emulated by others in the Kirikese kingdom emphasising that hard-work and deligence pays.
”That onyone who works on the part of glory, can become glorious”.
Also speaking, Chairman of the event organizing committee and also a member of the RSU Governing Council, Prof. Adokubo while appreciating Gov. Siminilaiye Fubara for the appointment of Prof. Zep-Obipi, expressed confidence in the ability of the VC to uplift the institution to global standards.
Prof. Adokubo who was one of the contestants to the position in the university, said he was delighted that Prof. Zep-Obipi emerged tops among the three Okirikans who among others vied for the lofty position, adding that the University has gone digital under his administration.
“It is not overnight, one needs some patience to learn from others who have gone up there”, he stated.
Treasurer of group, Dr. Boma Josiah Lucky described the VC as a reliable person whose appointment was the first of its kind in the area.
According to the Treasurer, Prof. Zep-Obipi has within a short time in office, changed the narratives in the institution, adding that issues of cut-off marks and admissions for all qualified students are now being processed timely and on merit.
Dr. Lucky commended the VC for the adoption of two inaugural monthly lecture series in the institution, which he said has given opportunities to Professors in the university to deliver their inaugural lectures before retirement from service.
A retired civil servant and an indigene of the area, Chief Collins Fubara Kalio said he was elated to witness the event and charged Kirikese sons and daughters in key positions to assist those in need.
The event which featured the formal investiture and recognition of the VC by the group and cultural dances was graced by prominent indigenes of the kingdom including representatives of Okirika council chairman, the Amanyanabo of Okochiri kingdom, King Ateke Tom, the King of Abuloma community among other traditional rulers.
