By Jeff Ogiuke
A historic compendium, titled Signature in the Sands of Time, has been unveiled in honour of Prof. Kingdom Eke Orji, former Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Port Harcourt, for his outstanding scholarship and leadership acumen.
The book, written by Prof. Orji himself, is a compendium of the remarkable academic contributions and exemplary leadership style of the author.
The unveiling ceremony, which took place at the main auditorium of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Faculty of Humanities, witnessed a lot of dignitaries drawn from academia, government circles, captains of industry, religious groups and friends of the university.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Dr. Peters Nwagor, who was ably represented by Dr. (Mrs.) Matilda Wilcox, commended Prof. Orji, former Dean, Faculty of Humanities, for his scholarly exploits and commitment to educational advancement, especially in the field of historiography and the development of the humanities.
He described Prof. Orji as an erudite scholar and researcher who had spent the greater part of his life imparting knowledge to younger generations in the university.
According to the commissioner, the ceremony was not only an unveiling of a book, but a celebration of a man who has distinguished himself in the service of God and humanity, Prof. Orji being a minister of God at Deeper Life Bible Church, Port Harcourt.
In his comment, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Okechuku Onuchuku, presented by the Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Chibuzor Nwobueze, noted that the leadership and academic contributions of Prof. Kingdom Orji cannot be taken for granted, adding that the evidence is there for posterity to see.
“His understanding, commitment to service, shows that he is a man of integrity, transparency and hard work. The book, Signature in the Sands of Time, remains an everlasting legacy of Prof. Orji’s contributions to the development of knowledge and humanity.”
Similarly, the Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Prof. Ibiere Ken Maduako, applauded the immediate past dean, Prof. Kingdom Orji, for his great contributions to knowledge and humanity, stressing that the honour was a well-deserved reward for his unequalled dedication and service.
In his response, the celebrant, Prof. Orji, expressed profound gratitude and appreciation to his colleagues and the university community, especially the Faculty of Humanities, for the honour done to him.
“I really want people to grow in life, without any sentiment; hence, the book was written to encourage people to appreciate that there is dignity in labour, and that is just the simple reason behind its publication.”
