University of Benin Occupies a Pride of Place in My Heart – Asagba Prof Azinge

The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Asagba Prof Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, has said he is happy to be associated with the University of Benin.

He bared his mind when the executive of the University’s Alumni Association, Asaba chapter, paid him a courtesy visit 

Asagba Prof Azinge went down the memory lane to tell the Alumni how he secured a job in the Faculty of Law of the University after his youth service in 1981 by simply presenting his credentials to the then Dean, Prof Itse Osagie, and lectured for one year before proceeding to London for further studies.

The distinguished legal luminary and Prof of Law said he returned to the institution after his doctorate degree, which he acquired in a record two years, pointing out that he still loved to visit the University  where he tutored students many of whom had become Judges, Senior Advocates of  Nigeria, among other distinguished legal practitioners.

His Royal Majesty said he was highly fulfilled for having one of his former students as the current Vice Chancellor of the University, describing it as the  icing on the cake.

Asagba Prof Azinge thanked the delegation for the visit and for all the kind sentiments expressed, noting that the alumni association represented an assemblage of eminent Nigerians, people in good standing and those still climbing the ladder of success, and saying  that members of the group were doing exceptionally well in their careers, especially the recently retired Delta State Head of Service, Mr. Reginald Bayoko, who got to the pinnacle of his career in the civil service.

He charged the association to focus more on giving back to the institution, stressing that their impact should be well felt in the development of the University, while urging the former students to be good ambassadors of the institution.

The Asagba used the opportunity to explain that his being on the throne was a call to service, adding that Asaba people reposed a lot of trust and confidence in him and he was determined to serve them to the best of his ability.

The highly revered and respected traditional ruler told his guests that he was driven by the passion to reposition Asaba, ensure a blend between modernity and culture, make sure Asaba remained the fastest growing state in Nigeria and more significantly strive to ensure that peace reigned in his kingdom.

In an address,  the Chairman of the association, Magdaline Chiemeke, stated that the visit was to pay respect to the Asagba, whom she described as a symbol of wisdom, leadership and cultural heritage.

She commended Asagba Prof Azinge for his invaluable contributions to the legal profession, the academia and the Asaba community, pointing out that they admired the rich culture and vibrant culture of Asaba, and were fascinated by the way the people of Asaba preserved their heritage while embracing progress and development.

The chapter Chairman reminded the Asagba that he was a part of Uniben and urged the king to find time out of his busy schedule to identify with the association.

The highlight of the visit was the presentation of an award of excellence to Asagba Prof Azinge by Mr. Reginald Bayoko, on behalf of the association