Alumni of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have been told to always project the institution as the best of its kind in Nigeria.
The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, made the call when he received members of the Asaba branch of the UNILAG Alumni Association who paid him a courtesy visit.
The Asagba, who graduated from the Law Faculty of the University 45 years ago, noted that the institution had maintained a legacy of academic excellence copiously evident in the quality of its products who had contributed and were still contributing to national development in the various fields of study.
He said UNILAG graduates imbibed and internalized certain values in the course of their academic journey, and carried a unique emblem of distinction, stressing that they should let the world see the worth of their training to be able to proclaim that the University remained the best in Nigeria.
His Royal Majesty expressed the hope that the same enthusiasm and inspiration that defined the UNILAG experience would be replicated in other institutions across the country, including the emerging Denis Osadebe University, noting that the foundation laid by the institution would continue to inspire generations.
The Monarch blessed the delegation from the throne and commended the alumni for their solidarity, particularly ahead of the community’s Pan-Youth Grand (PYG) Festival. “My prayer is that the God of our ancestors will be with all of you. May you continue to grow from grace to grace, from glory to glory”, he prayed.
Describing Asaba as a land of peace and prosperity, Asagba Prof Azinge said the capital city had consistently attracted growth and success to its residents. “We beat our chests with a lot of pride that we are the custodians here in Asaba, the fastest growing state capital, not just in Nigeria, but in Africa South of the Sahara. Our land blesses, and it is that blessing I am bestowing upon all of you”, he declared.
Looking around the hall, he noted with pride the presence of accomplished UNILAG alumni whom, he said, had made the association a beacon of excellence. “I am very proud to belong to the University of Lagos Alumni Association”, he added.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and President of UNILAG Alumni Association, Asaba chapter, Mr Patrick Olisa Dibie, commended the Asagba for his commitment to impacting positively on the sociocultural life of the Asaba kingdom through people – oriented reforms.
He noted the Monarch’s invaluable contributions to the advancement of the legal profession in Nigeria and beyond as a two-time Director – General and Fellow of the National Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, as well as a Judge and President of the Commonwealth Arbitral Tribunal, and urged him to use his wealth of experience and connections to add value to the Asaba chapter of the Association.
While apologizing to the highly esteemed traditional ruler, on behalf of the Alumni Association, for the belated courtesy visit, Mr. Dibie thanked him for the warm reception accorded them and pledged continued support of the group for the sociocultural development of Asaba.
On the delegation were Barr. M. O. Nwamu, Elder Cyril Ngemegwai, Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie Agas, HRM, Obi Henry Kikachukwu, Prof. Benjamin Oghojafor, Dr Derick Eke, Hon. Barr. Bridget Anyafulu, Hon. Princess Pat. Ajudua, Barr. Emmanuel Diei, Dr. Ebi Franklin Waboke, among others.
Senator Nwoko’s Strategic Leadership, National Influence, People-Centered Representation