Dan Opara
The leadership and the entire members of “Imo State University Association,IMSU,Alumni Association”, on Thursday 8th-Sunday 11th August, 2019,in Owerri, hold the Association’s 3rd Annual Global Convention in Owerri, with the theme:” Relationship Building in Alumni Associations-Key to National Development”.
Speaking through his welcome address,and in the Spirit of IMSU Alumni and Relationship, the Alumni Asso.National President,Prince Ferdinand Ezeala Akano,expressed delight,great joy and honour,on behalf of the leadership our Alumni Association,to address Great Imo Stars,Distinguished Guest, Ladies and Gentlemen.
The National President, Akano disclosed that the Alumni under his watch has inaugurated about 10th Chapters of the IMSU Alumni from across the country, even as he promised never to let his alma mater down.
The National President, Akano,therefore vowed to work and partner with the govt.of the day in Imo State,though the association remains as apolitical,rather that they as a union shall always support, promote and engage fully in the participatory govt.for the general growth of the state.
“Our aims, vision and mission as an association is to give back to the varsity. All we are fighting is to ensure effective security of lives and properties of the entire Imo people. We are interested in the combat against crime, cultism and every other social vices amongst the undergraduates of IMSU and further prepare them for future as leaders of tomorrow for better societal benefits. We are also working in our pipe line to build and establish a befitting stadium for sporting activities in the institution”, Akano submitted.
The National President of the Alumni stated that he was able to achieve successes as a result of hardworking, for the govt.to buy into the Alumni’s programmes as developmental partners and as critical stakeholders of Imo State, even as he revealed that his leadership is poised to synergy with the Rebuild Mission govt.of Gov.Emeka Ihedioha, especially on Agricultural and Health policies.
The Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, who was the Special Guest of Honour, while performing the ritual of declaring the convention opening, appreciated all the members of the IMSU Alumni for their unity of purpose in uplifting the interest of their alma mater and the social well being of the members of the association.
Gov.Emeka expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of Imo Govt. presence at IMSU for the past 8 years.
“I am very worried concerning the state of IMSU management.Every thing is gone in the institution, nothing to write home about. The immediate past Imo state Governor claimed free education but I am betting you as Alumni,and I want you to challenge me,” There is no free education in Imo. His supposed free education in Imo is a scam”,Ihedioha lamented.
“As you can see,about 80-90% of all the visible projects at IMSU was built by the Federal Government. I am going to run a government of facts.Imo was robbed, looted and messed up under Rochas Okorocha. I am interested in anything that can upgrade academic standards of IMSU and all the govt.schools in Imo.Off course you can see that I am running a participatory govt. As an Alumni,always think of improving the standards of IMSU,by imbibing the University Spirit. We are trying to redesign IMSU and its environs,so as to control the erosion menace ravaging the students and residence of Lake Nwaebere area. The flooding in the area must be controlled,as you can confess,we are working towards curbing the flooding in Owerri and other areas in the state”, the Governor noted.
He said”Imo is bleeding financially but let all hands be on deck in Rebuilding of the state”.
He therefore declared the event open and wished them well.
Shortly after,the National Secretary of IMSU Alumni, Dr. Anayo Uhiala,who is also the Alumni Chapter Chairman, expressed satisfaction with the successful convention,which according to him is targeted at building a formidable unity amongst all the registered members of the IMSU Alumni.
“It is like reunion,and we are all happy to have see,chat and interact with each other as brothers and sisters. We have so far recorded a whole lots of achievements such as the lasting peace, unity and development. The structures erected in IMSU.We are planning to construct Sports Complex for the University. We are fighting crimes,cultism and all other social vices amongst the students shall be put to an end”, the National Sec. submitted.
Adding his voice,the immediate past IMSU Alumni National President, Hon.Dr.Chima Madu,who was also honored with award,felt so happy to be recognized and honoured by the Varsity Alumni.
He however promised never to let the association down.
” We are the pioneer set of the IMSU Alumni.We suffered pains for the sake of IMSU Alumni. We have been thinking positively for the general interest of the students and the Varsity Management”,Dr.Madu revealed.
Moreso,the National Party Chairman of Action Alliance,AA,Hon.Barr.Kenneth Udeze,who was ably showered with an award by the Varsity Alumni, expressed dissatisfaction to be a product of IMSU.
The AA National Party Chairman, Chief Udeze,therefore promised to assist his alma mater at all times,even as he called on the IMSU Alumni leadership to always send for his support.
Meanwhile, the 2019 Imo Guber Candidate of Action Alliance, AA,Chief Ugwumba Uche Nwosu,a member of the IMSU Alumni, who was also honored with an award,thanked the IMSU Alumni leadership and management for respecting him. He promised also to show all kinds of support towards the growth of the Alumni.
Chief Ugwumba Nwosu,called on the association to be articulated,make sacrifices, shun your own personal interest,remain steadfast and committed to the development of the union,contribute towards the growth of the institution and endeavor to be in good relationship with each other”.
Finally,the Imo House of Assembly member representing Ahiazu Mbaise State Constituency, Hon.Samuel Oti Ibe,who was also honored with award by his Alumni, thanked them for their collective recognition.
“We are trying to give back to the alma mater. Without it, we wouldn’t have been responsible in the society. I read and studied Biochemistry at IMSU,today I am a law maker courtesy of IMSU”, Hon.Oti said.
He therefore commended the Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, having an insight of all the ongoing academic activities at IMSU.
He submitted that the Rebuild Mission led administration of Governor Ihedioha is never a joke, but a huge reality which must in no distant time give proper attention to all the roads in the 27 LGA’s of the state, including all the roads in Ahiazu Mbaise.
Recalled, the Imo State Commissioner for Education, Prof.Mrs.Viola Onwuliri,in her words,promised to upgrade academic standards of Imo state.
She said ” I have great experiences to rebuilding the state via education and I believe with the successful Imo Governor, the people of Imo state shall rejoice again”.
She encouraged parents and guidance to inculcate and demonstrate the spirit of Igbo language,tradition and culture in lives of their children.
To IMSU Alumni, the Education Commissioner assured her support and vowed to work in synergy with them.
