By Ebuka Onyekwelu, Ph.D
The Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, marked her 61st birthday on Friday, amidst commendations by staff members, students, family and friends. Omenugha, the second female professor of Mass Communications in Nigeria, is the first female Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State. Formerly a lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Omenugha was appointed to serve as Anambra State Commissioner for Education under Governor Willie Obiano, a position she occupied and served meritoriously for eight years.
Her 61st birthday on Friday commenced with the launch of the UniOjukwu Radio, 106.1 FM, which is the university campus radio. From there, Omenugha proceeded to the Department of English, where she performed on the stage with some of the students of the department. Earlier, Professor Omenugha revealed that she has two most profound passions; the first, she said, was communication, and the second was acting. On Friday, both passions were met. At the English Department of the university, she joined the students to act a play entitled, “Uzumma” where she took on the character of a gifted woman, who, faced with the challenges of life, moved on nonetheless and eventually overcame cultural and gender resistance to living a life of fulfilled dreams, thereby becoming a source of inspiration to younger women. The play was directed by Dr. Ikechukwu Asika, the Head of the Department of English, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, who passionately described the Vice Chancellor as an immense source of motivation.
From the four walls of the university, the celebration was moved to Awka, where some friends and well-wishers had organized a smooth evening outing in honour of Professor Kate Omenugha. The outing, attended by many key government officials, also had the academic community from both Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University and Nnamdi Azikiwe University. The Vice Chancellor was joined by her loving husband, Chief Dr. Michael Omenugha. In the gathering, friends extolled the virtues of Professor Kate Omenugha, describing her as a visionary and focused administrator who is an inspiration to many. Serving commissioners, senior aides to the governor, and many others were in attendance, including priests. It was a cool evening that brought people of diverse backgrounds together to celebrate an accomplished Professor and administrator.
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