…describes knowledge, values and good behavior as pedestal for greatness
Presidential Candidate of Labour Party (LP) Mr. Peter Obi has challenged Nigerian students to strive for knowledge, values and good behavior, describing such virtues as pedestal for greatness.
He urged the students to take their academics seriously to achieve greatness in life.
Obi spoke on Friday at the event to commemorate literary icon Eze Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike, three years after his demise, organized by Nigeria Book Foundation in collaboration with Anambra State Ministry of Education and Nigerian Union of Journalists Anambra State Council
The literary icon who uses a mixture of lampoon, humor and satire in his literary work was the traditional ruler of Ndikelionwu in Orumba North Local Government Area until his death
Some his works, are Sunset at Dawn, Expo 77, The Bottled Leopard, The Chicken Spaces, Anu Ebu Nwa and many more.
Obi who cited renowned Nigerians like, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Prof. Ngozi Okoji-Iweala and the late literally giant, Prof. Ike who made history and became famous as great writers, stressed the need for proper and quality education among Nigerian students.
Mr. Obi who described Professor Ike as man whose legacies will remain ever, adjured the students to strive for knowledge, values and good behavior which he said is a ground for greatness.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo who spoke through the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, described Prof. Ike as a genius and living literal giant who left indelible marks on the sands of time.
She said the governor was optimistic about establishing something remarkable that would distinguish late Ike, not just from his books, but in the heart of the states.
Speaking seperately, traditional ruler of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, said the event was memorable and remarked that Ike’s books would live forever, while traditional ruler of of Obosi, Igwe Eze Iweka, called for the promotion of Igbo language among students, urging them to shun cultism.
In her welcome address, the Co-President, Nigerian Book Foundation Board of Trustees, Professor Stella Okunna, said the event was an opportunity to celebrate the literary giants and his works three years after his death.
The state NUJ Chairman, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu commended the Nigerian Book Foundation for initiating the idea to celebrate the renowned Icon, calling on the state government to immortalize Prof. Ike for his notable achievements.
Keynote speaker at the event, Prof. Sule Egwa, gave a rundown of the literary works of the late icon, saying he remained a conspicuous and significant part in Nigeria literary space that should always be celebrated.
He appealed to the state government to immortalize Prof. Ike through creating literary prizes for primary and secondary schools, establishment of writing residency and organizing Annual Conference for the deceased.
