Giant Scholar, Prof. Okunna Celebrated at Unizik Book Presentation
By Chukwudi Ndubeze
First female Professor of Mass communication and current Director Unizik FM, Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna was on Wednesday celebrated amidst encomiums and testimonies to cap off her numerous achievements in her scholarly career.
The celebration came at an occasion marking the official launching of her latest book titled, “Communication and Media Studies: Multiple Perspectives” which is among the numerous works of the Anambra State-born professor of mass communication alongside her excellent team of Mentees.
Odogwublog.com reports that the event was not short of scholars, Political heavyweights, leaders of repute, and achievers in attendance clearly showing that she is an achiever who has already left her footprint in the sands of time.
At the event, Vice Presidential candidate in the 2019 presidential election under Peoples Democratic Party and former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi extolled the trailblazing career of Prof Chinyere Okunna describing her as someone with a sound analytical mind.
Obi who worked with the erudite Professor during his eight years of administration as Anambra state governor said the academic giant has not only excellence personified but impacts same in the upcoming generation through her mentorship programs.
He said it is time the Nigerian government compensates individuals who have made equal contributions as her, instead of wasting resources in compensating bandits and kidnappers who he said have no value to the economy of the nation.
He said, “the economy is not productive and we are compensating people who are not contributing anything. Some lecturers earn less than some political thugs and that is why the country is collapsing. We need to get the country to work and as long as people keep doing something that is not productive, there is always a crisis.”
Vice-Chancellor Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Charles Esimone said the book launch was a celebration of countless great achievements of excellence in the university using the opportunity to applaud the many mentorship programs he said Prof Okunna has carried out to the benefit of the institution.
He maintained his determination to ensure that Nnamdi Azikiwe University is ranked within the first 200 universities in the world hence his project 200, urging academia and scholars across the country to consider mentorship as a responsibility they owe the younger generation.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu noted that the event was significant to the university community. He said that Nigeria must not dwell on the exportation of oil but also Knowledge to countries across the world. He said that the book launch marks the beginning of greater works that will come out of the university.
Prof. Ikechebelu who is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration of the university maintained that the presentation was only a sign of other works produced in the university which he said will be consumed globally thereby putting the institution in its deserved place on the world map.
Reviewing the book, Prof. Nnamdi Ekeanyanwu who described Prof. Okunna as a “mother and a mentor” appreciated the book as “the first that addresses the unbundling of Mass Communications into eight newly approved courses by the NUC.
Commending the book in all aspects, he said “its technical details, finishing, themes, grammar, contents, and language are excellent, depicting the experience and proficiency of the editor.
Earlier, Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna explained that the new book was borne out of a desire to mentor the new generation and in line with Vice-Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone’s project 200 which is to make UNIZIK one of the first 200 universities in the world.
Odogwublog.com reports that Prof Okunna who is the editor of the book said she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love. She particularly thanked Mr. Peter Obi for his exemplary leadership, personality, and character. She also thanked Prof Esimone for his vision for the University.
Special Guest of honor, Prince Arthur Eze, who was represented by Prince Okey Ezeh, appreciated Prof’s efforts with 5 million Naira while other guests took turns to appreciate the Prof for her job well done.
Some dignitaries present at the event were Sen Uche Ekwunife, Engr Prince Arthur Eze, Prof. Harris Ike Odimegwu, Chief Uche Nworah, Igwe Chidi Ezenwugo of Uga,
Igwe Robert Eze of Ukpo Dunukofia, Prof Akachi Ezeigbo, and Hon Ella Nwabueze
Archbishop Ecclesiastical province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim was there while, HRH Sir Ralph Obumneme Ekpe (Igwe Enugwukwu), Igwe Nwuneli were all present. Anambra State PDP chairman, Chief Sir Ndubuisi Nwobu, and Mr. Oseloka Obaze also graced the event.
The highlight of the event was the official unveiling of the new book by the guests and many testimonies applauding Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna and her mentees from the Mass Communication department of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
