Abuja, NIGERIA — Delta State University Alumni Association has honoured distinguished alumni who have gone above and beyond in service, leadership, philanthropic efforts, and career advancements. This year, one of the recepients of the 15th Convocation Alumni Awards was a Delta State lawmaker, Hon. Charles Emetulu.
He received a Special Recognition Award in appreciation of his personal commitment, his introduction of legislations aimed at improving the lives of the people and for being worthy ambassador of the University.
Emetulu received DELSU Alumni Awards on Thursday on the awards gala preceding the University’s 15th convocation ceremony, Saturday, 29th April,
According to the University Vice Chancellor, Prof Andy Egwunyenga, “Ahead of Convocation and award of Degrees and Diplomas on Saturday, 29th April, the Alumni Association today organised a Lecture and Awards ceremony for deserving distinguished Alumni of Delta State University, Abraka.”
Others honoured were, Prof. Ochuko Anomohanran, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic; Prof. Mary Agbogidi (1st DELSU Alumni Professor); Mr Michael Numa SAN, (1st DELSU Alumni Senior Advocate of Nigeria);, and Sir Edwin Ogidi Gbegbaje, Permanent Secretary, were invested with Special Awards for their services of distinction to Delta State, Nigeria and humanity.
The event featured lecture delivered by eminent medical practitioner, motivational speaker and entrepreneur, Dr Charles Apoki
Speaking to newsmen after the award, Emetulu, “I am honored and humbled that the University and Alumni Association saw me as someone worthy of this recognition,” he expressed.
The lawmaker who had previously served as the Delta State Commissioner for Education said, “My role is to continually do what I can to protect education and ensure our children are equipped to participate in a diverse, changing world, ready to participate as contributing members of their states, nations and the world.
“It’s my role to not only carry the message that education is incredibly important but always support it development. In its absence, our society would struggle.”
He urged the University to as always, consistently equip the students with the leadership acumen, skills and knowledge needed in the larger society after graduation.
In an interview, an enthusiast of Emetulu’s political landmarks, Dr Chidipeters Okorie, Editor in Time Africa Magazine, while praising Vice Chancellor Egwunyenga for honoring deserving alumni of the institution, said, “the awards are truly an honor bestowed on the recipients for their exemplary service to others and the University. This year’s group of honorees are outstanding and bring tremendous pride to their alma mater.”
Specifically, he said, “It is an honor to celebrate and felicitate with Hon Emetulu, I have always admired him as a refined, articulate lawmaker who understands leadership by example – it’s not do as I say, it’s do as I do. He understands that his job as a legislator is not to hold up finger to see which way the winds are blowing, but to have the courage to stay out of step when everyone else is marching to the wrong tune.”
He described Emetulu “a public servant without equal, and above all, just an amazing man and a mentor of mine.”