R-L: Dr. Adamu Muhammad Waikili, Registrar IHERIS university, Lome, Togo, Associate Prof. G.G. Gomna, Director International Affairs IHERIS university and Hon. Uchechuku Nnam-Obi, during the occasion of his award conferment by Institut Des Hautes Etudes De Relations Internationales Et Strategiques (IHERIS) University in Abuja yesterday PHOTO: JONATHAN LOIS


The lawmaker representing Ahoada West/Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Federal Constituency from Rivers State, Hon Prince Uchechukwu Nnam-Obi has been honoured with honorary doctorate degree by  IHERIS University, Lome, Togo.

Speaking during the award presentation, the Registrar of Iheris, Dr Adamu Muhammad remarked  that in the human society, there is a wide acceptability of reward system for individuals who have done extraordinary things for the positive advancement of the society. However, in most cases, these rewards do not come or sometimes they come late when the recipient has gone to the great beyond.

According to him immortalization is not a bad idea, there is a great honour in acknowledging those who have distinguished themselves while they are living. "A line of praise for the living is better than a sonnet of elegy. 

"It was on this premise the management team of IHERIS University, Lome,  Togo decided to honour individuals who have contributed immensely to the development of our society in recent times.

"Our university is a bilingual institution domiciled in Lomé,  Republic of Togo and  is built on the platform of integrity and probity and we stand tall for excellence in Africa.


R- L: Princess Ola Nnam-Obi, and husband, Hon.  Nnam-Obi and  HRH, Amb. Makinta Jodah, during the occasion. PHOTO: JONATHAN LOIS


"We have a very strong partnership with Girne American University Of Cyprus, accredited and recognized by International Association of Universities, UNESCO, European Accreditation for quality assurance, Nigeria's  Federal Ministry of Education amongst others. Where facilities are concerned, IHERIS University boasts of the best equipment to complement the theoretical foundations of our students.

"Our well ventilated multimedia lecture rooms are conducive for learning and they rank with what is obtainable in world class universities. Our academic and non academic staffers are qualified and are performing excellently in their respective offices," Muhammad said.

The list of awardees lists great men and women including  royals, public servants, clerics, entrepreneurs and politicians. Interestingly, some of them are still in their prime. 

"Having a good number of youthful leaders on the list of awardees is not accidental. We believe strongly in our university that the future is in the hands of the younger generations and we are of the view that they must be motivated for their undeniable contributions to our society in their various spheres of influence", the Registrar said. 

In his acceptance speech,  Hon Prince Uchechukwu Nnam-Obi said that the award is a clear demonstration of camaraderie between  Nigeria  and  Republic of Togo

"I believe the award will open a new chapter to the strong and symbolic relationship between my constituents, and Nigeria as a whole.

"This has also proven that this great institution has a global mentality. In this age when black nations need to make their mark at the global stage, studying in the institution like this will assist fluid transmission of African values and across pollination and across fertilization of opinions and ideas towards a greater Africa," Nnam-Obi stated.

Sarkin Arewa Students West Africa, His Royal Highest Amb Makita Jodah said that  the award means to add more wings to Prince Hon Obi for what he  is doing for  the less privileged and he  should keep on doing it.

"This would encourage others  because not just you being the serving member but you have to impact  the less privileged and your community at large.

"In terms of leadership I will refer to President Muhammadu Buhari who is working tirelessly to ensure that he Nigeria safe and united. 

"We are urging other leaders to honest and be fair to themselves because before they rose  to that position they have made a lot of promises and  we all know they will not fulfil the whole of the promises but they should try to do at least 70-80% of their promises," Said Jodah.