By Martin Paul
Abuja
Vice-chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu, was at the weekend, conferred with the chieftaincy title of Nze Okaa Omee in the village of Awene, Ezema Olo Kingdom of Ezeagu LGA of Enugu state.
The conferment was conducted by HRH, the Igwe, Eze Ogbunechendo of Ezema Olo, Ambassador Lawrence O.C. Agubuzu, as part of the activities marking his 10th anniversary on the throne.
A statement signed by the Director of Media and Publicity of the university, Ibrahim Sheme, stated that the Igwe, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Zambia and Malawi, was also the Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers as well as the Chancellor of NOUN.
The statement noted that the conferment took place during an impressive ceremony held at the Igwe’s palace in Awene village.
According to him, the statement said Adamu was conferred with the title for his revolutionary achievements so far as VC of NOUN, especially in the areas of “entrenching transparency, openness and encouraging aggressive scholarship. “
The Igwe decorated the vice-chancellor with a red cap signifying his entry into the traditional leadership of the area. He praised his leadership of NOUN and urged him to wear the traditional attire anywhere in the country whenever he wants to.
The VC expressed delight at the appointment and promised to do his best in advancing the cause of education in the country.
He also danced freely in the palace square where thousands of spectators had gathered.
This i8s the first time Adamu took a traditional title, and he told the NOUN entourage later that he was proud to have received such a unique honour.
Five other Nigerians were conferred with traditional titles.
The state governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, was represented at the ceremony by his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo.
Traditional rulers, religious leaders, politicians, academicians and other Nigerians from Enugu and other parts of the country attended the ceremony.
