By ABEL JOHNGOLD
Immediate past Governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Ahamiefule Orji, CON and His Royal Majesty (HRM) Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, CFR, the Alake of Egbaland, have emerged as new members of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) Board of Trustees (BoT).
The duo emerged through a nomination and ratification process that was unanimously applauded, at the 194th Executive Council Meeting (ECM) of UIAA, held at the Dame Edith Okowa Auditorium, University of Ibadan, on Saturday, 25th March, 2023.
President of UIAA Worldwide, Prof. Saawua Gabriel Nyityo, who spoke during the ratification process, stated that while Senator T. A Orji was nominated to represent the South East, HRM, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo the Alake of Egbaland would be representing the South West in the BoT.
Nyityo said the UIAA Exco painstakingly appraised the selection process before settling for the duo, because of their unblemished characters making them worthy of being UItes.
Commending the UIAA worldwide executive for the choice of the new BoT members, Prof. O. P Osadolor, Chairman of Edo State Branch, said the UIAA BoT membership is for only alumnus who has distinguished his or herself in a generally acceptable manner that is worthy of emulation.
He applauded the choice of T. A. Orji and Alake of Egbaland, saying that both were distinguished Alumni who presence and reputation would further enhance the image, prestige, respect and credibility of the BoT.
According to the Chairman of Edo State Branch of UIAA, for one to be a member of the UIAA BoT, he or she must have been seen and known with good character and proven integrity.
“Not only his or her reputation and recognition in the society but outstanding contributions to society and national development.
“He or she must possess leadership qualities such as vision, transparency, responsibility and accountability on the individuals and these the duo of T. A. Orji and His Royal Majesty the Alake of Egbaland possessed”. Prof. Osadolor noted.
Other members of the UIAA BoT members are, Elder Felix Ohiwerei, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Senator George Akume, Senator Jonathan Zwingina, Dr. Michael Omolayole, Dr. Pastor Maureen Florence Iyabode Bakare etc