By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
The President, Rotary Club of Nigeria, Owerri Metropolitan, Rtn Surv Onyinye Okafor, recently, enjoyed an outstanding recognition as the only female recipient of a prestigious Imo State University (IMSU) Law Faculty Award; an honour that depicted her uncommon contributions towards humanitarian works in the society as well as the growth of her surveying profession.
Rtn Surv Okafor, was honoured alongside other notable personalities, including the Commissioner for Industry, Mines and Solid Minerals, Barr Ernest Ibejiakor; Imo State Surveyor General, Surv Bob Uzodimma Odidika, Commissioner for Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Henry Okafor; His Worship, Barrister Emperor Iwuala; ; Member representing Mbaitolu/Ikeduru Federal Constituency, Hon Akarachi Amadi, and Prince Francis Uzor of Orange Groove Entertainment among others.
The award bestowed on the female Surveyor was part of activities marking the 2024 Cultural Day of the IMSU Law Faculty; an event that showcased the rich cultural heritage of the eastern part of the country where the students beautifully entertained their visitors with cultural dances and exhibition of indigenous delicacies among others.
The IMSU Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof. Okorie Kingsley, while speaking said that the need to promote and sustain indigenous culture beyond law inspired the annual cultural event, expressing satisfaction that such has been effective in meeting the set objectives. “This cultural day is to revive our culture so that our people will know that apart from law, there is the need to develop our culture,” he said
While Prof Nnamdi Obiaraeri, a law lecturer and former Commissioner for Information averred that the faculty knowing the importance of holistic training, uses the exercise among others to broaden their horizons. He noted that the students through the cultural event are exposed to the knowledge of basic cultures and cultural practices. Similarly, Associate Prof Onyema Otitodiri, a Staff Adviser of Law Students Association, IMSU Chapter, identified numerous benefits from the programme, including cultural talents.
Making the presentation, the former Vice Chancellor of IMSU, Prof Nwebo showered encomiums on Rtn Surv Okafor for her celebrated exploits in various areas of life, adding that the award was a clear message of how the school admires her. He urged the awardee to keep the good records soaring, while encouraging her to strengthen her good work as well as solicited the Surveyor’s partnership and support for the faculty.
Expressing her appreciation, Rtn Okafor who is also the Secretary, Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Imo State Chapter, said that the award as the only woman was a great honour for her and a motivation to continue moving in the right direction. She thanked the faculty for spotting her out, describing her life as one dedicated to community development and service to mankind, hence she uses various platforms, including the Rotary Club to contribute positively to the society.
“I feel elated being the only woman to receive this award today. It has always been the case because I belong to the surveying profession which is male dominated, so I’m not surprised. But I really appreciate the IMSU Law Faculty for finding me worthy, and spotting me out for this prestigious Award. The implication is that I have to work harder in the areas that have inspired them to give me this honour because of the saying that; ‘reward for hard work is more work’.
Community development has been a passion for me. I’m the current Rotary President of Owerri Metropolitan and you know that Rotary is a service organization, and doing good to mankind is our business. So, this has been part of me as well as improving the community. Actually, I am encouraged with this award to more
Surv Okafor, hailed the faculty for prioritizing the knowledge of culture among the students, adding that the annual event will help the students to blend academics with cultural norms and values for them to be sound both in learning and in moral behaviour, as she promised to assist in advancing the activities of the faculty towards achieving optimal results. She used the opportunity and urged the gathering to ensure the sustenance of the indigenous culture for the good of the society.
