By Williams Odunze
In recognition of his achievements for making the State and the entire Southeast region proud, the Imo State Chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students,NANS,in collaboration with Imo Comrades Community,ICC, decided to honor the Vice President, special duties of ,NANS, Comrade Ahaneku Nzubechi popularly known as Senior Advocate of Nigerian Students for bringing honour to the State.
The Grand Reception which was held at Rockview Hotel Owerri on Saturday, was witnessed by many students across Institutions of higher learning in the State, NANS leadership, traditional rulers, politicians, business moguls, academia and religious groups, security agencies and private individuals who came to grace the occasion.
The event featured a Summit themed “Students In Participatory Leadership, A Guarantee To Democracy Stability”.
In his opening remarks, the BoT Chairman of NANS and former SA to the Governor of Imo State on Nigerian Students Affairs, Dr. Casmir Nneji Okoroafor, said Imo students are good and happy with the NANS VP, Special Duties, Ezinwa Comrade Ahaneku Valentine Nzubechi, because he has the capacity of managing the students under NANS, saying he deserved to be honored.
“Having been elected as the Vice President of NANS to represent South East, the leadership of NANS in Imo State decided to honor him with a Ground Reception Ceremony. He served very well as a former union leader in Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, hence NANS found him worthy and rewarded his good services with the VP, Special Duties”.
The BoT Chairman who was among those who were recognized with honor award by NANS, said the Summit will help sharpen young people in leadership, harping that there is need for students to participate actively in internal students politics while being studious in order to shape a better and favourable future.
“NANS encourages academic excellence, good conduct and you have to be strongly willed. NANS is for the strong. Do not be weak, believe in God and in yourself. NANS does not victimize. NANS rather accommodates every student both males and females. It does not tolerate financial recklessness or any form of social vices”, the BoT Chairman stressed.
Earlier,in her address the Public Relations Officer of NANS, Imo State also the Chairman Organizing Committee of the event Comrade Achebe Chizi, hinted that NANS will always defend rights of students, hinting that the Summit is germane, as it will spur them to engage in healthy politics.
Achebe informed that the main purpose of the gathering was in recognition of Ahaneku for scaling through the huddles of NANS politics to attained the height of Vice president of the Association which she said was never a mere feat.
She advised students to be strong, devoted, study hard to enable them gain cognitive knowledge to be able to fare well in the society, even as they politick while in school.
“Tow the part of honor and intellectualism to be able to succeed, even as you do activism or unionism in school”, she advised.
In appreciation of the reception in his honour,the NANS VP Special Duties, Ahaneku thanked the Students Community for the honour bestowed on him as he vowed to uphold the principles of the Association , as he discharges his duty.
“I am deeply grateful for the warm reception and honour bestowed upon me as VP Special Duties of NANS. Your support and confidence mean the world to me and I am committed to serve with dedication and integrity. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to NANS leadership, the Imo Students Community and all our distinguished guests, including traditional rulers, political leaders, security agencies and private individuals.Your presence and participation have enriched this occasion and underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing our goals”, the NANS VP stated.
Highlight of the event was the bestowing of Award of Recognition to some worthy persons on their positive impact to the students and the society at large.
Among the awardees are the traditional ruler of Okirika Ama/Umugwa autonomous community, HRH, Eze B. Onuoha Ohanyere, Dr. Casmir Nneji Okoroafor, Rev. Fr. Pius Ibeawuchi Anyanwu of Catholic Diocese Ahiara. Engr. Chizitere Ahubelem and SUG Acting President, Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Comrade Chimoma Ebere Cynthia.
