By Abuchi Onwumelu
The member representing Orumba North State Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly and the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Aforka, last Monday paid a solidarity cum familiarization visit to the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Charles Esimone.
Hon. Aforka, a two-time Chairman of Orumba North Local Government Area, said he came to identify with Prof. Esimone whom he described as a man of impeccable character and also to felicitate with him on his new appointment.
‘I am here with my wife, Lilian, my team to identify and felicitate with you on your recent appointment as the 6th substantive Vice Chancellor of this great institution. What you are seeing here today are the people of Orumba North.
‘We are here on behalf of the entire people of Orumba North to congratulate you on your well-deserved appointment. We have a reasonable number of our brothers and sisters under UNIZIK workforce. Many of our sons and daughters are also here in this school. We are here to represent all of them. We are pleased with your appointment.
‘From the records before us, you are good man. Right from your time as a Dean of Faculty, to the time you became the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics).
‘Dear Vice Chancellor, we want to assure you of our friendly disposition and readiness to contribute our quota towards building a better citadel of learning for all and sundry. Feel free to call on us anytime, any day. We will not hesitate to harken to your call,’ he stated.
The lawmaker expressed satisfaction with the way and manner Prof Esimone emerged as the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, noting that the VC’s emergence was not only historical but also divine, even as he assured him of his support.
Responding, Prof Esimone thanked the lawmaker and his team for coming to felicitate with him.
He said he was overwhelmed with joy, seeing Hon. Aforka in his office, saying that he (Aforka) remained the first to do so, adding that the visit had further proved that Hon. Aforka understood the true meaning of reaching out.
‘I run an open door policy. I have been here for barely two months and I have five years to spend on this seat. I want to partner with people like you. Please, convey my deepest gratitude to your constituents, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and your colleagues in the 7th Assembly. I appreciate you all,’ Prof. Esimone said.
In a vote of thanks, the erstwhile President General of Ndiokolo Town in Orumba and a member of Team of Aforka, Chief Festus Alukwe, thanked the Vice Chancellor for the warm reception accorded them, assuring him of their collective support.
