Education
By Uzo Ugwunze
IN acknowledgement of Divine favour and kindness after a successful 5-year rectorship and being the first female Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko (FPO), Dr. Francisca Nwafulugo celebrated her Valedictory Thanksgiving at the Anglican Chapel of the Light, Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State.
In his sermon titled, ‘Restoration and Rest Your Legacy, Your Memorial’ the Vicar, Rev. Canon Emmanuel Ogudoro likened Dr. Nwafulugo to the Biblical Tabitha (Dorcas) who led a selfless and impactful life.
Quoting copiously from the Holy Bible, he said that when Tabitha died, the widows around her refused to bury her rather they sent for Peter the apostle, brandishing the wears she sewed; they prevailed on St. Peter to pray and restore her back to life.
Rev. Canon Ogudoro eulogized the outgoing rector calling her a leader who left a lot of legacy during her tenure which spanned from February 2019 to February 4, 2024 despite challenges and scarce resources.
He urged other administrators, leaders and women to emulate her good virtues praying for God to reward her with other higher and favourable appointments to continue her good works with the fear of God.
However, the celebrator, Dr. Nwafulugo dedicated the successful completion of her tenure to the Almighty God who according to her saw her through thick and thin of the five years journey as the polytechnic rector.
She expressed gratitude to her family and colleagues praying God to bless them and lift them in their endeavours.
“You people should help me to thank my husband, Chief Prince Theo Nwafulugo, my backbone, Ochiagha Ojoto for his support and encouragement. If he was not there to spur me in the face of threats, challenges and opposition, I may have not achieved much.
“I thank God Almighty for giving me people like the former Acting Rector, Dr. Izuchukwu Onu who received me in 2019 and later became my deputy, my twin brothers the Deputy Rector, Admin, Dr. Kenneth Ezekwe and the Deputy Rector, Academics, Dr. Uche Onyegbu.
“The Acting Registrar, Obini Onuchukwu, Acharakammanko, my foot soldier, the Bursar, Mr. Stephen Udu, the Polytechnic Librarian, Dr. Nwabu Ezemba, my Protocol/PRO, Mr. Chijioke Ibeziakor, the Anticult, the Security, all the Staff and the Students.’’
“Also, my special thanks goes to the the host communities Oko, Ufuma and Atani including their traditional rulers for being supportive and accommodative at all times. It was God’s favour that helped us not to experience any clashes or cult case from students.
“I want to use this avenue to apologize to any person or group I may have offended in the course of carrying out my legitimate duties as the rector. No one is perfect. May God give you the heart to forgive and forget the hurts, thank you.’’
She advised the school management to continue in the same team spirit, inclusive leadership, hardwork and excellence of duty performance.
The Staff members in their goodwill/farewell speeches recommended that Dr. Nwafulugo be appointed immediately into a higher office by the Federal Government due to her wealth of experience, capacity and integrity as a reward for her legacies at the Institution.
They commended her on her achievements while in office and prayed that God would give her more life so that she could reap the fruit of her labour.
Uzo Ugwunze is of the Anambra State Ministry of Information.
A.
-February 09, 2024 @ 11:40 GMT|
Tags: Dr. Francisca Nwafulugo Dr. Izuchukwu Onu Dr. Kenneth Ezekwe Dr. Nwabu Ezemba Obini Onuchukwu Rev. Canon Emmanuel Ogudoro
