By Tony Adibe
The Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu has signed a memorandum of understanding for the building of the Umuadaigbo Nigeria and in Diaspora International Women Development Centre, Chair on Igbo Language and Culture, a Guest House and Event Centre.
The execution of the projects, which are expected to commence in March this year will be sited at the main campus of the University at Ugwuomu, Nike, in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State. The founder and President of the association, Lolo Kate Ezeofor, who endorsed the documents for Umuadaigbo said the organisation would equally construct parking lots at strategic site of the University.
Lolo Ezeofor called for the introduction of physical and virtual teaching of Igbo Language in the institution to further promote the language. “I wish to express the appreciation of Umuadaigbo to the management of the University for approving the collaboration and pledge that this organisation will not disappoint the University,” she said.
Responding, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Rev Fr Prof Christian Anieke said that any cultural group without the women at the centre will lose its identity. Rev Fr Prof Anieke explained that Godfrey Okoye University Enugu represented something new in the academia, stressing that the institution provided a space for the celebration of culture as the university has cultural dialogue as one of its three key points.
“Umuadaigbo represent the future of the Igbo culture and I call on all Igbo citizens to identify with the University as Umuadaigbo have done,” the Vice Chancellor said. Rev. Fr Prof Anieke expressed the belief that the projects would be completed in a standard that would last for generations.
NewsBits learnt that the event also witnessed the adoption of the University ‘s Director for Gender Affairs, Dr. Mrs. Pat Allison as a member of Umuadaigbo Nigeria and in Diaspora.
