-By Pastor Joseph Obaro IKUPA (Worldwide Publicity Secretary)

The Worldwide President of the Ambrose Alli University Alumni Association Worldwide, Ekpoma, Dr. Clifford Omozeghian yesterday Sunday 10th September 2023 inaugurated the Ikeja branch of the association with Calistus Onwura as the branch Chairman.

The event which took place at Dover Hotel, 14, Aromire Street, Off Adeniyi Jones, by Allen Avenue junction, Ikeja Lagos, attracted many graduates of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, resident in Lagos.

-Dr. Clifford Omozeghian Esq, President, AAU Alumni Association Worldwide, Ekpoma.

In his address, the Worldwide President, Dr. Clifford Omozeghian stated that the role of the alumni association in fostering peace, unity and development among its members and their alma mater, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma cannot be overemphasized. He added that the alumni association exists to foster Fellowship, positive cooperation, mutual understanding, and exclusive comersdeship amongst former students of the institution, to cater for legitimate interests of members and to serve as official link between the Ambrose Alli University, its alumni and the general public.

Dr. Omozeghian delved into the history of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma from its establishment in 1981 by Professor Ambrose Folorunso Alli, the then Governor of Bendel State to the present day noting that it has metamorphosed from Bendel State University to Edo State University in 1991 and the to Ambrose Alli University as it is known today. He announced that at 42 the university has come of age having produced two state governors in Ben Ayade of Cross River State, and Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, three Federal Ministers in Clem Agba former Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Arch Mike Onolemenmen Former Minister of State, Defence and later Minister of Works, and Festus Keyamo (SAN) Minister of Aviation. A Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mrs. Cordellia Agbebaku (Late) and Prof. Jude Aigbe Agho respectively, numerous Senior Advocates of Nigeria. Professors, captains of industries, reputable Clergy men, including the popular televangelist Chris Oyakhilome and a host of others.

-A cross section of alumni members at the inauguration of the Ikeja branch.

He congratulated members of the new branch and charge them to be committed to the growth of the association. He noted that the alumni constitution allows multiple branches in a state and the Ikeja branch is the second in Lagos State and more will be inaugurated in due course.

Earlier in his address, the Secretary , Board of Trustees, Prof. Omi Ujuambi, a former President of the alumni association, stated that the current Worldwide President enjoys a robust relationship with the board of Trustees hence he is part of the team for the inauguration of the new branch. He urged the members to be good ambassadors of the university and to defend the interest and image of the university at all times. He informed the gathering that while he was the Worldwide President of the association five years ago in 2018, he led the present Worldwide President who was then the Editor-in-Chief, of the association to Lagos to inaugurate the Lagos branch.

–Mr. Calistus Onwura the Ikeja branch Chairman delivering his welcome address during the inauguration.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the newly inaugurated Ikeja branch expressed appreciation to the Worldwide President and his entourage and assured the gathering that the branch will grow in leaps and bounds. He also enumerated the benefits of belonging to the alumni association which the members have already started harnessing.

The high points of the ceremony were the presentation of Certificate of Recognition to the new branch by the Worldwide President, the swearing in of the new EXCO members by the Worldwide Legal Adviser, Barr. Presley Okojie and the proposition of toast to the good health of the new branch by the Worldwide Publicity Secretary and Chairman Committee on Creation of new branches, Pastor J. O. Ikupa.

Also present at the ceremony were Comrade Alfred Oloni, Ex-officio Member AAU Alumni Association Worldwide, Elvis Iyamu, President, AAU Law Class of 1999, and a host of other members of the alumni association. The other Exco Members sworn in with the branch Chairman include Elder Moore Branch Secretary, Mrs. Okagbue Vice Chairman,

Others were the Legal Adviser, the Financial Secretary, the Publicity Secretary, the Treasurer, the Editor-in-Chief, and the Welfare Secretary.