From Maiharaji Altine Salah
The Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Professor Georgewill Owunary has said that the dinner organised by Gwandu Emirate in his honour remained a marvelous honour he had never received throughout his life.
In a statement, the Press Secretary to Governor Nasir Idris of kebbi state, Alhaji Ahmed Idris said the Vice Chancellor made the remarks during the dinner held at Abdullahi Fodio Palace in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday night.
Owunary, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Clifford Obiyo-Ofurun, described the dinner as the first of its kind throughout his life.
The Vice Chancellor admonished Nigerians on humility, unity and oneness towards building an enviable country.
He described the Emir as an embodiment of unity, peace and national cohesion, while thanking him for what he has been doing to not only the university but also the nation at large.
The VC presented a unique invitation to the Emir on behalf of the university to its 34th convocation ceremony which was expected to convocate about 13,800 students who would be awarded different types and classes of degrees.
Responding, the Emir, Major Gen Muhammadu Iliyasu-Bashar (retd) tasked Nigerians on sacrifice to keep Nigeria a united and indivisible nation.
The Monarch, who is also the Chairman, Kebbi state Council of Emirs and the Pro-Chacellor of University of Port Harcourt said: “This country is ours, we must therefore see ourselves as brothers and sisters.
“Nigeria is a big country and contains so much, we must sacrifice to keep it one.”
The monarch, who thanked God Almighty for giving him the opportunity to serve in different capacities across the nation also appreciated the VC and his subordinates for running the university smoothly.
The Emir who thanked the Kebbi State Governor Dr Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu) for supporting the dinner organised in honour of the delegates from the University, while equally prayed for the successful tenure of his administration.
The Emir also presented a souvenirs to the delegates and their wives.
Those in attendance were Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice Umar Abubakar, Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Dr. Junaidu Bello Mashall, Dr. Hali Bala, the chairman Governing Board Aliero State University of Science and Technology, the Hon.Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Garba Umar Dutsinmari and Majen Gwandu who was represented by Alhaji Muktar Sidi,
Others were, the Vice Chancellor of the State University Aliero, Deputy Vice Chancellor FUBK, Provost School of Nursing and sciences Birnin Kebbi, Rector state Polytechnic, Accountant General Alhaji Amirul Ballo Zoromawa, Gatan Gwandu Alhaji Faruku Kuru and the Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi State Governor, Ahmed Idris among others.
