Anambra State born business mogul and the Chief Executive of Atlas Oranto Oil Limited, Chief Arthur Eze, has been appointed the new Chancellor of Ebonyi State University.
This followed the demise of the late elder statesman and former Chancellor of the University, Dr. Alex Ekwueme.
Governor David Umahi confirmed the appointment on Tuesday at the Akanu Ibiam International Conference Center, Abakaliki during official reception of the new Chancellor in the State.
The Governor who described Eze as a highly detribalized Nigerian with unequalled philanthropic disposition, noted that he has continued to impact lives positively across the globe.
He added that Chief Eze played significant role towards the creation of the State.and has continued to contribute to its political development, which qualified him for the honour.
Umahi further explained that the appointment was bestowed on Eze after due consultation with the University community and other stakeholders, adding that all of them approved the appointment with great enthusiasm.
Umahi said: “When I called the Vice Chancellor of the University and called the Pro-Chancellor and inquired who we can make the Chancellor following the death of Alex Ekwueme, may his soul rest in peace, they asked for some days to think about it…
“But when I uggested Eze n’Ukpo (Arthur Eze), they all leaped for joy.
“All of them, including my Cabinet members, the deputy Governor, party people, every body accepted.
“And when the Vice Chancellor went to the University to break the news, the students started singing and jubilating.
“Even the traditional rulers, when they received the news also, were very happy.”
Governor Umahi expressed optimism that the new Chancellor would bring greater innovations to the institution, adding that Chief Eze has remained a great support and motivation to his administration from its inception.
He added: “We want to thank you sir for accepting us the way we are.
“This is one man that never neglected Ebonyi State.”
Appreciating the Governor, Eze said he has built a very intimate relationship with the State over the years having being in the forefront of the agitation for the creation of the State.
He described Umahi as a compassionate and humanitarian leader who has the interest of the people at heart, adding that Ebonyi State, through him, has the best roads in the country.
He called on Ebonyi people to continue to throw their weight behind the Governor to achieve his well deserved return in 2019.
Chief Eze, however, called on Ebonyi people to support President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 general election, adding that he was the only person who would hand over power to the Igbos, come 2023
Eze said: “I want to ask all the traditional rulers and all Ebonyians to support your brother, the Governor, for a second term.
“He has brains.
“I wish to ask that we support the current President, Muhammadu Buhari.
“He is the one who will handover power to Ndi Igbo in 2023.”
The Ebonyi Traditional Tulers Council, led by its Chairman, Charles Mkpuma, adopted the event and bestowed a prestigious chieftaincy title of Dike Eji Eje Mba on the new Chancellor.
The Chancellor, during the visit which coincided with activities marking the celebration of his 70th birthday, had earlier performed the ground breaking ceremony of a new flyover bridge at Abaomege Junction in Onicha Local Government Srea of the State, led by the Governor and other stakeholders.
He also laid the foundation stone for the construction of an ultramodern housing estate by the State Government in collaboration with New Cruise Housing Development Limited.
Eze was later hosted to a State Dinner in celebration of his birthday.
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