UI HONOURS OKOWA’S WIFE WITH A MULTIPURPOSE AUDITORIUM

The University of Ibadan Alumni Association has honoured the wife of the Governor of Delta
State, Dame Edith Okowa with a multimillion naira auditorium on Saturday, 03 October, 2020.
At the occasion, the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa ably represented by
the Secretary to the Delta State Government, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, whose late father, a Professor of
psychiatry, former staff of the University of Ibadan and former Chief Medical Director,
University of Benin, was full of gratitude to the Association for “recognising his wife’s modest
efforts to change our world through her pet project, the 05 Initiative, a non-governmental
organisation with the vision of bringing succour to the poor and vulnerable and giving them hope
for a better future.”
According to the Governor, “since inception five years ago, the 05 Initiative has successfully
operated feeding programme for the hungry, provided shelter for orphans and offered free
medicare for the indigents. By far, its biggest project yet was the establishment of 14 sickle cell
centres including a Referral Centre in Asaba, within a short period of time.”
Senator Okowa stated that this recognition will motivate his wife to do more, stressing that his
family cherishes the recognition from the University of Ibadan, the premier University and one
of the most prestigious universities in the world.
“As people who have been in the public eye for a considerable period, we are frequently
bombarded with all manner of awards from sundry organisations. But it feels different and
special when the recognition is coming from peers, colleagues, or one’s alma mater. And today’s
event is much more than mere recognition; it is an immortalisation of an individual. I thank you
for recognizing my wife’s modest efforts to change our world.”
“As we formally commission this auditorium, we pledge our continued support to every initiative
that will improve the learning climate in this great institution. As the premier university in this
country, the University of Ibadan must do everything to maintain its frontrunner status among
universities in this country,”
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan and Chairman of the occasion, Prof.
Abel Idowu Olayinka said the University of Ibadan is proud of its alumni who are spread all over
the world.
“We are proud of our alumni everywhere. The only way you can measure your products is where
they are. UI alumni are in government, judiciary, politics, corporate organisations and host of
others. Governors of Kano, Borno, Cross River, Delta and his wife, Edo State, irrespective of
whatever anybody says in the media, Adesola Adeduntan of the Firstbank, Jubril Aminu, of this
world and so on are from UI.
“The greatest joy is to see you. I have never met a Uite who is not proud of UI. Continue to use
your talent for the glory of UI.”

The VC thanked the President of UIAA, Prof. Elsie Adewoye and her executive council for all
their efforts towards the progress of the Alumni Association, noting that the Executive Governor
of Delta State, Senator Okowa and his wife are distinguished alumni of the institution who have
been consistent in their immense contributions towards the growth of the University of Ibadan.
He lamented the underfunding of the University by its proprietor, the Federal Government which
makes the University to look for extra source of funding.
“Even the government which is our proprietor could not fund us very well. We cannot but thank
the alumni for giving back to their University.”
For Prof. Adewoye, the President of UIAA worldwide, the honoree has over the years proven to
be a distinguished and worthy alumna of the institution.
“As a staff in the Delta State Public Service, she was exemplary in her conduct and applied
herself diligently to her primary assignment as a teacher necessitating her rising to the pinnacle
of her career as a Permanent Secretary. She has also been using her 05 initiative to reach out
orphans, those in prison custody and some medically challenged persons. No doubt, a
worthwhile initiative for which we are proud of.”
The Governor later commissioned the multipurpose hall named ‘Dame Edith Okowa
Multipurpose Auditorium’, unveiled and launched the compendium of Who’s Who: University
of Ibadan (1948-2018) Vol. I with the sum of Five Million Naira (N5,000,000.00).
Present at the occasion were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Adebola Ekanola;
Immediate Past President, University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Dr. Kemi Emina; Mr.
Olatunji Oladejo, Director of Public Communication and members of the executive council of
the association.