The Abia State Government has celebrated the 90th birthday of Emeritus Professor Benson Omenihu Oluikpe, renowned Abia-born academic and educationist.
Speaking at the event held in Umuahia on Saturday, October 31, 2026, His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, OFR, described the celebrant as a gentleman of humility and an accomplished academic whose contributions to education and humanity deserve recognition.
Governor Otti disclosed that his late father had always regarded Professor Oluikpe as a role model, recalling how his father, a pastor, consistently encouraged his children to excel academically and become professors like Oluikpe, whom he described as a distinguished teacher and scholar.
Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to celebrating excellence and honouring distinguished individuals for their contributions to society, stressing that his government believes in recognising people while they are alive rather than waiting until after their death.
“For us in Abia State, we believe in celebrating excellence, and I am glad that we are here celebrating Prof. at 90,” Gov. Otti stated.
The State Chief Executive criticised the practice of spending lavishly on funerals and erecting magnificent buildings for people who were denied such honour while alive, noting that such posthumous celebrations often amount to celebrating oneself rather than the deceased.
“There is no better time to celebrate a man like Prof. Oluikpe than when he is alive, when he is participating in the programme,” Governor Otti said.
The Governor explained that celebrating achievers would inspire younger generations to strive for excellence, knowing that their State would appreciate their accomplishments.
Governor Otti further disclosed that the State Government will honour another distinguished Abian, Professor Achilefu, an internationally recognised inventor from Obingwa Local Government Area, during a planned celebration in December. He explained that the professor developed an innovative technology that enables surgeons to identify and precisely target cancer cells during treatment, an invention that has attracted international attention.
Responding, Professor Oluikpe expressed profound appreciation to Governor Otti and the Abia State Government for the honour, describing the celebration as a dream he could hardly believe.
He recalled encountering Governor Otti in 2013 during the silver jubilee celebration of Enyimba City Church (ECC), when Dr. Otti was still a renowned banker, and said he was particularly touched that the Governor remembered how his late mother used to prepare meals for him whenever he accompanied his father to their family home.
“Dear Governor, the Bible says, honour your father and your mother, that your days may be long. You have honoured me; may God honour you,” he prayed.
Professor Oluikpe urged Abians to support the Governor’s development agenda and encouraged the Governor to remain focused on delivering good governance for which Abia has become a reference point.
He cautioned against sycophancy, urging people to always tell leaders the truth rather than merely saying what they want to hear.
Earlier, in his sermon during the thanksgiving service at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Umuoriehi, Umuahia, Pastor Dr. Enyinnaya Kalu Uguru, who spoke on the theme, “Nine Meaningful Decades: Built by Grace and by Faith,” said a meaningful life is one anchored in God’s grace and sustained by faith.
He described 90 years as a remarkable milestone attainable only by God’s grace, noting that Professor Oluikpe devoted his lifetime to meaningful pursuits that positively impacted society.
He described the celebrant as a vision-driven personality whose contributions to education have touched many lives, particularly through his widely acclaimed textbooks, Intensive English used in secondary schools, and Use of English adopted by Universities, which have continued to influence generations of students.
In their goodwill messages, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, Arc. Dan Nwankwo, and the Vice Chancellor of Clifford University, Professor Chimezie Omeonu, commended Emeritus Professor Oluikpe for his outstanding contributions to scholarship, mentorship and human development, describing him as a humble, respectful and dedicated academic who has continued to mentor younger scholars.
They praised his discipline, integrity and enduring legacy, while praying for more years of good health and fulfilment for him.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State
October 31, 2026.
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