Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has commended the Chancellor of Rhema University, Aba, Bro. Emma Okorie, for his vision and commitment in establishing the institution, describing it as a significant contribution to education and human capacity development.
Governor Otti gave the commendation on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the 9th to 13th Combined Convocation Ceremony of Rhema University, Aba, where he congratulated the graduands and applauded the University’s leadership for its contributions to academic excellence.
The Governor also commended distinguished academics of Abia origin, including Professor Ogwo E. Ogwo, whose contributions to University administration and academic development had earned him widespread respect.
The Governor particularly acknowledged Professor Ogwo’s service as Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University between 2000 and 2005, noting that Abia State is blessed with distinguished scholars and accomplished intellectuals.
“Our State is blessed with intellectuals, and our job is to create the enabling environment for people to excel in what they are doing,” Gov. Otti stated.
The State Chief Executive announced that the Abia State Government would host renowned Abia-born Professor of English Language, Prof. Benson Omenihu Oluikpe, on October 31, 2026, to celebrate his 90th birthday and recognise his immense contributions to scholarship.
Gov. Otti further disclosed that the State Government would also celebrate another distinguished Abia-born Professor of Biomedical Sciences based in the United States in December, adding that he had secured the scholar’s consent to return home for the occasion.
According to the Governor, the planned celebrations reflect the State Government’s commitment to honouring accomplished individuals whose contributions to knowledge and professional excellence have brought pride to Abia State.
The Governor also disclosed that the State Government would celebrate the 80th birthday of Professor Ogbonnaya Onwudike, Vice-Chancellor of Rhema University, next year.
He thanked the University for honouring Professor Nnenna Oti, whom he described as a distinguished academic and former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, whom God used to change the story of Abia State.
In his address, the Chancellor of Rhema University, President and Founder of Living Word Ministries International, Aba, Bro. Emma Okorie, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to equipping humanity with knowledge, sound character and values needed to make meaningful contributions to society.
Bro. Okorie emphasized that education must go beyond the acquisition of academic knowledge to include moral development, integrity and spiritual transformation.
“We are here to equip humanity with knowledge,” he said, stressing that true education should shape not only the intellect but also the heart, character, conduct and relationships of individuals.
He commended Professor Nnenna Oti for her resolve to uphold what is right, describing her conduct during the 2023 governorship election in Abia State that produced Governor Otti as an example of integrity and principled leadership.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Professor Ogwo E. Ogwo, said the institution was established to equip humanity and prepare graduates to contribute meaningfully to national and global development.
He expressed confidence that the graduands would uphold the university’s values and bring honour to their families and the institution in their respective fields.
Professor Ogwo announced that the university had produced its first set of medical doctors, describing the achievement as a major milestone in the institution’s development.
He reaffirmed the University’s zero-tolerance policy for cultism and other social vices, stressing its commitment to shaping future generations for excellence, and urged the graduands to take responsibility for creating positive change in society.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Rhema University, Professor Ogbonnaya Onwudike, commended Governor Otti for his visionary leadership, noting that his emergence had changed the trajectory of development in the State.
Professor Onwudike described the convocation as a testament to the transformation of lives and preparation of individuals to contribute meaningfully to society. He renewed his call for private Universities in Nigeria to benefit from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
Highlights of the event were the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on Sis. Chinyere Emma Okorie and Prof. Mrs. Nnenna Oti.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
October 24, 2026.
