NEWS
FUTO 38th Convocation: “You Can Serve God and Excel Academically” – Pastor Celebrates FUTO First-Class Graduate’s Multiple Awards.
The 38th Convocation Ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, was marked by celebration, academic excellence, and inspiring achievements as graduates from various faculties were honoured for their outstanding performances.
Among the distinguished graduates was Umunna Kingsley Izuchukwu, whose remarkable academic accomplishments brought immense joy to his family, church, friends, and well wishers. Kingsley graduated with First-Class Honours and emerged as one of the institution’s most celebrated graduates, receiving several prestigious awards in recognition of his exceptional academic performance.
His awards included: Dean’s Award (SAAT) – Best Graduating Student in the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology. Professor Chigozie Cyril Asiabaka Prize – Best Graduating Student in the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology. PMF Best Graduating Student Award (SAAT) – Best Graduating Student in the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology. Chief and Lolo Godwin Uwalaka Eze Prize (Endowed by their son, Prof. C.C. Eze) – Best Graduating Student in the Department of Agricultural Economics.
Other outstanding students who distinguished themselves academically were also recognized and honoured during the ceremony.
A major highlight of the convocation was the Convocation Lecture delivered by the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who called for the transformation of Nigeria’s universities of technology into innovation driven institutions capable of accelerating industrial growth, technological advancement, and sustainable national development.
Addressing a distinguished gathering of academics, policymakers, students, industry leaders, and stakeholders, the governor emphasized that universities of technology must move beyond their traditional role of awarding degrees and evolve into centres of innovation, entrepreneurship, research commercialization, and technological solutions.
Senator Uzodimma noted that institutions such as FUTO were established to serve as catalysts for scientific and technological development and should therefore be empowered to drive innovation, create employment opportunities, and provide practical solutions to national challenges.
He stressed the importance of stronger collaboration among government, academia, and industry, observing that countries that have successfully integrated their universities into innovation ecosystems have become global leaders in technology and economic development.
Drawing examples from world renowned institutions such as Stanford University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Carnegie Mellon University Africa, and the Indian Institutes of Technology, the governor urged Nigerian universities to adopt models that prioritize industry partnerships, cutting edge research, entrepreneurial education, and innovation based learning.
While acknowledging the immense potential of Nigerian universities of technology, he identified challenges including outdated curricula, limited industry engagement, and weak research commercialization frameworks as factors hindering their global competitiveness.
The governor, however, commended FUTO for its significant contributions to technological education, research, innovation, and manpower development. He praised the institution’s ongoing digital transformation initiatives, infrastructure development projects, and strategic partnerships, describing the university as one of Nigeria’s leading technological institutions.
As part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the state government and the university, Senator Uzodimma announced plans to expand the Imo Digital City initiative, establish a technology park, and support startup incubation and entrepreneurship programmes across the state.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of FUTO, Professor Nnenna Oti, described the convocation lecture as timely and highly relevant, emphasizing that innovation and technology remain critical drivers of economic growth and national competitiveness in today’s rapidly evolving world.
She commended Governor Uzodimma for delivering a thought provoking lecture and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing research, innovation, and technological excellence in line with its mandate as a leading federal institution.
Meanwhile, members of the Oldtime Christians Church, where Umunna Kingsley Izuchukwu worships, joined family members and friends in celebrating his remarkable academic success.
Speaking during a church service, the Senior Pastor, Alozie Onyebuchi praised Kingsley for his dedication, discipline, and commitment to excellence, noting that he graduated with a First-Class degree and received multiple awards, including the Vice-Chancellor’s recognition, while maintaining an impressive Grade Point Average of 4.76.
According to the pastor, Kingsley’s achievement demonstrates that it is possible to combine spiritual commitment with academic excellence.
“It is a wonderful achievement. It underscores the fact that you can serve God faithfully and still take your academics and responsibilities seriously. Excellence is what we preach and encourage among our young people,” the pastor said.
He urged students within the church to remain focused on their studies and make the most of the opportunities provided by their parents and guardians.
“We encourage our children to always do their best. Do not waste the opportunities, resources, and sacrifices your parents are making for your education. One of the greatest qualities of excellence is understanding that there is always room for improvement in every area of life,” he added.
The cleric further described Kingsley’s success as a source of pride to the church and an inspiration to younger students.
“Umunna Kingsley has made the church proud through this outstanding achievement and First-Class honour. It is a great testimony, and we return all the glory to God,” he stated.
The 38th Convocation Ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, concluded successfully, celebrating academic excellence, innovation, and the achievements of graduates who have distinguished themselves through hard work and dedication.
For Umunna Kingsley Izuchukwu, the occasion marked the culmination of years of commitment and perseverance, while his exceptional achievements stand as an inspiration to students across Nigeria, demonstrating that excellence, discipline, and determination remain the pathway to success.
NEWS
Christine Fajigbesi Celebrates Alhaja Ganiyat Balogun With Heartfelt Birthday Tribute
Ms. Christine Ijeoma Fajingbesi has celebrated Alhaja Ganiyat Balogun on her birthday, describing her as more than a friend, but a sister, mentor and a woman whose kindness has made a lasting impact on her life.
Speaking during the celebration, Ms. Christine said the Balogun family has been exceptionally good to her, adding that words alone cannot adequately express how much she loves and appreciates Alhaja Ganiyat.
She described the celebrant as a special person whose presence in her life is deeply valued, expressing gratitude for the love, care and support she has received from the family.
According to her, as Alhaja Ganiyat begins another chapter of her life, her greatest prayer is that God will continue to bless everything she does, elevate her to greater heights, promote her in every area of life and grant her the desires of her heart.
Ms. Christine further wished her friend and sister many more years of happiness, peace, good health, prosperity and fulfilment.
Earlier, Alhaja Ganiyat Balogun expressed profound gratitude to Allah for the gift of another year, reflecting on the journey that brought her to the present moment.
In a heartfelt message, she thanked Allah for seeing her through every hurdle, difficult season and challenging moment that tested her strength. She acknowledged that there were times when she felt weak, but said Allah continually gave her the strength to move forward and the grace to reach another milestone in her life.
She expressed deep appreciation for the gift of life, divine protection, mercy and guidance, thanking Allah for never allowing her to walk alone.
“Ya Allah, thank You for keeping me and allowing me to witness another beautiful year,” she said in gratitude.
As she begins this new chapter, Ms. Christine prayed that Alhaja Ganiyat’s life would be filled with peace, continuous growth, genuine happiness and countless blessings.
The celebration was therefore not only a birthday milestone, but also a heartfelt expression of love, gratitude and appreciation for a woman whose impact has touched the lives of those around her.
NEWS
Love, Gratitude and a Long Awaited Surprise: Mrs. Precious Chidinma Nzeribe Celebrates Husband
Mrs. Precious Chidinma Nzeribe on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, pulled off a heartfelt surprise birthday celebration for her husband, describing the experience as both challenging and deeply rewarding.
According to Mrs. Nzeribe, planning the surprise was particularly difficult because she and her husband are extremely close and practically share every aspect of their lives. She explained that they normally plan and do things together, making it difficult to keep anything from him without raising suspicion.
“We always do things together and plan together. There is practically nothing we don’t share in common, so it was difficult for me to surprise him. But I thank God I was able to succeed,” she said emotionally.
Speaking with journalists during the celebration, Mrs. Nzeribe revealed that the surprise was not a spontaneous idea but one she had conceived and attempted several times over the years without success.
She explained that despite the challenges and circumstances that had prevented her from bringing the idea to reality in previous years, she was determined to make this year’s celebration happen.
She described her husband as a man who has been exceptionally loving, supportive and selfless, saying his impact on her life cannot be measured.
“He has been more than nice to me. He has carried me more like a child. He is practically the air I breathe. Everything I do is him, and how far I have gone is largely because of him. I think he deserves this and much more.”
Describing the qualities she admires most in her husband, Mrs. Nzeribe said he possesses a genuinely kind heart and is a devoted husband and father who consistently puts the needs of others before his own.
She noted that his willingness to sacrifice for others and his concern for people’s wellbeing are among the qualities that make him exceptional.
“He is a very nice person. He has a very good heart. He is a good father to his children and a good husband. He is the kind of person who prioritises other people’s needs, sometimes even above his own,” she said.
As she celebrated her husband, Mrs. Nzeribe offered heartfelt prayers for his future, asking God to bless him with many more years of life, good health, financial prosperity and every good thing he deserves.
She also prayed that God would reward him abundantly for the countless ways he has been a blessing not only to her and their family, but also to people who may never have been able to repay his kindness.
“I wish him many blissful years ahead. I pray that God will bless him financially and health wise and give him every good thing in life. The way he has been a blessing to me and to other people he has never known, I pray that God will bless him in the same way and even more.”
The celebration ultimately became more than a birthday surprise, it was a touching expression of love, gratitude and appreciation from a wife to a husband she considers her greatest support system.
For Mrs. Nzeribe, the occasion was an opportunity to celebrate not just another year in her husband’s life, but the man whose love, sacrifice and unwavering support have played a significant role in her journey.
NEWS
Henry Onyema Madubuike Unveils “Osiri,” a Novel Exploring Ancestral Heritage, Reincarnation and Cultural Identity
Renowned author Henry Onyema Madubuike has released Osiri, a novel that explores the profound relationship between a people’s origins, their ancestral covenant with the supernatural, and the enduring mysteries of incarnation and reincarnation.
The novel presents a compelling narrative that examines how the choices and agreements made by ancestors continue to shape the identity, destiny and collective consciousness of future generations. Through rich storytelling, Osiri invites readers to reflect on the enduring influence of ancestral heritage and the spiritual foundations upon which societies are built.
Beyond its exploration of spirituality and cultural traditions, Osiri delves into universal themes of love, life, death and rebirth. The novel portrays these experiences as interconnected aspects of human existence, illustrating how relationships, sacrifices and enduring bonds transcend generations.
A central theme of the book is the significance of intimacy and human connection, emphasizing the role of love and relationships in sustaining families, communities and cultural continuity. It also highlights how ancestral values and traditions continue to shape social structures, preserve historical narratives and define the identity of a people.
According to the author, Osiri seeks to inspire readers to appreciate the importance of cultural heritage while provoking deeper reflection on the spiritual dimensions of existence and humanity’s connection to its past.
Through its blend of history, culture, spirituality and compelling storytelling, Osiri offers readers an engaging literary experience that celebrates African traditions while raising timeless questions about destiny, identity and the enduring influence of ancestral covenants.
“Osiri is a novel that delves into the intricate connections between a people’s foundation, their ancestors’ covenant with the supernatural and the realms of incarnation and reincarnation.
Exploring themes of love, life death and rebirth, it reflects also the deep-rooted importance of the bond of intimacy.
It also explores the idea that a people’s identity and destiny are tied to their ancestors’ agreement with supernatural forces, preserving historical narratives, cultural practices and social structure and the importance of ancestral heritage.” — Henry Onyema Madubuike
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