Two major stakeholders in Ikwo local Government Area, Ikwo Noyo Youth Consultative Forum and Odumaogboji Ancestral Dynasty, and the Forum of former Local Government Chairmen in Ebonyi State (2013-2015) have vowed to support the administration of the Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Prof. Sunday Elom, for overall development of the University.



The 3 groups disclosed this yesterday during their visits meant to congratulate Prof. Elom on his emergence as the 3rd Vice-Chancellor of the University.


VC, Prof. Sunday Elom (c) in a group photograph with executive of the Ikwo Noyo Youth Consultative Forum
While speaking during their visit, the President Ikwo Noyo Youth Consultative Forum, Mr. Friday Ilang, noted that the visit was to congratulate Prof. Elom on his meritorious appointment as the 3rd Vice-Chancellor and the first Ebonyian to occupy the position in the University.



He extolled the Vice-Chancellor for his achievements since his assumption of office, noting that evidence shows that he has hit the ground running.

He said: ‘’We appreciate your contributions to the peace, security and development of the university within this short period you have stayed in office, and we have come to assure you of our readiness to partner with you in achieving your set goals and give the University a face-lift of global standard’’.

Mr. Ilang explained that the Forum is an apex body of all Ikwo Youths, cutting across the twenty five wards in five principal communities of Ikwo Clan and plays a complementary role to the parent body; Ikwo Development Union (IDU), in areas of security, peace and human capital development of Ikwo Local Government Area, and pledged to ensure peace, security and all-round development in the University.

Continuing, the President mentioned that the cultural peculiarity of the host community does not negate the activities of institution, adding that it is important for the body to make available some literatures on their socio-cultural history to the University Community; to enable staff and students of sociology, history and other relevant disciplines to conduct further researches on their historical development.


VC, Prof. Sunday Elom (C )in group photograph with representatives of the Odumaogbojii Ancestral Dynasty led by Barr. Kelechi Mbam
He further expressed their indebtedness to the Vice-Chancellor for appointing their sons and daughters into some strategic positions in the University, while also soliciting for more in the areas of job and admission opportunities.



Meanwhile, the Odumaogbojii Ancestral Dynasty has also pledged their unalloyed support to the Vice-Chancellor, promising to maintain peace and harmony in the University community.

Speaking on behalf of the dynasty, Barr. Kelechi Mbam, noted that the family owns about 40% of the land where the university is situated, stressing that they were happy the university is sited in Ikwo community because it will bring development closer to their people.

He added that though they have not been compensated by government, the family still maintains peaceful disposition towards the university and pleaded with the Vice-Chancellor to use alternative disputes resolution strategies to resolve the impasse as it will ensure a win-win situation for all parties.


VC, Prof. Sunday Elom (c) in a group photograph with representatives of the Forum of former Chairmen of Local Government in Ebonyi State (2013-2015) led by Egr. Jeff Ogbu
Similarly, Engr. Dr. Jeff Ogbu, speaking on behalf of the Forum of former Local Government Chairmen in Ebonyi State-2013-2015 during their visit, noted that they were pleased with the appointment of Prof, Elom as the Vice-Chancellor of the University.



He also stated that the Forum is composed of professionals and experts in different fields of life, adding that the Vice-Chancellor can count on them and utilize their diverse expertise in the development of the University.

The Vice-Chancellor while responding to their presentations; thanked them for finding time to visit him, and assured of his commitment to partnering with them in maintaining peace and harmony in the university.

He noted that the University has maintained a mutual relationship with her host community and other strategic stakeholders, and his office always be receptive to new ideas and advice.


Forum of former Local Government of Ebonyi state (2013-2015) making a presentation to the Vice-Chancellor
On the issue of employment, the Vice-Chancellor noted that there is a Federal Government embargo on employment but assured them of his commitment to employing qualified members of the host community when the embargo is lifted.



Prof Elom further urged the host community to continue to maintain peaceful disposition towards the University until the issue of compensation is resolved by the appropriate authorities to avoid breakdown of law and order in the University community.

Imagine Ikwo people developing Funai. Una never ready