By Victor Ukandu, AwkaThe University of Nigeria Nsukka Alumni Association (UNAA), Awka Branch has elected Professor Nkechinyere Nwokoye as President to pilot the affairs of the association for the next two years.
Nwokoye, a Professor of Igbo Language and Literature, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, had served as vice president of the association for the past four years.
Similarly, Comrade Ogemdi Ozoemenam, outgone Public Relations Officer of the association, seasoned journalist and current PRO, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Anambra State Chapter, emerged as Vice-President UNAA Awka Branch.
Again, the immediate past President of the Branch and current National Secretary of the association, Associate Professor Chinedu Mbalisi, becomes the Ex-Officio member of the new executives.
Other members of the new executives are Ugochukwu Anigbogu (Secretary), Theophilus Ikegwu (Assistant Secretary), Dr. Ndu Okafor (Treasurer), Ekeh Ifeyinwa (Financial Secretary), Uchenna Ezeadigwe, anipr (Public Relations Officer), Okoli Justina Nkechi (Social Secretary), Onyeka Augustine (Provost) and Barr. Joy Edeogu (Legal Adviser).
The election which was conducted through a keenly contested secret ballot system, held on Wednesday at the Dulce Centre, Awka during the branch’s general meeting and attracted a large turnout of members.
The Chairman of the Electoral Committee and former President of the Association, Comrade Leo Imoka, described the election as peaceful, credible and a step in the right direction.
He charged the elected officials to bring their wealth of experience to bear in taking the association to greater heights
Comrade Imoka advised them to strengthen the association’s visibility and intensify efforts towards expanding its membership.
According to him, while many members currently work in institutions such as Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, there is a need to reach out to UNN alumni serving in government, the private sector and other professional fields.
In her acceptance, the newly elected President UNAA Awka Branch, Professor Nkechinyere Nwokoye appreciated members for the confidence reposed in her and the newly elected executives.
She commended the Electoral Committee, led by Comrade Leo Imoka, for conducting a credible and transparent election.
“I served under Comrade Leo Imoka as Vice President in 2010, and he has always been committed to the growth of the alumni association. We sincerely appreciate him and his team for a job well done,” she said.
Professor Nwokoye thanked members for electing the new leadership and appealed for their continued support.
She called for unity among members and urged the new executive council to work collectively in expanding the association’s membership base across Awka and beyond.
“We cannot succeed without your support. We appreciate the confidence you have placed in us and ask for your continued cooperation as we work together to move the association forward.
“We have a large population of UNN alumni in Awka. This is an opportunity to embark on an aggressive membership drive, unite our members, and continue to give glory to God for His faithfulness,” she said.
Prof Nwokoye further paid glowing tribute to predecessor and current National Secretary UNAA, Asso. Prof Chinedu Mbalisi, describing him as a visionary leader whose immense contributions have strengthened the association.
“He is a man of great capacity who has contributed immensely to the growth and development of this association. We appreciate his leadership and commitment.”###
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