Encomiums as Prince Akano bows out in grand style.
...Global IMSU Graduates Alumni hold End of Year Party.
Emmanuel Clement.
In what can be described as an ambience of special recognition, it was celebration galore as friends, family and dignitaries drawn from different walks of life gathered to shower encomium on the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state on Secondary Education Management Board (SEMB) Prince Ezeala Ferdinand Akano as the Global IMSU Graduates Alumni Lagos Chapter celebrated him for his outstanding leadership as the immediate past National Global President of the Alumni on the 26th of November, 2023.
Politicians, business associates, elites and allies all thronged the MAN House Ikeja to celebrate another fruitful year, pay tribute to some distinguished leaders and recognized the outstanding contributions of Prince Akano and other individuals who have left an indelible mark in the society.
The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Duru Ugochukwu John Kennedy, Dr Stephen Olawale Fasakim, National Chairman Association of Nigeria Universities Alumni, Prince Dr Chris Akano, Ambassador Esinaulo Ugochukwu, along with the Board of Trustees Chairman Patrick Chikwendu Akushie, and others, took turns to eulogize Prince Ferdinand Akano.
In his speech, Amb. Esinaulo Ugochukwu, Chairman Global IMSU Graduates Alumni Lagos Chapter applauded the selfless contributions of Prince Akano who he said had been an instrument to the growth and stability of the Lagos Chapter, emphasizing his visionary leadership, commitment to unity and tireless efforts in ensuring that the alumni is second to none.
He further stated that the chapter had always been in the forefront of berthing social and educational activities, committed to fostering personal growth, camaraderie and the overall advancement of the alumni.
“Today, we celebrate our chapter, Lagos Power House of our great and global alumni which is a beacon of unity and collective success, standing strong with over 110 dedicated memberships.
“Our chapter is a vibrant community committed to fostering personal growth and the overall advancement of our esteemed alumni, we have gathered here to celebrate success, greatness, achievements, outstanding leadership of Prince Ferdinand Akano, our immediate past chapter Chairman and National President of our alumni.
“We will also extend our recognition to some notable personalities for their contributions to human development, community service, humanitarian efforts and entrepreneurship. Their stories inspire us and reinforce our belief in humanity and human relationship, principles that define the Global IMSU Graduates Alumni,” he stated.
The Relationship Ambassador maintained that Prince Ferdinand Akano is a humble, fulfilled man, a goal getter of repute and one who appreciates relationship.
In the same vein, the current National Global President of the alumni Dr Anayo Chukwunonye Uhiara said that Prince Akano had helped to open the alumni for quality membership and impact in the institution, stressing that he would leverage on the foundation and wealth of experience he has laid.
He added that based on the lessons he has learnt from the outgoing president, he has been able to donate 20 computers,10 printers and has attracted an agency known as Imo River Basin Authority to take up some projects as far as infrastructure is concerned.
The Chairman of the occasion Chief Duru Ugochukwu described the celebrant as an emerging colossus who has touched and impacted so many lives, and has repositioned the alumni through his transformational approach to governance.
Chief Ugochukwu who is the CEO of John Kennedy Group of Companies, highlighted Prince Akano’s role as a silent achiever, a worthy ambassador during his time as National President of Global IMSU Graduates Alumni while praising him for his dedication, perseverance, and achievements.
He urged the new leadership to be objectives and always follow the footsteps of Prince Akano who he said is a man of peace.
In his response, Prince Ferdinand Akano expressed gratitude to God Almighty for having spared his life and given him wisdom, even as he commended the alumni for celebrating his achievements, emphasizing that leadership is about selfless service to humanity.
He thanked his executives for their support during his tenure, acknowledging that his achievements were collective. He pledged to continue contributing his quota to the alumni any day and anytime.
Prince Akano appealed to all those who are still aggrieved to sheath their swords and embrace peace so as to move the alumni forward, stating that as far as he is concerned, lmo state University Alumni is no longer in vogue, rather the Global IMSU Graduates Alumni has come to stay and it is recognized by the lmo state government, the management and staff of Imo State University.
He urged them that rather than wasting their resources in court cases, inject it into the alumni for the betterment of their children and the school.
Amb. Patrick Akushie, Chairman Board of Trustees, in a vote of thanks, commended the celebrant for his distinguished service, tracing his exemplary leadership back to his students days, noting that Prince Akano is a conscientious leader and an overall phenomenal being as he has illuminated the path for others to follow.
Highlight of the event were presentation of excellence merit awards to some notable personalities for their contributions including, Eze Ambassador Nicholas Emenike Njoku (Traditional and Cultural leadership award), Ambassador Bede Ihekaire (Community Service award), Duru Ugochukwu John Kennedy (Business leadership award), Engr. Blessing Oseghale (Philanthropic and Humanitarian service award), Ambassador Kanayo Iwuchukwu (Corporate leadership award), High chief Michael Onuoha (Business innovation and life partnership award), Dr Patrick Akushie, (Corporate leadership award), amongst others.
