NDU VC Presents Heroism From The Margin
By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa, Trek Africa Newspaper
A Book titled “Heroism From The Margin: The Story Of Samuel Gowon Edoumiekumo, Vice Chancellor Niger Delta University written by Professor Benedict Binebai has been launched and presented to the public.
The launch and public presentation of the book held at the Tamara Hall Even Centre along Otiotio road, Yenizue-Gene in Yenagoa under the Chairmanship of Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, Secretary General Committee of Vice Chancellors of , Nigerian Universities on Saturday, May 21, 2022.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, said the book succinctly highlight the achievements of the five years stewardship of the 4th Vice Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Professor Samuel Gowon Edoumiekumo who has distinguished himself as a brilliant, performing scholar and an astute university administrator.
The Chairman of the occasion described Professor Edoumiekumo as a selfless and inspirational leader that have positively inspired others.and commended him for the excellent leadership he has offered the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities.
The book reviewer, Professor Femi Okiremuete Shaka,former Dean Faculty of Humanities, University of Port Harcourt informed that the story of Professor Samuel Gowon Edoumiekumo is written in fifteen chapters with a forward written by the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Barr. Kingsley Burutu Otuato. He described the book as a biographical studies which exist for documentation of the activities of important people that have socio-political and economic impact and guide others in their life endeavours which he said changes history.
The book reviewer said the Author chronicles the birth of Professor Edoumiekumo in Burutu, schools attended, work experience as a banker before veering into academics and his leaders touch which has brought phenomenal transformation to Niger Delta University.
The book reviewer said the book document the achievements of Professor Edoumienkumo five years on the saddle as the Vice Chancellor to include establishment of more faculties and departments, accreditation of seventy programmes, technological breakthroughs in construction of an overcraft, invention of engine without the use of diesel or fuel, regular power supply and twenty four hours water supply on campus and production of table water, bread, detergents, NDU Radio, construction of perimeter fence, building of shopping mall on campus, completion of NDU–Chevron sponsored demonstration secondary school among other technological breakthroughs.
According to the book reviewer, the choice of selecting leaders to strategic positions as Vice Chancellor of a University should be based on competence as demonstrated by Professor Samuel Edoumiekumo in his five years administration of the University.
Professor Okiemnete Shaka said the style of writing employed by the author is very lucid and we’ll crafted to make understanding easy.
Professor Abiodun Adeyemo, Director Academic Planning presented the book.while Professor Oforo representing the Chairman of the occasion was the first to launch the book followed by other dignitaries.
Dr. Richard Ogbe read the citation of the book reviewer.
Students of NDU Theatre Arts Department performed and provided high level entertainment of guests at the event.
People from different walks of life, party stalwarts, captains of industries among others donated generously to launch the book.
Speaking to Journalists on the sidelines of the event, Professor Samuel Edoumiekumo commended Professor Benedict Binebai for documenting the achievements of his five years tenure.
He advised people to read the book to have a deep insight of what he has done to place NDU among the 200 best Universities in the world and thanked to the Governing Council for the support that have enabled him to successfully transform the University to compete favourably with the best Universities anywhere in the world.
On the issue of ASUU strike, he urged the Federal and State Governments to adequately fund Universities and meet the demands of ASUU in order to resolve the lingering strike..
