DELSU’s Faculty of Arts, USA send-off Darah, others in style

The Faculty of Arts of the Delta State University, Abraka, on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, organised a Faculty Valedictory Session in honour of Professor G. G. Darah, who recently retired from the university. Also sent off were Dr. Onyema Emeni of Department of Fine and Applied Arts and Mrs. Mariam Obada of the Department of Languages and Linguistics. The event, which held in the university’s 750 inaugural lecture auditorium, was well attended by dignitaries from within and outside the university.

While the Dean of the Faculty, Professor (Mrs.) Grace Ngozi Ogwu, chaired the occasion, the Vice Chancellor, Professor V. F. Peretomode was the special guest of honour. The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor (Mrs.) Rose Aziza, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Professor Austin Anigala, University Registrar, Mr. Daniel Urhibo, Dean, Faculty of Education, Professor Patrick Oghuvbu, Dean of Science, Professor Arthur Ekpokpo, as well as that of Clinical Medicine, Professor Lawrence Omo-Aghoja, were in attendance.

The valedictory session featured a lecture titled ‘The Public Intellectual in a Post-Colonial State’ and was delivered by an erudite social scientist, Dr. William Ehwarieme of the university’s Department of Political Science. The insightful and thought-provoking lecture located the role of the public intellectual in Africa within the dilemma of having to take side with civil society or the government. The event featured musical and dance performances and tributes. A buffet in honour of the retirees followed at the faculty’s quadrangle.

On the same day, the Urhobo Studies Association (USA) based at Delta State University also sent off Darah and Chief Anthony Ukere. The event also took place at the faculty’s quadrangle. Chairman of USA, Professor Aziza, highlighted the inspirational roles played by Darah and Ukere in the evolution of the association. The event was also well attended.

In a related development, the general public is invited to the Department of English and Literary Studies of the university, which will host Professor Tanure Ojaide@70 Colloquium on Wednesday, May 9. The distinguished Nigerian writer turned 70 recently. According to a statement by the Head of Department, Dr. (Mrs.) Enajite Ojaruega, the symposium is titled ‘The Poetics of Nationhood, Homeland and Exile.’ A keynote lecture will be delivered by Professor Tony Afejuku of the University of Benin, Benin City, while Dr. Solomon Ejeke, Peter Omoko, Kennedy Edegbe and Henry Unuajohwofia will serve as discussants. The event begins at 12 noon at the 1000LT.