The Palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, His Royal Majesty Barr. Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II (JP), on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, played host to the Pro-Chancellor and members of the Governing Council of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, Kogi State.
The visit was a courtesy call by the university’s top management ahead of the official investiture of the Onojie as Chancellor Designate of CUSTECH, scheduled to take place on November 29, 2025, at the university campus in Osara.
Speaking during the visit, the Pro-Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi, expressed delight at meeting the Chancellor Designate in person, describing the encounter as a necessary step in fostering mutual understanding and collaboration before the upcoming investiture.
“I am very happy to be here today to meet His Royal Majesty,” he said. “This visit is important to familiarize myself with the Chancellor Designate ahead of the official ceremony. We look forward to a memorable and impactful investiture come November.”
The Vice-Chancellor of CUSTECH, Professor Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, conveyed the goodwill of Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo, to His Royal Majesty. He noted that preparations were well underway for the forthcoming event.
The Vice-Chancellor formally introduced the Pro-Chancellor to the monarch, describing him as “a doyen of Nigerian academics and administration who has been positively impacting the growth and direction of CUSTECH since his appointment.”
In his remarks, His Royal Majesty Barr. Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II (JP) expressed deep gratitude to God for granting journey mercies to the visiting delegation. He also extended appreciation to Governor Ododo for appointing him as Chancellor and to Edo State Governor, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, for recommending him for the honour.
“I thank the Almighty God for journey mercies granted to the visiting team,” the monarch said. “I am grateful to the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo, for appointing me as Chancellor of CUSTECH, and to the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his kind recommendation.”
He prayed for continued success for both governors, commending their efforts toward improving the fortunes of their respective states. He further urged Nigerians to support the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and pledged his commitment to the growth of CUSTECH.
“I pray that CUSTECH, already regarded as the fastest-growing state university in Nigeria, will soon become the cynosure of all eyes,” he added. “I seek the cooperation of all to make this a reality.”
The ceremony was graced by several palace chiefs in colourful regalia and attended by distinguished personalities including former Vice-Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Prof. Daniel Aigbomian; former Pro-Chancellor of AAU, Chief Lawson Omokhodion; former Provost of the College of Education, Igueben, Prof. Matthew Omo-Ojugo (JP); former Dean of Arts, AAU, Venerable Prof. Benjamin Nkoyen Egede; APC chieftain Arc. Nicholas Erazua; and Dr. Andrew Oseghale Eigbedion, Consultant Paediatrician at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital and Medical Director of Eseohe Medical Centre, Ekpoma.
Members of the press were also in attendance to cover the visit, which featured cultural performances by the Palace Traditional Troupe and a photo session. The event concluded with a royal banquet, as guests were treated to traditional delicacies in a warm atmosphere of celebration.
Dr. Andrew Eigbedion reporting from the Royal Palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma
