Awka community has made a strong case for the establishment of the Department of Blacksmithing and Foundry at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, to save the blacksmith industry from extinction.
The Traditional Ruler of Awka, Obi Gibson Nwosu, made the call when the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Carol Umeobi, and top management staff of the University paid him a courtesy visit in his palace.
Obi Nwosu, speaking through the Traditional Prime Minister, Chief Benjamin Okoye, urged the Vice Chancellor to consider the establishment of the Department as a legacy project, which will encourage youths to engage in the study and training of blacksmithing.
He also requested more slots for Awka indigenes in admissions and employment, commending the Vice Chancellor for her positive start, assuring all government establishments domiciled in Awka of a conducive environment for service delivery.
In their various speeches, Chairman of Awka Community stakeholders, Chief Ken Ekwenugo, the Palace Secretary, Pius Okonkwo and Professor Frank Collins Okafor, Dean faculty of social Sciences Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, praised the Vice Chancellor for following due process and pledged the support of Awka Community to her leadership.
Describing the acting Vice Chancellor as a bridge builder, Professor Frank Collins Okafor said that measures are already in place towards sustaining the quota system of Awka Community at the University in both admission and employment.
Earlier, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Professor l Umeobi, said that the purpose of the visit was to receive the blessings of Awka community, and described Awka as very hospitable and accommodating.
Professor Umeobi said that as a Federal University in Awka, the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University will continue to accord priority to Awka Indigenes in its activities and called for continued prayers and support of the people of Awka to the University.
Among those in the entourage were Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics Professor Peter Agbonemi, a Reverend Father, Chairman Academic Staff Union of Universities, Professor Kingsley Uborji, Dean faculty of Education in the University Professor Vivian Nwogbo among others.
The President Awka Youths Mr. Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Special Adviser to Awka traditional institution on Political and intergovernmental affairs Chief Jonathan Nzekwe, Awka kingmakers, village heads and Representatives of Awka Women were present during the ceremony.
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