Onojie Of Ekpoma HrM Barr Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II (JP) Appointed Chancellor Of Confluence University Of Science And Technology Kogi State

The Palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma was filled with grandeur, culture, and celebration on Saturday, 23rd August 2025, as His Royal Majesty, Barr. Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II (JP), officially received his letter of appointment as the Chancellor of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, Kogi State.

The appointment letter was formally presented to the revered monarch by the Vice Chancellor of CUSTECH, Engr. Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, on behalf of the Visitor to the University, His Excellency, Usman Ahmed Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State.

The ceremony, hosted within the majestic Palace walls, attracted dignitaries, Palace Chiefs, senior academics, politicians, friends of the monarch, and members of the media. The atmosphere was one of unity and pride as the historic moment unfolded.

Among the notable guests present were Prof. George Obozokhale Akpede, former Chief Medical Director of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital; Arch. Nicholas Erazua, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who served as Master of Ceremony; Princess Hon. Esther Eghaghe, also an APC chieftain; and myself, Dr. Andrew Oseghale Eigbedion, Chief Medical Director of Eseohe Medical Center, Ekpoma, Consultant Paediatrician at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, and Acting Head of Paediatrics at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

In his remarks, HRM Barr. Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II (JP) expressed deep gratitude to God, the Edo State Government, and the Kogi State Government for their roles in making his appointment possible.

“I give glory to Almighty God and express my heartfelt gratitude to the dynamic Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, for recommending me for this appointment. I also laud the Governor for the tremendous strides he is making in turning the fortunes of Edo State around positively. My appreciation equally goes to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Usman Ahmed Ododo, for accepting the recommendation and appointing me as the Chancellor of CUSTECH,”

The Onojie further extended his heartfelt condolences to Governor Ododo and the people of Kogi State over the passing of the Governor’s father, describing it as a personal loss for the entire region.

Speaking on behalf of the University, Engr. Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, Vice Chancellor of CUSTECH, congratulated the newly appointed Chancellor and conveyed the goodwill of the University’s leadership, staff, and students.

“On behalf of the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Olu Obafemi, the Governing Council, Staff, and Students of CUSTECH, I bring our compliments and heartfelt congratulations to Your Royal Majesty. The Pro-Chancellor will be visiting you soon, and we are pleased to inform you that the official investiture as Chancellor will take place during the University’s maiden Convocation Ceremony scheduled for November this year.”

The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the institution’s remarkable growth since its establishment five years ago, noting that CUSTECH has expanded from two faculties to eight within a short period, with its graduates now actively participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.

In his response, Zaiki Abumere II, a devout Roman Catholic, invoked divine blessings upon Nigeria’s leaders:

“I pray for God’s continued guidance of the Governors of both Edo and Kogi States, the President of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCON, and all those entrusted with leadership. I promise that I will do all I can, Deo volente, to uphold the confidence reposed in me by the Governor of Kogi State to provide the desired guidance to the University.”

Throughout his remarks, the Chancellor underscored the importance of collaboration and unity, stressing that teamwork and team spirit would be central to his role in guiding CUSTECH toward excellence.

The colorful ceremony concluded with a Royal Banquet hosted in honor of the CUSTECH delegation, Palace Chiefs, dignitaries, and invited guests.

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