“Leadership Deserves Leadership”: MAN Chair Applauds Soludo’s Choice of Prof. Kate Omenugha as COOU Vice-Chancellor

By Praise Chinecherem

Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), South East (Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States Branch), Lady Dr. Ada Chukwudozie, has commended Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for appointing Prof. Kate Omenugha as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbaram.

Chukwudozie gave the commendation during a special thanksgiving Mass held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Nnobi, in Idemili South Local Government Area, to celebrate Prof. Omenugha’s appointment and the 70th birthday of her husband, Dr. Michael Omenugha.

Describing the appointment as a recognition of competence and excellence, Chukwudozie praised Governor Soludo for entrusting the university’s leadership to a seasoned administrator and educationist.

“Governor Soludo has once again demonstrated his commitment to merit and excellence. Prof. Kate Omenugha has the experience, integrity and leadership capacity to take Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University to greater heights,” she said.

The MAN chair, who also serves as Chairman of Keystone Bank and is a close family friend, congratulated the celebrants and prayed for continued health, wisdom and greater accomplishments.

“May celebration never cease in your family. May God continue to bless your home with peace, good health and greater testimonies,” she prayed.

Thanksgiving Opens the Door to Greater Blessings — Bishop Okoye

Delivering the homily, the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, described thanksgiving as a powerful expression of faith that attracts even greater blessings from God.

He also challenged residents of Anambra State to support government efforts to tackle environmental degradation, particularly erosion, by abandoning practices that contribute to the menace.

“Thanksgiving is a pathway to greater blessings. As we celebrate God’s goodness, we must also take responsibility for protecting our environment and supporting efforts to reclaim our land from erosion,” the bishop said.

“Every Success Is by God’s Grace” — Prof. Omenugha

Speaking after the thanksgiving service, the visibly elated Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Omenugha, expressed profound gratitude to God for His faithfulness and guidance since assuming office.

She also thanked Governor Soludo, the Visitor to the University, for the confidence reposed in her leadership.

“I remain deeply grateful to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for this opportunity to serve. I also appreciate the support of the university management, staff and students. Whatever successes we have recorded so far have been possible through teamwork and God’s abundant grace,” she said.

A Family Celebration of Gratitude

Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, one of the celebrants’ sons, described the occasion as an opportunity to thank God for His unwavering goodness throughout their lives.

“Our parents are priceless gifts to us. This celebration is our way of returning thanks to God and appreciating everyone who has contributed, in one way or another, to our family’s journey,” he said.

The thanksgiving service attracted family members, friends, church faithful, government officials, academics, business leaders and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate two significant milestones—Prof. Omenugha’s emergence as substantive Vice-Chancellor of COOU and Dr. Michael Omenugha’s 70th birthday.