AWKA — Symposium of The Emeka Anyaoku Institute of International Studies and Diplomacy held today Tuesday, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University ASUU building. The occasion which attracted dignitaries, fine diplomats, academia, and political leaders, is the first organized by The Emeka Anyaoku Institute of International Studies and Diplomacy, which was established months ago and which building is still in progress within the premises of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Prof. Okechukwu Esimone the Vice-Chancellor of the University was in attendance as well as Prof. AU Nnonyelu, former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University and the Director of the Institute, among other reputable academics in the University and elsewhere.
The Chairman of the occasion, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, spoke highly of Chief Emeka Anyaoku who was a career diplomat and served in various capacities but notably as the Secretary-General of Commonwealth.
Chief Obasanjo also commended the former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, the current governor Willie Obiano and the incoming governor Charles Soludo, noting that Anambra State has been blessed with good leaders. He also observed that in many states, it will be impossible for the three men to be so seated under one roof. Sen. Uche Ekwunife, senator representing Anambra Central and former senator who represented Anambra Central, Sen. Ben Obi were equally in attendance.
The theme of the symposium is; “Nigeria in the Comity of Nations”, which the keynote speaker did justice to. Also Prof. Amb. Humphrey Orjiako, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Switzerland in his brief lecture proposed that Administrative heads of foreign affairs ministry should be career diplomats. Amb. Orjiako emphasized the importance of restructuring Nigeria, and the general relevance of internal conditions in Nigeria, as a major factor in Nigeria’s foreign relations.
In his speech, Chief Emeka Anyaoku regretted the sorry state of Nigeria’s image abroad, recalling with nostalgia, various eminent roles Nigeria’s diplomats had played in the past among the comity of nations. He also spoke glowingly of President Obasanjo declaring that in his 40 years of active diplomatic engagements, Obasanjo remains outstanding. “In my 40 years of serving and meeting with presidents across the world, I regard Obasanjo as the most visionary president this country has ever had”
The event quickly switched from a high-powered intellectual engagement to one of celebration. Two cakes were presented to President Obasanjo who just marked his 85th birthday and Chief Emeka Anyaoku who marked his 89th birthday, only a few days ago, in commemoration of their birthdays.
Ebuka graduated with a second-class upper-division degree in Political Science from the University of Calabar in Nigeria. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master's Degree in Political Science with a specialization in Government and Development Studies from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Nigeria. His academic background and professional experience have equipped him with a deep understanding of political dynamics and governance issues.
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