As reported by Monoba Moses and Uche Ekwenife that the epoch-making ceremony started with the procession train of the Honourable Minister, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the Vice Chancellor, Prof.Florence Obi , the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Michael Okom, and various dignitaries from across the federation.
The Chairman of the 34th Convocation lecture Session, Prof O. Yakubu , an erstwhile Students' Union Government Executive of the University, in his opening remark recognised the Executive Council and other members of the governing council of the University.
He commended their efforts and devotion for keeping in top gear the running of the University.
_In his words, "moment like this means a lot to me, in 1980 as a Students like you I sat here listening to the first Convocation lecture,and three (3) years ago I was invited by the then Vice Chancellor to give a lecture which was an auspicious moment for me "
"Since 1960 , we have had 786 Professors serving as Vice Chancellors and only 32 had been women , currently we have eleven(11) female Vice Chancellors in the Country, and amongst others only University of Calabar , the Federal University having both a Female Pro Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellor "._
Later on the DVC Administration Professor Michael Okom gave the Citation of his Excellency, Rt Hon.Rotimi Amaechi, Former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of Transportation.
In his words" _Ladies and Gentlemen, before us is our Guest Lecturer for the 34th Convocation of this University, His Excellency,Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. Without any iota of equivocation, I hereby assert that this Guest Lecturer is eminently qualified to present this lecture because he has been in the frontline struggle against the centrifugal forces of national disambiguation. He has inspired a critical mass of Nigerians and many generations of beleaguered Youths."
The Citation covers the epicenter of his neighbourly attention sequencing his nativity, educational peregrination from St.Theresa's Primary School in 1970 to his attainment of Bachelor of Arts in 1987 from the University of Portharcourt , his excellent political oddysey in students Unionism and circular politics as well.
Concluding his citation, _"in view of the foregoing, and having regards to these incontestable verities: that this Guest Lecturer has waded in the murky and muddy political terrains of Nigeria and come out unscathed ,and having established beyond any scintilla of doubt that Honourable Minister of Transportation has demonstrated with overwhelming conviction that he has the muscles of a dependable and battled tested gladiator, I hereby submit that these generous soul that exudes warmth and camaraderie,be given this deserving opportunity to address this distinguished assembly on the topic : The National Questions and the Challenges of Nationhood in Nigeria ."
The Guest Lecturer, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi coming up to give his lecture, started with stating firstly his studentship, having graduated from the University of Porthacourt and series of events unfolding. He congratulated the Vice Chancellor on his appointment drawn out of merit and her dedicated service, he further appreciated the University Community in giving him this invitation, He put _" However I am honoured on the invitation as regards to the Convocation ceremony which reminds me of my graduating ceremony when I couldn't afford a suit for my graduation, to graduands I heartily celebrate you"_
The studies of his lecture covers the identity covering the plight of the people in the country. _"At no other times has the national questions been drawn to limelight as now.This question is of a National issue stating carefully how the future of this country is going"
"The National questions concern the loyalty of her citizen as to why her citizenry should be loyal to this country of many struggles.The National questions has to do with the relative strength that comprises the country running affairs of her members._
He went further to state that _African scholars up till date keeps examining the National questions as regards to the Nationhood of her citizens,under the pressure of the independent movements, post independent era Africans have been filled with wars, and tribal segregation._
_Contemporarily, on no account must we underrate the national questions, which is commonly asked by the masses as to the direction of this country in the nearest future, it should also be noted that If a politician fails in an election it shouldn't lead to eminity which orders the day , and throws the National questions again.
More importantly in the world, as relating to the National questions on unity ; USA is battling with the force of Racism against Black, even a nation as homogenic as China still faces the separating problems of ethnicity and other European countries.
_The National questions has been asked right from the 1914 almalgamation, questions buttress on the unity of the country, and has been raised since then , tracing the leadership antecedent of the British Rulership._
_The National questions has been raised again when certain past leaders , like Obafemi Awolowo in his famous book state concisely _"Nigeria is not a nation but a mere geographical nation" .
_Our history groups are scanty on the values of the country. As seen from our early fathers, it can be said that the problem of this country on National unity started long time ago.
In contrast the Country leader are in competition against one another which gave the British a pattern to play on the ethnical division portrayed.
However the focus on the study has been drawn to the crisis following, tribalism, ethnicity and regional nepotism.
Suffice it to say the country was built from a National Contest, however the country was made possible by creating of Three(3) to one(1) major ethnic groups, keeping one the minority.
The creation of the _Twelve(12) States was to solve the National questions, it gave the minority ethnic groups voices, the states were new center to bring a sense of oneness in the country, the state was created out of the idea to eliminate tribalism.
Successive period of the military governance was at the course of establishing a sense of National Coalition, Similarly a defined structure created to spread the soldiers around the country irrespective of ethnicity.
The authorities of the FG has come under increasing pressure of population in answering the national questions, carrying a higher percentage of poverty, with low level of foreign investors has also led to high unemployment rate in the country.
This pressure and development of this Country has surfaced lots of problems in answering the national questions. I agree with the popular voice and consensus of strengths, It is on this note, we should appraise the Buhari led administration which has done much in tackling National Security, Major rehabilitation of highway, Railway station construction, a contract of 11billion from Lagos to Calabar, Road construction from Port to maiduguri, and other road constructions.
Similarly the Buhari Led administration is envisioned in enhancing social mobility to bring about the integration and unity of cultures in the Country.
At this juncture , the national infrastructure may not be felt now but by the future generation will feel same, currently our democratic system has shifted a lot and our youths have grown in entrepreneurship.Our Nigerian youth have grown up the sense of belonging to a progressive country for all.
Our quest for the national questions is to make progress in leadership, albeit not perfect, We need to replace the basis of personalities, tribes and regionality to a good meaning of democracy, so that together we can achieve the National vision and concern of country for all.
We need to walk towards a nation were opportunities are presented to all through active engagement of our national stakeholders towards the welfare of the country.
Joe F Esq., Chairman of Rivers State Community in the University of Calabar, thanked the University Management for their support for a suitable learning environment given to Rivers State indigenous students.
He commended on Honourable Minister, Hon. Rotimi, as not polarising the current status quo of country,but delivering clearly his Lecture on The National Questions and the Challenges of Nationhood in Nigeria", an award was presented by his Excellency Sen.Ugah James to Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi.
Further, the Vice Chancellor Professor Florence Obi, unbehalf of the Governing Council, Senate and the University Management Staff also presented an award to Rt Hon.Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for his remarkable and tested feet in the country.
The occasion was indeed a glamorous one.
Edited by Micheal Arinze
Lawrence Paul NUCJ president university of calabar chapter
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