‘Let’s Protect Our Shared Heritage’ - VC Urges Host Communities

Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Prof. I.N.S. Dozie has described the University and its host communities as partners with a shared destiny, calling for stronger collaboration to promote peace, development and mutual prosperity.

Prof. Dozie made the call during a series of familiarisation visits to traditional rulers and stakeholders of FUTO’s host communities as part of his engagement with critical stakeholders following his assumption of office.

The visits, which covered Okolochi, Emeabiam, Eziobodo, Eziokele, Obinze and Umuanunu communities, were aimed at strengthening the long-standing relationship between FUTO and its host communities, fostering mutual understanding, and creating a platform for sustained co-operation.

Speaking during the visits, Prof. Dozie said visiting the communities was both a mark of respect and an opportunity to introduce himself, seek the support and prayers of the traditional rulers and discuss ways of deepening the relationship between the University and its neighbours.

“We have a shared destiny. Whatever affects the University, whether positively or negatively, ultimately affects the host communities. Likewise, whatever affects the host communities invariably affects the University. Our destinies are intertwined, and our progress must be pursued together,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor described the host communities as indispensable partners in FUTO’s development, and commended them for maintaining the peaceful relationship that has enabled the University to pursue its core mandates of teaching, research and community service.

He reaffirmed FUTO’s commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen and good neighbour, and pledged to support initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence, community development, and sustainable partnerships.

Responding on behalf of the host communities, the traditional rulers respectively congratulated Prof. Dozie on his appointment, and commended him for making engagement with the communities an early priority of his administration.

They described the visits as a demonstration of humility, respect, and a commitment to inclusive leadership, and assured the Vice-Chancellor of their co-operation, encouragement, and prayers for the success of his administration.

The royal fathers also acknowledged issues raised during the engagements and pledged to work with relevant stakeholders towards finding lasting solutions to matters affecting the University and its host communities.

The traditional rulers visited are HRM Eze Dr. Lucky Okoro (Ezeocha III of Eziobodo Autonomous Community); HRH Eze Richard Ngozi Osuji (Ezeudo I of Eziokele Autonomous Community); and HRH Eze A. C. Enyinnaya (Nzeukwu I of Obinze Autonomous Community Ancient Kingdom).

Others are HRH Eze Geoffrey Ejimogu (Anunu I of Umuanunu Autonomous Community); and HRH Eze Christopher C. Amadi (Ochi II of Okolochi Autonomous Community). The President-General of Emeabiam Autonomous Community, Chief Ndubisi Iheakam Okata, also joined other community leaders in congratulating the Vice-Chancellor and assuring him of the community’s support.