The National President, University of Nigeria Alumni Association, (UNAA), Lady (Dr) Doris Okoroh has been re-elected for another term of two years to serve the national body of all graduates of the prestigious University of Nigeria.
She polled 172 votes to defeat her rival Chris Nwokocha who got 15 votes and had served as National Secretary in her first tenure.
This was the highpoint of the 114th National Executive Council and 28th Biennial Convention of UNAA held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
At the end of the election, three people emerged as National Ex-Officio namely Dr Anuli Aguiyi, Dr Onyinye Onuoha and Ezeodo Calista Chinwe while Obiajulu Ikechukwu and Chinedu Maduba won National Publicity Secretary and Legal Adviser respectively.
The following positions were unopposed:
Deputy National President, Nathaniel Afaor. Zonal Vice Presidents are Com Uche Obasi Marcel (North Central), Larry Chukwu Nnanna (South East), Engr Ismail Lawal Sharif (North West), Mr Tochukwu Onyebuchi (South South), and Dr Shettima Abdullahi (North East).
Others include Barr Juliet Ukoha (Secretary), Mr Menuba David Chukwuemeka (Assistant Secretary), Ruth Nneka Ukwuani (Treasurer), Rogers Ogan (Financial Secretary), Salahudeen Qumadeen Adeniyi (Auditor) and Dr Ihekaire Ugochukwu Raymond (Chief Whip /Provost).
The immediate past National President UNAA, Sir Ben Okoronkwo and Alumni Relations Officer (ARO), Mrs Christiana Ajuziogu are National Ex-Officios (not by votes or election).
In her acceptance speech, the re-elected National President, Lady Dr Okoroh appreciated the convention for re-electing her to serve for second term and promised never to disappoint them.
She urged the new executives to see the association as a charity responsibility and not a money-making venture where personal gain is targeted.
“Don’t get me involved in any fraudulent activity. No secret letters, movement or secret group should exist among the exco but we have to function like a family to be bonded towards achieving our general goals.
“From time to time, we will have disagreements on issues. I like pressure, i hate failure. As a mother and child of God, I will not disappoint you.
“Share you contacts with which we will use to move the association to greater heights”.
The election was decided by delegates from 26 branches of the association across the federation.
Earlier, the Guest Lecturer and Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill delivered the keynote address that centred on the national convention theme “Educating for productive skills, entrepreneurship and global competitiveness: Alumni as catalysts”, while his twin brother and Justice of the Appeal Court, Justice Biobele Georgewill received the greatest award of the association ALOHA (Alumni Lion of High Achievements). The recipient is also the Chairman BoT UNAA.
Other recipients of ALOHA award include the Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Prof Charles Esimone (who sponsored the Alumni’s last National Convention tagged 108th NEC & 27th National Convention held in Awka, Anambra State in April 2022 and equally delivered its keynote address); his counterpart at Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Prof Maduaebisi Ofoi Iwe; Senior Lecturer, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Prof Ngozi A. A Okereke and Bishop Eric Chuka Agwuegbo.
The main event was monitored by Life Patrons and Senior ALOHAs, Alabo Dr Gabriel Toby (Former Deputy Governor of Rivers State) and Chief Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (National President, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide)###
