By Noble Uchegbu Uchechukwu Zachariah
The President of the Orsu-ihiteukwa Development Union (OIDU), Barr. Ibekaeme, on Monday, November 3, 2025, led a delegation of eminent sons and daughters of Orsu on a courtesy visit to their wife and daughter, Brigadier Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe, Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri.
The visit, which was both symbolic and emotional, was aimed at celebrating the Rector’s remarkable appointment as the 9th substantive Rector of the institution, and notably, the first woman from Orsu to achieve such a milestone.
Speaking during the visit, Barr. Ibekaeme expressed delight that the long-awaited meeting had finally taken place despite the Rector’s demanding schedule. He said the union was proud of Dr. Igbokwe’s trailblazing journey, describing her as a “rare gem” whose achievements had placed Orsu on the national map.
“Dr. Igbokwe’s emergence is a divine testimony. We are proud of her courage, intellect, and grace,” he said.
“We also acknowledge the critical role played by the Orsu Clan Stakeholders, whose strategic leadership made her appointment possible, and the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who approved her appointment despite stiff competition.”
Members of the OIDU delegation took turns to shower accolades on the Rector, commending her humility and visionary leadership at the Polytechnic.
The Women’s Wing President, Mrs. Patience Duru, lauded the Rector for being a beacon of inspiration to women and for her strides in education and capacity building. She also extended an invitation to Dr. Igbokwe to attend the union’s Annual General Women’s Meeting, scheduled for the last week of November 2025 in Orsu.
Also present was the Chairman of Orsu Local Government Area, Engr. Friday Ibekaeme, who expressed appreciation to the Rector for her exemplary service and representation of Orsu heritage. He described her as “a shining example of what determination and excellence can achieve.”
In her response, Dr. Igbokwe thanked her visitors for their solidarity and goodwill. She dedicated her success to God and to her husband, whom she described as her *“pillar of strength”* through every phase of her journey in academia and leadership.
*“I owe much to my husband, his support, encouragement, and sacrifices have made my path smoother. Orsu men are truly exceptional, and I’m blessed to have one of them as my husband,”* she said with a smile.
The Rector reaffirmed her commitment to serve with humility, integrity, and excellence, noting that her administration remains guided by the values of service and community upliftment.
As Federal Polytechnic Nekede gears up to mark her one year in office, the visit by the Orsu-ihiteukwa Development Union (OIDU) reaffirmed a bond of pride and shared heritage between the Rector and her community.
