By Osuoha Chiawolamoke Ijeoma and Noble Uchegbu Uchechukwu Zachariah
St. Peter Clever’s Parish, Ukpo, in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, came alive on Sunday, 28th December 2025, as the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, Imo State, Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe*, paid a high powered solidarity visit to Ukpo to honour her colleague and friend, Chief Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, during a special Thanksgiving Service.
The thanksgiving was organized to appreciate God for the successful installation of Dr. Awuzie with the prestigious chieftaincy title of NWANYIKAIBEYA I of Lude, an honour conferred in recognition of her leadership excellence, service to humanity and contributions to education and community development. However, beyond the thanksgiving itself, the event drew wide attention due to the strong institutional and symbolic presence of the Nekede Polytechnic Rector, whose visit underscored unity, sisterhood and purposeful collaboration among female leaders in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
From the early hours of the day, dignitaries from academia, government and traditional institutions converged on the church premises. Yet, the arrival of Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Igbokwe stood out as a defining moment, drawing admiration from staff, guests and worshippers who described her presence as a powerful statement of loyalty, friendship and inter-institutional harmony. She was accompanied by goodwill and prayers for continued success in public service leadership.
In her goodwill message, Dr. Igbokwe thanked God for the life and achievements of the celebrant, noting that the chieftaincy title of NWANYIKAIBEYA was a fitting reward for a woman whose administrative strides and impactful projects have positively repositioned the Federal Polytechnic, Oko. She commended Dr. Awuzie’s commitment to inclusive leadership, describing her as a dependable partner in the collective task of strengthening Nigeria’s polytechnic education.
The Nekede Rector further lauded the impressive turnout of staff, friends and associates, describing it as a clear testament to earned love and institutional loyalty. According to her, “love is an action word that must be demonstrated,” adding that the overwhelming support for the Oko Polytechnic Rector reflected a shared commitment to her success. She urged staff and stakeholders to remain steadfast, stressing that leadership thrives where cooperation, trust and unity are sustained.
The event also witnessed the presence of the Anambra State Head of Service, Lady Theodora Igwegbe, alongside members of Governing Councils, Principal Officers, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, Union leaders and members of the Royal Friends Club. Their presence further amplified the importance of the occasion and the respect accorded to both Rectors.
Following the church service, guests were hosted to a colourful reception marked by rich cultural displays, music, warm hospitality and the presentation of souvenirs. The atmosphere reflected not just celebration, but the strengthening of bonds among institutions and leaders committed to national development through education.
Beyond the festivities, the thanksgiving highlighted the growing legacy of female leadership in Nigeria’s federal polytechnics, with Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe and Chief Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie emerging as South-East Amazons redefining governance with competence, grace and cultural pride. Their visible bond symbolized mentorship, collaboration and shared vision.
This legacy has continued to attract national recognition, including the Award of Best Rector in Nigeria, 2025, recently bestowed on Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe, reinforcing her status as a leading light in Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape.
Indeed, the visit of the Nekede Polytechnic Rector to Ukpo transformed the thanksgiving into more than a ceremonial gathering. It became a powerful narrative of leadership solidarity, institutional partnership, cultural pride and the rising influence of visionary women steering Nigeria’s educational future.
