In a remarkable display of solidarity and goodwill, His Royal Highness, Eze Godwin Onyewuchibeya Merenini, Dibia I of Umudibia Autonomous Community, on Friday, 22nd August 2025, led a distinguished delegation of principal officers on a Unity Courtesy Visit to the 9th substantive Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe.
The event, which took place at the Polytechnic’s Council Chamber, had in attendance, top Management officials, including the Registrar, Sir Stanley Ugochukwu Njoku, and the Bursar, Mrs. Chinyere Adanne Ojiuko.
Speaking at the gathering, Eze Merenini described the courtesy visit as an intentional step towards deepening mutual ties between the Polytechnic and its host community. He lauded the Rector’s transformational leadership and pledged the community’s unwavering support.
His Majesty urged Umudibia indigenes working in the Polytechnic to distinguish themselves in service, thereby projecting the image of the community in good light. He equally appealed for sustained institutional support, especially in the yearly WAEC registration for indigent secondary school students, while also making a case for employment opportunities for his subjects in the future.
Also lending their voices, Hon. Nze Okoro Hyacinth, Host Community Council Representative in the 15th Governing Council, described the Rector as “a divine gift” to both the institution and its host community. In the same vein, the President General, Dr. Godwin Ugochukwu Okoro, and the Women’s Leader, Lady Ijeoma Onyenobi, extolled the Rector’s accessibility, innovation, and motherly disposition. Lady Onyenobi, appealing in her dual role as a mother and minister of the Gospel, urged the Rector to help in addressing the challenge of indecent dressing among female students, while promising the unflinching support of Umudibia women.
The youth wing, ably represented by Engr. Jude Chima Ugwuegbulam (Secretary General) and Comr. Okoro Wisdom Uche (Umudibia Media Secretary), appreciated the Rector’s positive impacts on the youth and pledged their continued loyalty.
In her heartfelt response, the Rector expressed deep appreciation for the visit, describing it as a mark of unity, trust, and mutual respect. She assured the community of sustained collaboration, stressing that while employment processes in the Polytechnic are governed by federal character principles, the rights of the host community will always be protected.
On the plea regarding indigent students, she reaffirmed her commitment to sustaining the WAEC registration support scheme as part of the institution’s corporate social responsibility, even in the face of budgetary constraints.
The memorable visit concluded on a high note of goodwill and renewed partnership, reinforcing the enduring bond between Federal Polytechnic Nekede and the Umudibia community.
