For his immense contributions to national development, especially in the medical profession and health sector, the Vice- Chancellor, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, (FUHSO), Prof. Innocent Ujah, has been conferred with a chieftaincy title of Nwannedinma 1 in Ezeleke, Umuahia South Local Government in Abia State.
In a press release signed by Mr James A. Onogwu, coordinator of information, publication, and public relations, FUHSO, and made available to Pharmanewsonline, it was stated that Ujah is a professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, consultant obstetrician and gynecological surgeon, who has assisted in saving the lives of hundreds of pregnant women and their babies, through successful surgeries. Also as a former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and Immediate Past President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Ujah has implemented several policies and programmes for the advancement of healthcare in the country.
Conferring the chieftaincy title on Prof. Ujah as the Nwanndinamba 1 of Ezeleke Autonomous Community Umuopara, of Abia State, His Royal Majesty, Eze Godfrey Ibeakanma, disclosed the council’s choice of the candidate for the title, saying the FUHSO VC’s significant contributions to humanity and national development, qualified him for the position.
He explained that Ujah, as shown by records has not only contributed copiously to the development of medical profession in Nigeria, but equally to the development of humanity, irrespective of the divide which according to him is what Nigeria needs.
Speaking further, the traditional ruler expressed their delight in him saying, “We are happy we discovered him because of his contributions on medical education and human capital development in Nigeria and in our community here in Abia State. So we decided to honour him with a Chieftaincy title of Nwannedinamba 1 of Ezeleke Autonomous Community, Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government of Abia State, because we have equally befitted from his large heart”.
Appreciating the monarch and people of Ezeleke Autonomous Community Umuopara, Abia State for the honour done on him, the FUSHO VC called for unity and oneness, irrespective of tribe and religion for the corporate existence and development of the country.
He described the administration of the traditional ruler as a visionary and transformational leadership, which transcends ethnicity to uniting and honouring all tribes, as he is not from Abia State. Ujah, who noted that prior to his recognition by royal majesty, Eze Godfrey Ibeakanma and his traditional council, he had no personal contact with him, “but through interaction with other processes, they decided that I deserve to be honoured. I have resisted this for a long time, but the way this one has been celebrated is about the belief that I deserve and I really appreciate it”.
Prof. Ujah, urged all Nigerians to work as one and jettison the tribalism, and embrace good relationship which can transform the least citizen. “My belief is that you don’t need to know anybody to help you, probably it is my weak point, but it has turned out to be my strength. I met Chief (Barrister) Iroham Ezerendu at NIMR, we have never met before until I got to NIMR, but he was hard working, which is my hallmark of excellence. And ever since I left there, he has been a close friend to me, and our friendship has cumulated into this honour today.
Top government functionaries and diverse ethnic nationalities who graced the occasion were: Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Prof. Azubuike Onyebuchi; Major of Umuahia South Local Government, Barrister Obike; Special Adviser on Politics to the Governor of Abia State, Iheanacho Obiama; Registrar and Bursar of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Mallam Aminu Abba and Mr John Aba; Acting Director, Health Sciences, Dr Anthony Abah, and others.
