By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
It was rain of encomiums as the Safi Boys Club, a gathering of old friends and colleagues, recently held a retirement party for Professor Tony Esijolomi Afejuku, who recently retired as a lecturer from the services of University of Benin (UNIBEN).
The glamorous event which was attended also by royalties, top notch politicians, academia, business moguls, and legal luminaries took place in Sapele, Delta State.
Friends and former colleagues of the Professor took turns to eulogise him, as many described him as a seasoned and distinguished lecturer who had impacted the society effectively overtime.
Reading the citation of Professor Afejuku, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, highlighted Afejuku’s significant contributions to the field of academia as well as his invaluable impact on the lives of his students and colleagues.
He acknowledged the celebrant’s dedication, exemplary leadership, and commitment to excellence while in service.
Also paying tributes were old friends and colleagues, who payed glowing tributes to Afejuku, just as they reminisced their experiences with the professor.
Additionally, they people expressed deep admiration for the Afejuku, who they opined did not only impacted, shapened but also mentored the academic landscape.
Mr. Kofi Teye praised Professor Afejuku’s commitment to education and his remarkable ability to inspire young minds.
On his party, Mr. Kofi Teye recounted how Prof. Afejuku motivated him in his pursuit of a higher degree in English language and said that the Prof deserved the accolades accorded to him by the people.
Others who spoke eloquently about Professor Afejuku include Chief Solomon Arenyeka, Chief Charles Obule.
Responding, Professor Afejuku appreciated the people for the honour donned on him, just as he recounted his experiences with the people while he was in active service.
He emphasised his enthusiasm for research as well as his ability to foster an environment of collaboration and intellectual growth.
High point of the event was the presentation of plague of friendship to the retired Professor for his meritorious services to the University of Benin and humanity which has spanned over four decades.
Dignitaries at the event included Chief Iroro’netaye Clarke, Chief Barr. Hudson Ororho, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, Mr. Isaac Chokor, Chief (Mrs.) Oti Agoba, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, Chief Monday Igbuya, Mark Olomu, and Prince Sunny Omatseye, Joe Emerho.