By Ikhili Ebalu, 00Benin City.
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party and former Governorship Aspirant, Ken Imansuagbon,(aka Rice Man) has
been honoured by the Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Ekpoma, Edo State.
The award was given to Imansuagbon, and twenty one others at the 40th celebration of the founding anniversary which held at the University Conference Centre.
Ambrose Alli University (AAU) is a state-owned university in Edo State, Nigeria and was established in 1981 by the governor of Bendel State (now Edo and Delta States), professor Ambrose Folorunsho Alli (1979–1983). Initially known as Bendel State University, subsequently known as Edo State University, and finally changed to its present name in commemoration of professor Ambrose Folorunsho Alli, AAU is accredited and recognized by the Nigeria University Commission, ( NUC).
The founder of the school, Professor Ambrose Folorunsho Alli (22 who lived September 1929 – 22 September 1989) was a Nigerian medical professor who served as Executive Governor of the defunct Nigerian state of Bendel State (now the Nigerian states of Edo and Delta ) between 1979 and 1983. He was the first civilian governor.
Imansuagbon,who draw the ovation at the ceremony, with shout of ” Rice man, Rice man said, he was very happy to see an institution regarding the work he has done ,
” It is very interesting and exciting and is going to ginger me to continue and do more. It means when you do good society will honour you, but when you do bad the society will also see you. I am fully motivated to do more of the good that I have been doing.
Imansuagbon, said he dedicated the award to the late Professor Ambrose Folorunsho Alli of blessed memory for his forsight and vision.
He advised those in the society who God has blessed to stretch a hand of fellowship to the less privilege around.
He Commend governor Godwin Obaseki for the good job that he doing in the state, and pleaded with everyone to support him.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Osarhiemqe BENSON OSADOLOR in his remarks, said, Ambrose Alli University Hall of Fame Session is to honour, appreciate and celebrate some illustrious personalities who have in one or more ways, impacted on the advancement or development of our University exceptionally. Without doubt, the roll call of deserving individuals who belong to this prestigious pantheon of Hall of Fame of the Ambrose Aili University@40 is, as expected, a pretty long one. However, today’s event shail be celebrating a few of the number.
“Let me reiterate that this University was established in 1981 as Bendel State University with eight (8) Colleges or Faculties, one (1) Directorate and 408 matriculating students. By the Grace of God, the University has
within its forty year history undergone remarkable transformation and development in several ways. The then BENSU as it was fondly called, begat the two great Universities, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma which now has fourteen (14) Faculties, seventy(70) Departments and several directorates, and the Delta State University, Abraka. indeed, to chronicle the giant strides and accomplishments recorded by products or Alumni of this great institution in the various fields of endeavour, is not by any means a five-finger exercise. But it suffices to stress that the Alumni of the Ambrose Alli University have taken the world vy storm and they remain a refreshing source of pride to the institution.
The governor, Godwin Obaseki,who was represented by the Chief of Staff to the Deputy governor, Jimoh Ijegbali , said the University will be ranked 5th best University globally in the next future. He advised the school authority to ensure that quality education and discipline is maintained in the school.