(Center in white) Dr Eberechukwu Anyabuike, during the unveiling of his book in Owerri.
From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
It was a gathering of literal icons as, Dr. Eberechukwu Anyabuike, a 92 year old academician unveiled a book he wrote on Christian Missionary Enterprise in Igbo land.
The well attended event which took place recently at Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, titled: “Christian Missionary Enterprise in Isu -Ama Igbo 1900-1948: A historical Survey as well as marking his 92-year old anniversary.
The event which attracted Anglican Bishop, traditional rulers as well as community leaders started with a church service at All Souls chapel, Alvan, Owerri.
In his review of the book, Professor, Ngozi Okereke, argued that; “The notion that Isu -Ama no know religion until it was introduced by Christian missionaries is quite wrong. Isu-Ama had been religious from perennial times. In the religious evolutionary process Isu-Ama evolved.”
In his remark, Anyabuike used the opportunity to “Call on Scholars across the country to develop special interest in continuous research and development of curriculum of Universities.
He also stressed that “We are in a digital world and trends are evolving daily and scholars must brace up so as to embrace this dynamics that presents it’s self as the realities of our time.”
He “Challenged Scholars, academicians and university dons to brace up, display deep commitment and sense of responsibility in research work and academic excellence, so as to produce materials that would stand the text of time” adding that; “When this is done, universities will have enough materials produce students with high academic and moral standards.”
Remarking about Anyabuike, the Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Okigwe South and Archbishop, Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. David Onuoha, who was represented by Rev. Ernest Uzoukwu, poured encomium on Dr. Anyabuike, describing him as a lover of the things of God and education
Also, the chairman of the occasion, Sir Ndubuka Akpamgbo, used the opportunity to applaud the author “as a remarkable mentor whose life is marked by multifaceted blessings,” adding that “the coming of his book was timely at a time when Christianity in Nigeria was in the need to rediscover it’s foundation.”
Adding his voice, His Royal Highness, Eze Daniel Emereonye, who is the Chairman Council of Ndi Eze in Ehime Mbano and traditional ruler of Umuduruegwelle autonomous community, commended the celebrant as a exemplary community leader, citing significant contributions to the community’s development.
The Royal Father highlighted Dr. Anyabuike’s academic achievements, notably to delivering the first community’s inaugural academic lecture and offer of scholarship to the community.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of award of appreciation to Sir. Anyabuike, by the people of Umuduruegwelle Autonomous Community in Ehime Mbano Council Area of Imo state.
