The recent investiture of the internationally known televangelist, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, as the Chancellor of the Weldios University, Cotonou, Benin Republic has been lauded as a step in the right direction that could bring so much fortune and blessing to the institution. South-West Editor, JOHN SILAS reports.
The investiture of the internationally renowned televangelist, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, as the Chancellor of the Weldios University, Cotonou has been lauded.
The Registrar of the institution Mr Ugo Magnus Kel, made the revelation during the first academic board meeting of the school held at the Radisson Hotel Ikeja recently. He said the acceptance of this call to service by this revered man of God will go a long way towards breaking the barriers of limitation holding African continent down.
Speaking at the event, Dr Desmond Oyakhilome who stood in for the father at the board meeting that had other members of the board of the institution in attendance said his father accepted the onerous task as a call to duty and a continuation of his service to God and humanity.
He thanked the school and the management for believing in him.
“This is a remarkable way of letting the world know what we believe in. We want to take the world of God out there. We need their buy-in of this wonderful product in town. I think by appointing my fad the chancellor, there is where they dream to see the institution in the nearest feature, that is where we are aiming.”
A member of the board of the school, Mallam Abba Aminu Kano said it was a big honour to have Pastor Chris accept the responsibility of being the chancellor added to the big load he is currently shouldering.
The impact of Pastor Chris he said is being felt beyond West Africa. The resounding impact of his person, mission and what he stands for is being felt all over the world.
“His impact has continued to stretch beyond border, beyond religion, beyond gender and beyond colour. He is not localised, he is not regional, he is indeed international in scope.
” This is not in anyway about promoting religion not ethnicity. As Africans, we have to depart from this norm before we will get to where we want to get to, that is what we are promoting, that is why we found him worthy to be our chancellor, and we are proud to associate with him.
The President All African Students Union(AASU) Comrade Enyinna Osisiogu said there wouldn’t have been any other recognition in the academic world to pastor Chris than this going by his very rich profile.
Osisiogu who is also a member of the University board said, “Coming from a great event yesterday where history was made. This great university decided to have as it’s chancellor, this great man of God and our father, Rev. Dr Chris Oyakhilome, who graciously has accepted to serve in that capacity.
“This appointment is a testament of his antecedent of excellence especially in the ministry and other works of life.
“He is actually one of those few that have been consistent and passionate about investing in education for excellence across the continent and across the globe. We may not want to talk about how he has revolutionised the tele evangelism space of the world; How he has built men that have built nations in Africa and the world.”
Another member of the board, Ambassador (Dr.) Kirti Sudhanshu expressed her immense happiness for such an honour to her to serve in the board of the institution with Padtor Chris as the chancellor along with other notable personalities.
The 43 year old Indian who has lived in Nigeria for over 11 years said she wish to create a legacy through this opportunity offered her. “I am grateful for this opportunity to service humanity. It’s difficult to be a woman, also difficult to be a foreigner, but am blessed in Nigeria, Nigeria is my country. Through this appointment, I will leave a worthy legacy in the sands of time, that is my wish.
Kirti Sudhanshu also known as Koki, is the founder and CEO of Kirti’s Kare Foundation, Lagos, a humanitarian foundation that cares and provides for the less privileged.
