Centre for Igbo Studies (CIS), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has bestowed Mr. Jude Ossai, Publisher/Editor of Daily News Nigeria, an online newspaper with an award of ‘Excellence in Journalism’ for his unwavering support and dedication to the promotion of Igbo culture and heritage through his exemplary journalism.
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This commendation came in recognition of Mr. Ossai’s outstanding contributions to the Centre and his commitment to excellence in journalism.
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While presenting a Certificate of Commendation for Excellence in Journalism, during a brief ceremony in his office, the Director of CIS, UNN, Professor Chris Uchenna Agbedo thanked Mr. Ossai for proving himself as a true and worthy friend of the Centre.
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The Director noted with joy how Mr. Ossai, a respected journalist known for his insightful reporting especially during his glorious years on the desk at the Nigerian Tribune Newspaper has consistently highlighted and celebrated the rich cultural tapestry of the Igbo people through his incisive news reports. His dedication to preserving and promoting Igbo heritage aligns perfectly with the mission of the Centre for Igbo Studies UNN.
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The Centre expressed its gratitude to Mr. Ossai for his unwavering support and dedication to the cause of promoting Igbo culture. His commitment to excellence in journalism has not only shed light on the beauty of Igbo heritage but has also contributed significantly to its preservation and growth.
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It would be recalled that the Centre for Igbo Studies UNN recently hosted its Maiden International Conference from August 15 to 19, 2023, at the University of Nigeria Nsukka.
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The Conference cum Cultural Festival brought together scholars, researchers, and cultural enthusiasts from across the globe to explore various facets of Igbo culture, history, and traditions.
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As part of the conference, the Centre organized a cultural carnival featuring a range of competitions that celebrated Igbo culture in its diverse forms. These competitions encompassed cultural dance, mmanwụ (masquerade)festival music, fashion parade, and oratorical performances such as ịwa ẹgara (ịma mbem), igbu ọja (flutting), wrestling, among others. The carnival was a resounding success, showcasing the vibrancy and richness of Igbo heritage.
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The Centre used the occasion of honouring Mr. Ossai to recognize and award cash prizes and certificates to various categories of winners who excelled in the cultural carnival competitions.
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The winners demonstrated exceptional talent and passion for preserving and promoting Igbo culture, furthering the Centre’s mission.
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In the cultural dance competition category, the Otu Fatima Ikorodo Dancing Troupe of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Parish Nsukka, Omenka Music Troupe of Department of Linguistics, Igbo & Other Nigerian Languages, UNN, and Eze n’Obi Ọdụm Groupe of Students Traditional Rulers’ Council, UNN, took the first, second, and third positions respectively. In the oratorical performance category (Igbu Ọja subset), Mr. Cyprian Ibe of Department of Fine & Applied Arts, UNN, Mr. Mbaji Chiemerie, and Mr. Kenneth Odo bagged the first, second, and third positions respectively. Also, Mr. Amos Onyemaechi Ukwueze (Ẹgara Jesus), Miss Juliet Ugwuoke (Ordained Oracle), and Mr. Nnaemeka Ugwuoke (Ọzọ Iberyibe) took first, second, and third positions respectively in Ịwa ẹgara (Ịma mbem) subset of oratorical performances. Miss Angel Chidalu Anyaọha and Miracle Chiamaka Adonu took first and second positions respectively in the fashion parade category. Wrestling competition (Oté-àbàlà) category featured two contestants – Kaosisochukwu Ugochukwu and Vitalis Eze – who took first and second positions respectively.
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The Director of CIS, Professor Agbedo congratulated the winners on the great feats they achieved, which earned them the cash prizes and certificates and thanked them for taking interest in the competitions organised by the Centre as part of the 4-day International Conference and Cultural Carnival.
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Responding on behalf of the winners, Mr. Ibe expressed their gratitude to the Director and staff of Centre for Igbo Studies (CIS), UNN for the honour done them.
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The ceramic technologist and talented flutist (ogbu ọja) congratulated CIS on the hugely successful maiden international conference, noting that they are eagerly looking up to CIS for a follow-up to the conference in near foreseeable future when they will be availed of another opportunity to showcase their God-given talents.
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Other beneficiaries that spoke in the same vein included Mr. Nnaemeka Ugwuoke (a. k. a Ọzọ Iberyibe), Mr. Amos Ukwueze (a. k. a Ẹgara Jesus), Mrs. Francisca Ezema, CWO President, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Parish Nsukka, and Mr. Mbaji Chiemerie.
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The Centre for Igbo Studies UNN remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the study and preservation of Igbo culture and heritage.
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It welcomes partnerships and collaborations with individuals and organizations that share its vision of celebrating and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people.
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