By Stephen Adeleye
Salem University, Lokoja, has conferred awards on five distinguished individuals, including Mr Thompson Yamput, an editor with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), and James Onoja, a philanthropist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
The awards were presented during the university’s 6th Convocation Ceremony, which featured a public lecture by Prof. Sam Egwu on Thursady in Lokoja.
The other awardees were Mr Jeremiah Ocheme of African Independent Television (AIT), Mr Moses Ebute, and Amb. Yemi Matthew, a pastor and programmer.
The university’s Vice Chancellor, Mr Alewo Johnson-Akubo, said the awards recognised the individuals’ outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Salem University.
The VC described Yamput as a God send as his working relationship with Salem University opens it the more to the entire world.
“When Yamput first met me while on a national survey of NAN, he said that what we were doing in Salem University media wise, was more of advert than publicity.
“That statement brought a total change in our media perspective, and to where we are today as citadel of learning.
“Yamput’s professional advice and contributions have been of tremendous help to us as an institution.
‘”We hereby present this Plague of Honour to Yamput as a recognition of his exemplary and noteworthy contribution to the growth of Salem University, ” the VC said.
Onoja, speaking on behalf of the awardees, expressed gratitude to the university and pledged to continue supporting its growth.
In his lecture, Egwu emphasised the importance of teaching citizenship and national unity in tertiary education.
He argued that the lack of understanding about citizenship had contributed to Nigeria’s democratic development challenges.
Egwu proposed a theory of change by reforming tertiary education to prioritise nurturing active citizens who could enhance democratic governance and development.
NAN reports that the Salem University Lokoja Kogi holds the 6th Convocation ceremony on Friday, Nov. 29, at Convocation Arena NAN
