By Mokwugwo Ogochukwu
The Department of Religious Studies, University on the Niger, Umunya, on June 17, marked a significant milestone in its academic and moral development with the successful hosting of its maiden Legacy Symposium in honour of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther, the first Black Anglican bishop.
The symposium, themed “Rethinking Moral Authority and Leadership Accountability Through the Legacy of Bishop Crowther,” brought together scholars, clergy, academics, and other stakeholders to reflect on the enduring values, exemplary leadership, and remarkable contributions of the renowned missionary, educator, and advocate of social transformation.
Representing the Chancellor of the University on the Niger, The Rt. Rev. Owen Chiedozie Nwokolo (FITH-PUA), the Ven. Dr. Okechukwu Ukpeke, JP, delivered the opening address. He commended the Department for convening the symposium, which he described as timely and impactful, and noted that it was dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Bishop Ajayi Crowther’s enduring legacy.
He praised the department for fostering intellectual engagement on issues of moral leadership and accountability and urged participants to draw practical lessons from the life, ministry, and accomplishments of the pioneering bishop.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Very Rev. Chinedu Nebo, expressed delight over the successful hosting of the inaugural symposium, describing it as a fitting tribute to Bishop Crowther and a meaningful contribution to scholarship, leadership development, and character formation.
In his keynote address, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Ben Ozumba, presented an insightful paper on the symposium’s theme. He challenged participants to emulate Bishop Crowther’s enduring virtues of integrity, resilience, humility, and selfless service in both public and private life.
Also, the Head of the Department of Religion and Human Relations, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Kanayo Nwadialor, emphasized the need for contemporary society to embrace the leadership ideals exemplified by Bishop Crowther.
He noted that while the bishop’s legacy remains a model of exemplary leadership, there is a need to critically evaluate lessons from his era and adapt them to strengthen accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in leadership across various sectors of society.
The HOD, Religious Studies, University on the Niger, Ven. Emmanuel Uzuegbunam, expressed gratitude to God for the success of the maiden symposium and voiced optimism that the initiative would evolve into a sustained platform for promoting the values, principles, and leadership ideals embodied by Bishop Crowther. He encouraged scholars, students, and future generations to continue drawing inspiration from the life and achievements of the iconic church leader and missionary.
Among those in attendance was Ven. Dr. Izuchukwu Obiekwe, alongside other distinguished academics, clergy, and guests who contributed to the rich intellectual exchanges and scholarly discourse that characterized the event.
Mokwugwo Ogochukwu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
#Ministryofinformationandvaluereformation
#Anambraisrising
#PowerInfrastructure
#Solutionishere
#Solutioncontinues
