Adinuba, Okoye bag awards at Anambra varsity conference

FACULTY of Social Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, (COOU), Igbariam Campus, yesterday, organised Her 5th International Conference with focus on the theme: ‘Globalizing the African Society for Sustainable Development’.
The Conference, which held at Tetfund Auditorium, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus, also included issuance of awards of excellence to Anambra Commissioner for Information & Public Enlightenement, C.Don Adinuba, and Commissioner for Economic Planning, Anambra State, Mark Okoye,  in recognition of their contribution to the socio-economic development in the State.
Speaking at the event, the chief host and Vice Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, (COOU), Professor Greg. Nwakoby, represented by  Prof. Ellis Idemobi described the conference as an avenue for social scientists to put heads together to help solve the problem of unemployment and eradicate poverty in Africa, adding that Social science, being the foremost among other faculties in the university; leads, while others follow.
He urged all participants, especially students of the institution to avail themselves of the opportunity to learn the much they can, adding that it will go a long way in  improving the economy of Africa.
Commissioner for Information & Public Enlightenment, C. Don Adinuba, while delivering his lecture on the theme: Globalisation and business, commended the faculty for organizing such a program at a time when globalisation is needed in achieving sustainable development in Nigeria in general and Anambra in Particular.
He enjoined members of COOU Faculty Conference Committee, and all others involved in planning the event, to ensure students from other tertiary institutions, especially South-East participate in subsequent conferences.
While presenting the lead paper titled: “Globalization and Sustainable Development in Africa” the Pioneer  Registrar of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, now a Professor of Strategic  Communication, North Dakota State University, USA, Professor Charles Okigbo,  stressed the need for African countries to borrow the best examples from developed economic to take Africa to the next level of development. He lamented that whereas as many as five African countries are among the 25 emerging economies of the world, still some people misperceive the African development story to be one of doom and gloom, adding that there are no overnight wonders because sustainable development.
Okigbo noted that while the National economic environment is perceived by many Nigerians as unfavourable and troubling; many people of Anambra State, especially participants at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) affirm strong faith and confidence in the state. Asked if the prospects for continued development of Anambra State are good or bad, many participants reported positively that Anambra State has a good outlook for further sustainable development.
He said that “Africa is projected to have some of the best prospects for future development. Africa is growing demographically and ecologically. There are good things happening all over the world, that we can borrow from when we do that, Africa will always be in the forefront.” He enjoined all and sundry to take advantage of favourable global trends to leverage local development. “It is a hard nut to crack-but is no longer the mystery that it was two centuries ago.”
In his exciting and animated remarks, the Anambra State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mark Okoye, encouraged the students to be strategic in marketing themselves for post-graduation careers in government, business, and even political careers.
He said ,“as young people, think globally and act locally.  Sleep less, achieve more, aim for perfection, you will achieve excellence. Social entrepreneurship is the best way to achieve sustainable development in our state. Technology would be the driver of the fourth Industrial Revolution.
The event was also graced by academics within and outside Nigeria. Some of them include: Lecturer, University of  Northern  LOWA CEDAR FALLS, IOWA USA, Prof. Chris Ogbondah, the Convener and Dean,  Faculty of Social Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, (COOU), Igbariam Campus,  Prof. O.B.C Nwankwo, Heads of Departments, Faculty of Social Sciences, COOU, students, among others.