By Enyinna Omoke, Abakaliki.
A senior lecturer at Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Prof. Emmanuel Chike Onwe, has marked his promotion to the rank of Professor with a thanksgiving service, drawing dignitaries and well-wishers from across Ebonyi State and beyond.
The thanksgiving service took place at ECWA Church, Idembia, Ezza South Local Government Area, and was attended by colleagues from the university, friends, family members, political office holders, legislators, business leaders, and members of the academic community.
Speaking during the service, Prof. Onwe, who was promoted to Professor of Strategic Communication, attributed his elevation to the grace of God, recounting a journey marked by perseverance, resilience, and renewed commitment to scholarship.
He disclosed that between 2011 and 2018, he faced significant academic and professional setbacks which temporarily slowed his progress.
However, he said those challenges reignited his passion for research, writing, and professional networking.
“Each book and article emerged from questions I could not ignore, questions addressing society, power, communication, and governance,” Onwe said.
He explained that his academic philosophy emphasized bridging theory and practice.
“In the classroom, boardroom, and public institutions, theory met practice, and practice reshaped theory. Over time, my work took tangible form through books, journal articles, and chapters, including Human Communication: The Art of Winning the Heart, which stand as evidence of sustained inquiry.”
Onwe also acknowledged the role of professional networks, conferences, and seminars in shaping his academic growth, noting that scholarship thrives in community.
Reflecting on the promotion process, he said the appraisal year tested his patience and resilience, but credited Prof. Eugene Nweke, Prof. Ngozi Emeka-Nwobia, and Prof. Chuks Edeogu for their guidance and institutional support.
He further commended the Vice-Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, Prof. Michael Ugota Awoke, whose leadership, he said, ensured the successful completion of the process.
“This confirmation is more than a personal milestone. It is a testament to principled administration, institutional fidelity, and the enduring value of perseverance,” he stated.
Earlier in his sermon, Rev. Chinedu Okechukwu, who spoke on the topic “Expressing Gratitude Through Thanksgiving Celebration,” stressed that gratitude remains incomplete until it is openly expressed.
Citing Exodus 15:1–21, Rev. Okechukwu recalled how the Israelites, after witnessing God’s intervention at the Red Sea, expressed their gratitude through songs of thanksgiving.
“Behind them were the Egyptians, and before them was the Red Sea, yet God made a way. That is why they sang, ‘Who is like unto Thee?’” he said.
In a goodwill message, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State congratulated Prof. Onwe on his elevation, describing it as a reward for diligence, dedication, and selfless service to humanity.
The event was marked by prayers, goodwill messages, and expressions of joy, as guests celebrated what many described as a well-deserved academic achievement.
