It was an evening of praises for Prof. Tony Afejuku who pulled out of the services of University of Benin after attaining the age of 70 years.
Afejuku is a Professor of English and Literature who hail from the Itsekiri ethnic nationality of Delta State.
Speaking at a ceremony Organised by friends of the retired university Don, held at the University of Benin Banquet Hall, Benin City, Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Mon Nwadiani, described Afejuku as someone who left a legacy truth and boldness.
He said this is the first time such ceremony was being held for a retired teacher in the department and faculty, a testimony, he acknowledged, stand the celebrant out amongst others who retired before him.
Nwadiani therefore, advised those still in service to emulate the qualities of Prof. Afejuku who is seen as a friend to all and enemy to none.
He also poured encomiums on the wife of the celebrant, Mrs. Augusta Afejuku for being able to the there for her husband all the time especially at the home front, and prayed that God will grant Afejuku, good health in his post retirement age.
Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Edo State, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana, also described Afejuku as one of those who point the way to progressive change, and match his words with action; while Prof. Felix Ogonna, sees him as a detribalized Nigerian who does not care where you come from but your ability to do what is right.
Narrating how Prof. Afejuku helped him gain employment into the University of Benin, Ogonna noted: “I have been in the faculty for about 25 years and I have never seen the kind of person like him. He is one who acknowledges excellence but also want you to do same. He has a philosophy, ‘No paddy for jungle’, because even as friend, he will at the same time want you to do what is right at all time without taking sides.”
Others who spoke in glowing terms of the celebrant are Suyi Ayodele of Nigeria Tribune, Dr. Abigail Eruaga of the department of English and Literature of University of Benin, and Prof. Kola Eke who described Afejuku as an intellectual ‘iroko’, a man of many parts, a radar detector of linguistic infelicities, and a chopper that goes round rudiments of language.
In his response, the celebrant thanked God for his life from the very beginning to the present. He also gave kudos to his parents of blessed memory, his wife and children for being there for him especially at critical moments.
He also thanked his friends especially those he influenced who decided to converge and honour him, adding “when people say I am detribalized, it is because I have travelled and many of those who helped me in life incidentally are not from my Itsekiri ethnic nationality.’
Highlight of the ceremony was the cutting of retirement cake by the honouree, wife and friends.
Caption: Prof. Tony Afejuku (5th from Left) with friends and family