DELSU’S YOUNGEST DVC, PROF. OWAMAH, HOLDS THANKSGIVING
By Ewere Okonta
In what could best be described as a blend of spiritual solemnity and societal celebration, the town of Owa-Alero in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State stood still yesterday as Professor Hilary Ijeoma Owamah held a grand thanksgiving ceremony at St. Michael’s Anglican Church to appreciate God for his recent appointment as the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) of Delta State University, Abraka.
The historic thanksgiving was anything but ordinary. It drew the crème de la crème of society – leaders in academia, politics, military, clergy, traditional institution, and the business world -who came together to honour not just a man, but a phenomenal story of grit, grace, and glory.
Chairing the event was the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, who, with dignified humility, led a roll call of commendation for the young academic giant.
The thanksgiving service itself was conducted by The Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Ekpenisi, the Anglican Bishop of Ika Diocese, whose sermon captured the essence of divine promotion and the need for humble stewardship.
Among the distinguished guests was Dr. Donald Peterson, the Delta State Government’s Special Adviser on Entrepreneurship Development and President of the D-Peterson Foundation, who was visibly moved by the ceremony and fully participated in both the church service and the reception.
It was, without exaggeration, an academic summit of sorts. Vice Chancellors of all state-owned universities in Delta State were either physically present or represented by their Deputies. But Prof. Hilary Owamah’s immediate boss, Prof. Asagba, the Vice Chancellor of DELSU Abraka, led the charge in person. Also present was Prof. Stella Chiemeke, the Vice- Chancellor of the University of Delta, Agbor. Prof. Andy Egwunyanga, the immediate past Vice- Chancellor of DELSU, also graced the occasion, standing as a proud mentor to the celebrant.
From the traditional institution came royal dignity in the person of His Royal Majesty, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II, the Obi of Owa Kingdom, who attended in full regalia with his council of chiefs. Not to be left out was General Alexander Ogomudia (rtd.), the Chairman of the Governing Council of DELSU, whose presence further underscored the magnitude of the occasion.
However, the day belonged to Professor Hilary Owamah, a man whose story continues to inspire. At just 42, Prof. Owamah has achieved what many only dream of.
Appointed a full professor before the age of 40, he now holds the record as the youngest ever Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) in the history of Delta State University, Abraka.
A cerebral academic, he had earlier served the university as Director of Academic Planning, and his professional footprint as a Professor of Civil Engineering is etched in both local and international academic spaces.
Hailing from the proud community of Owa-Alero, the same town as former Governor Okowa, Prof. Owamah remains grounded. His thanksgiving was as much a spiritual affair as it was a celebration of community pride, family values, and educational excellence. He was joined by his elegant wife and beautiful children, who stood by him as he lifted his heart to God in gratitude.
The reception that followed the service was a festival of joy, laughter, and music, befitting of the man whose rise in the academic world continues to break records and inspire generations.
As the sun set over the quiet town of Owa-Alero, it became clear that this was not just a thanksgiving- it was the celebration of a new era. An era powered by youth, integrity, brilliance, and grace.
And with Prof. Hilary Owamah now occupying one of the most powerful academic positions in the state university system, many agree that this is only the beginning of a truly remarkable journey.
