The Safi Boys Club on Saturday hosted a retirement party for Professor Tony Esijolomi Afejuku, who retired after a meritorious service as a lecturer in the University of Benin, UNIBEN.
The old friends and colleagues of Professor Afejuku, used the occasion to shower encomiums on him as many described his service and stay at the University as impactful and effective.
According to the distinguished guests, Professor Afejuku, was a seasoned and distinguished lecturer who had impacted the society effectively.
The event which was heavily attended by traditional rulers, top notch politicians, academia, business moguls, and legal luminaries took place in Sapele, Delta State.
Friends and former colleagues of the Professor took turns to eulogise him, in flowering languages saying he left his mark at the University unblemished.
Reading the citation of Professor Afejuku, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, elaborately highlighted Afejuku’s significant contributions to academic development, especially in his field and his invaluable impact on the lives of his students and colleagues.
According to him, the celebrant’s dedication, exemplary leadership, and commitment to excellence while in service was exemplary.
Afejuku’s old friends reiterated their experiences with the professor and whished him a beautiful retirement age.
The guests expressed deep admiration for Afejuku, who they observed did not only impact, sharpened but also watered the academic landscape with his special mentoring style.
Mr. Kofi Teye praised Professor Afejuku’s commitment to education and his remarkable ability to inspire young minds.
Mr. Kofi Teye recounted how Prof. Afejuku motivated him in his pursuit of a higher degree in English language, stressing that the Professor deserved the accolades accorded to him by the people.
Others who spoke glowingly about Professor Afejuku includes Chief Solomon Arenyeka, and Chief Charles Obule.
Professor Afejuku, while responding, appreciated his colleagues for the honour, just as he recounted his experiences with the people while he was in service.
He emphasised his commitment to research as well as his ability to foster an environment of collaboration and intellectual growth.
The high point of the event was the presentation of ‘Plague Of Friendship’ to the retired Professor for his meritorious services to the University of Benin and humanity which spanned over four decades.
Dignitaries at the event includes Chief Iroro’netaye Clarke, Chief Barr. Hudson Ororho, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, Mr. Isaac Chokor, Chief (Mrs.) Oti Agoba, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, Chief Monday Igbuya, Mark Olomu, Prince Sunny Omatseye, and Joe Emerho.
