COOU HONOURS CHIEF CHIDI ANYAEGBU, HOSTS MAIDEN ANNUAL PUBLIC LECTURE AS ALEX OTTI DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), on Thursday, October 29, 2026, hosted the maiden edition of the Chief Chidi Anyaegbu Annual Public Lecture Series at the Convocation Arena, Igbariam Campus, in honour of the renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, Chief Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu, marking a significant milestone in celebrating his life, leadership, enterprise and contributions to society.

The event, which attracted an array of dignitaries, academics, university principal officers, members of the Governing Council and other distinguished guests, featured the Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, as the keynote speaker. Delivering the public lecture titled “Enterprise Across Generations: Merging Individual and Business Knowledge with Modern Investment Strategies for National Prosperity,” Governor Otti examined the importance of enterprise, knowledge, strategic investment and intergenerational business practices in driving economic growth and national development.

The former Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Chief Achike Udenwa, OFR, chaired the occasion, while the Vice-Chancellor of Veritas University, Abuja, Rev. Fr. Prof. Hyacinth Eme Ichoku, served as the book reviewer. The event also witnessed the representation of the Governor of Anambra State and Visitor to the University, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, by the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Longinus Ogugua. Among other distinguished personalities present was the traditional ruler of Ogidi kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Pharm.) Alexander Uzo Onyido. The programme also featured the presence of other notable personalities, including the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley, alongside members of the University community and invited guests.

A major highlight of the event was the groundbreaking and foundation-laying ceremony for the Department of Transport Management and Chief Chidi Anyaegbu Multipurpose Auditorium. The foundation was formally laid by Chief Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu, marking the commencement of a landmark development initiative supported by his commitment of ₦1 billion towards the establishment of the Department of Transport Management and the construction of the multipurpose auditorium.

The event also featured the public presentation of the book, The Godfather of Transportation Chisco — Platinum Footprints of Enterprise: The Life, Leadership and Legacies of Chief Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu. In addition, the benefactor’s commitment to securing scholarships for students to study and develop expertise in the Department of Transport Management was highlighted as another important contribution to the University’s academic development and the advancement of transportation education.

In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, FNIPR, expressed profound appreciation to Chief Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu for his generosity, commitment to education and confidence in the University’s vision. She described his intervention as a significant investment in the future of the University and the wider society. She also appreciated Governor Alex Otti for delivering what she described as an insightful and impactful lecture, while reaffirming the University’s readiness to translate the commitments made into tangible achievements.

The Vice-Chancellor assured the benefactor that the University would not disappoint him, pledging that the projects would be completed within one year and ready for commissioning. She emphasised the University’s commitment to accountability, purposeful partnerships and the delivery of projects that would have lasting academic and societal value.

The public lecture and foundation-laying ceremony further demonstrated COOU’s commitment to building strategic partnerships with the private sector and leveraging such collaborations to expand its academic offerings, improve infrastructure and create opportunities for students. The initiative also aligns with the University’s 3Vs philosophy of Values, Viability and Visibility, as it continues to advance its vision of becoming the Now University and the of the Future.

©️COOUNewS, 2026