By Chioma Obinna

In recognition of his contribution to the medical profession and humanity, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, (FUHSO), Prof. Innocent Ujah, has been conferred with a chieftaincy title of Nwannedinma 1 in Ezeleke, Umuahia South Local Government in Abia State.

Meanwhile, Ujah has called for unity and oneness irrespective of tribe and religion for the corporate existence and development of the country.Ujah, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecological surgeon, has assisted in saving the lives of hundreds of pregnant women and their babies, through successful surgeries.

As a former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and Immediate Past President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Ujah has implemented several policies and programmes for the advancement of healthcare in the country.

At NIMR, Ujah contributed to many successful medical research conducted by the institute.Conferring the chieftaincy title on Ujah in Abia State, the Nwanndinamba 1 of Ezeleke Autonomous Community Umuopara, of Abia State, His Royal Majesty, Eze Godfrey Ibeakanma, said his council’s decision to confer the title was due to the VC’s significant contributions to humanity and national development.

Eze Godfrey Ibeakanma explained that Ujah, as shown by records has not only contributed to the development of the medical profession in Nigeria but equally to the development of humanity, irrespective of the divide which according to him is what Nigeria need.

The traditional ruler expressed their delight in him, adding: “We are happy we discovered him because of his contributions on medical education and human capital development in Nigeria and in our community here in Abia State.

“So we decided to honour him with a chieftaincy title of Nwannedinamba 1 of Ezeleke Autonomous Community, Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government of Abia State, because we have equally befitted from his large heart.”

Accepting the title, elated, Ujah who appreciated the monarch and people of Ezeleke Autonomous Community Umuopara, Abia State for the honour done to him, called for unity and oneness, irrespective of tribe and religion for the corporate existence and development of the country.

He said: “this is not in Idoma land, not Benue State, not even in Enugu State, which is closer to us, but in Abia State. And again, it is good to keep relationships, we need to open up because we are all human beings and one Nigeria.”

Ujah noted that before his recognition by Royal Majesty, Eze Godfrey Ibeakanma and his traditional council, he had no personal contact, but through interaction with other processes, “they decided that I deserved to be honoured. I have resisted this for a long time, but the way this one has been celebrated is because of the belief that I deserve and I really appreciate.”

According to him, “there was a great lesson to be learnt for friendship across borderlines because the tribalistic, nepotistic attitudes make it difficult for us to trust one another but this attestation shows that we are still one.

“My belief is that you don’t need to know anybody to help him/her probably it is my weak point which has turned out to be my strength. I met Chief (Barrister Iroham Ezerendu at the National Institute of Medical Research, I didn’t know him from anywhere, but he was hard-working, my Hallmark of excellence is that you must work hard and get results.”

Some government dignitaries at the occasion include the Chief Medical Director, of Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Prof Azubuike Onyebuchi, the Major of Umuahia South Local Government, Barrister Obike, the Special Adviser on Politics to the governor of Abia State, hon Iheanacho Obiama, the Registrar and Bursar of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Mallam Aminu Abba and Mr John Aba and Dr Anthony Abah, Acting Director, Health Sciences among other delegations from Okpoga Development Community in Benue State and Idoma Representatives in Imo and Abia States.