By Chinonso Alozie

Owerri – Anglican Bishop, traditional rulers as well as community leaders have hailed a 92-year-old academician, Dr. Eberechukwu Anyabuike, for unveiling a book on Christian missionary Enterprise in the Igbo community.

They stated this during the unveiling of the book titled: “Christian Missionary Enterprise in Isu -Ama Igbo 1900-1948: A Historical Survey as well as marking his 92nd anniversary, held at Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri.

The event which started with a church service at All Souls Chapel, Alvan, Owerri, saw dignitaries trooped out to show solidarity to Dr. Anyabuike, from different segments of society.

In his review of the book, Professor, Ngozi Okereke, argued that; “The notion that Isu -Ama no know religion until it was introduced by Christian missionaries is quite wrong. Isu-Ama had been religious from perennial times. In the religious evolutionary process, Isu-Ama evolved.”

In his remark, Anyabuike used the opportunity to “Call on Scholars across the country to develop a special interest in continuous research and development of the curriculum of Universities.

He also stressed that “We are in a digital world and trends are evolving daily and scholars must brace up so as to embrace this dynamics that presents itself as the realities of our time.”

He “Challenged Scholars, academicians and university dons to brace up, display deep commitment and sense of responsibility in research work and academic excellence, to produce materials that would stand the test of time.”

It was his view that; “When this is done, universities will have enough materials to produce students with high academic and moral standards.”

Commenting on Anyabuike, the Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Okigwe South and Archbishop, Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. David Onuoha, who was represented by Rev. Ernest Uzoukwu, poured encomium on Dr Anyabuike, describing him as a lover of the things of God and education

Also, the chairman of the occasion, Sir Ndubuka Akpamgbo, lauded the celebrant as a remarkable mentor whose life is marked by multifaceted blessings adding that the coming of his book was timely at a time when Christianity in Nigeria needed to rediscover its foundation.

Adding his voice, His Royal Highness, Eze Daniel Emereonye, who is the Chairman of the Council of Ndi Eze in Ehime Mbano and traditional ruler of the Umuduruegwelle autonomous community, commended the celebrant as an exemplary community leader, citing significant contributions to the community’s development.

The Royal Father highlighted Dr Anyabuike’s academic achievements, notably delivering the first community’s inaugural academic lecture and offering of scholarship to the community.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the award of appreciation to Sir. Anyabuike, by the people of Umuduruegwelle Autonomous Community in Ehime Mbano Council Area of Imo state.