By Bright OKEREKE

The Catholic Women Organization (CWO) hall of St. Jude’s Parish, Amuzi in Ahiazu-Mbaise Local Government Area, of Imo State, Nigeria, was filled to full capacity with guests from all walks-of-life, for the 13th Professor Celestine Onyemobi Elihe (COE) Onwuliri FAS, Memorial Lecture, was on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

The memorial convention hosted by Professor Celestine Onwuliri Foundation (PROFOUND) and its esteemed partners had Professor Ikechukwu N. S. Dozie, Vice Chancellor, Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Ideato, Imo State as the Guest Lecturer of the Day; Prof. J. E. Ahaneku FAS, FAMeds, Vice Chancellor, National University of Science and Technology, as the Chairman; Prof. B.E.B. Nwoke (1st Prof C.O.E Onwuliri’s PhD Candidate) and Former Vice Chancellor of Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri as Co-Chairman; His Royal Highness Eze Prof I. Nwachukwu, Dean, School of Biological Sciences, FUTO was the Royal Father of the Day; His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi Cmf, as the Special Guest of Honour.

In a brief introductory citation of Professor (Major General-KSJI) C. O. E. Onwuliri FAS; his dear widow, Noble Lady Professor Viola Adaku Onwuliri (Adaoma Chiturugo Ahiara Diocese); a two-time former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, reeled through his sterling legacies of faith, courage, love and heroic achievements. She, summarily described him as a great husband, influential father and courageous friend.

Sir C. O. E. Onwuliri, who excelled from Central School Amuzi and through Amuzi Community Grammar School to various Universities in the world, attained international recognition. He was a Scholar, Researcher, Professor, Commissioner, Fellow of the Academy of Sciences (FAS), Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Jos (Unijos), first Substantive Vice Chancellor from Mbaise and the 5th Substantive Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO).

Assuming the podium, amist super-clap ovations, the guest Lecturer, Professor Ikechukwu N. S. Dozie; the Vice Chancellor, Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Ideato, Imo State. A renowned Scholar and professor of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, thoughtfully thrilled his audience on the topic: “RURAL – URBAN MIGRATION: INTERROGATING TRENDS IN CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION, IDENTITY SHIFTS, PUBLIC HEALTH AND SECURITY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT!”

Introductorily, Professor Dozie, expressed his profound gratitude to Professor Celestine Onwuliri Foundation (PROFOUND) and its 2025 Organiising Committee of the Lecture Series for the honour of appointing him as the day’s Guest Speaker.

Administering justice to the lecture theme, Professor I.N.S Dozie, who is the Late Professor Onwuliri’s 19th PhD Student and Mentee, served under him as his Executive Assistant (EA) and the Coordinator, Office of the VC, while the later served as FUTO’s 5th Substantive Vice Chancellor. According to the lecturer, the Professor C.O.E Onwuliri, Impacted positively on his life in many respects.

His well researched and scholarly crafted lecture, analysed the merits and demerits of Urban-Rural migration, identifying the causes of such migrations and its economic, social, security and health implications.

Given that Urban-Rural migration is a strong transformative force that reshapes societies culturally, socially and economically; including identities, opportunities, lifestyle and health patterns. The Guest Speaker, Professor Dozie, therefore urged “Governments to design inclusive policies that balance rural investment with urban resilience.”

As part of its annual tradition, the PROFOUND awarded meritorious Prizes and scholarships to deserving students who passed the qualifying tests.

The event’s kicker was students’ training on Soap Making and engagement on “Character Building and Life Skills Workshop”, anchored by Professor Onwuliri’s daughter, Dr (Mrs) Ijeoma Dozie.

The event also witnessed the presence of Management and key Staff of Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University (KOMU) Ideato, Imo State, Leadership and members of Ezuruezu Mbaise, leadership and members of Mbaise Round Table.

Others are Knights and Ladies of St. John’s International (KSJI), Principal, teachers and Students of Late Professor Celestine Onwuliri’s Alma-mater: Uhie Comprehensive Secondary School (formerly Amuzi Grammar School), Catholic Women Organization (CWO) Members, Parishioners of St. Jude’s Parish Amuzi, the clergy, friends, relatives and well wishers.

Starting the event earlier on, the alternate Chairman, Professor B. E. B. Nwoke, conducted one-minute silence, for continued peaceful repose of Professor Celestine Onyemobi Elihe Onwuliri’s Soul in the name of the Father; Son and of Holy Spirit, AMEN!

Bright OKEREKE is the SA/Media to KOMU VC.