From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, in Delta State, Dr. (Mrs.) Josephine Anene-Okeakwa, has maintained that she never lobbied to be appointed to the position.
Dr. Anene-Okeakwa, who came to the college as a youth corps member in the early 1990s, pioneered the Home Economics Department.
Speaking in Asaba at her third anniversary as provost of the college, she said her appointment was divine.
Anene-Okeakwa narrated her beginnings in the streets of Asaba, saying that she was a petty trader at the popular Ogbeogonogo Market.
“I never thought I would be provost any day and I never lobbied for it. I was only working hard and putting in my best because I love working hard, not to impress anybody, because that is the stuff I am made of.
“I was a garri seller, orange seller. I sold pap (akamu) and today I am a provost. There is prize for hard work. There is prize for patience and there is great reward for dedication to duty.
“I know I may have stepped on toes in the course of carrying out my administrative responsibility as provost of this college, it was not intended to hurt or punish anybody. Please when I correct you, don’t be angry because it is he who loves you that can correct you.
“As a daughter of the soil, I will do everything within my powers to positively impact on the college and will not also tolerate any step intended to ridicule the institution,” she said.
The provost charged management and staff to redouble their efforts to the service of the institution, stressing that every iota of positive effort put in by staff will be highly appreciated.
She expressed gratitude to the Chairman, Governing Council of the college, Prof. KabiruI shyaku, for his fatherly role and immense support, which according to her, translated into the monumental achievements recorded in her three years in office.
Anene-Okeakwa thanked management, staff and students of the college for their show of love, understanding and cooperation, just as she charged them not to relent in the teamwork that has kept the college going.
Chairman, Governing Council FCE (T), Asaba, Prof. Ishyaku, commended the provost for her doggedness and steadfastness, which according to him was the result of the day’s celebration.
Ishyaku tasked the provost not to rest on her oars but continue to strive for the upliftment of the institution and society at large.
Immediate past provost of the college, Dr. Nwanze Ignatius Ezoem, congratulated Dr. Anene-Okeakwa on her successful three years of leadership of the institution, adding that despite the economic challenges in the nation, she has taken the college to another level.
“Indeed, without mincing words, your three years tenure as chief executive and provost of FCE (T), Asaba, promoted and sustained a good working relationship among staff, absolute peace within the students and cordial relationship between the college and the community.
“Also within these three years, you have raised structures such as new ICT Complex, hostels to mention but a few,” Ezoem said.