Ochi Otukpo Odu crowns Amali Ojoko
|By Abubakar Ibrahim
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), Professor Idris O. O. Amali, was on Sunday, December 26, 2021, crowned as Ojoko of Otukpo, in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
Dr John Eimonye, Ochi Otukpo Odu, the traditional ruler of Otukpo, conferred the title of Ojoko on Amali, with a call on him to continue with the good works and services he was known for.
As an Ojoko, Amali is now an innermost member of the Ochi Otukpo Odu traditional council.
The Ochi Otukpo Odu described Amali, a veteran scholar, as a “man who has contributed so much to the development of the city.”
He praised Amali, specifically, for his community service and scholarship, saying that “Amali has, through his writings, espoused the ancient cultures of the people of Otukpo and brought outsiders to appreciate the beauty of our place.”
Otukpo is an ancient town established in 1922 and served as headquarters of the then Native Authority (NA).
In his speech at the great occasion, the Vice-Chancellor of FULafia, Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman, thanked the Otukpo traditional ruler for recognising Amali, who he described as a valuable asset of the University.
He said that he was particularly happy to witness the event in Otukpo, adding: “This recognition is, in fact, a recognition for our University and we’ll cherish it.”
Represented by the Dean of the Students Affairs Division, Dr Imam Isiyaka, the vice-chancellor said that Amali has earned the numerous honours he was conferred with by many organisations and towns.
In his response, Amali thanked those who witnessed the epoch making event, saying that he felt truly honoured to be conferred with the title of Ojoko.
He singled the traditional ruler and Abdul Rahman for special recognition, saying that the two have greatly assisted him in many ways.
He prayed Allah to return guests to their destinations, saying that he was happy to be with them in the ancient town of Otukpo.
The event was graced by prominent sons and daughters of Otukpo, including Prof. Shamsudeen Amali, a former vice-chancellor of University of Ilorin and Nasarawa State Keffi University (NSUK).