It was a moment of grief at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi (NAUTH), Nnewi on Tuesday February 6, 2024 when the institution organized a public lecture for the late Emeritus Professor Okechukwu Obiora Mbonu, who died on November 14, 2023.
The event which was held at Gilbert Metu Uzodike Auditorium had the presence of the Chief Medical Director of NAUTH, Prof. Joseph Ugboaja and his management team as well as other dignitaries.
Some of the personalities were Prof. Gershom Ejeckam who was the chairman on the occasion, Prof. J.K.C Emejulu,the two past CMD, Prof. Ofieli and Prof. Anthony Igwegbe and many others.
In his welcome address, Prof Ugboaja paid tribute to the late Prof Mbonu who he said did so much for the hospital and humanity. He described Prof. Mbonu as a man of peace who took the hospital as his family.
He noted that his own success story would not be complete without remembering Prof. Mbonu for his encouragement and advice to him on several occasions.
Prof. Ugboaja appreciated the efforts of those who contributed one way or the other to the development of the hospital which has grown like the mustered seed. He assured that those who have retired, as part of his leadership principle, that wished to continue giving services to the hospital would be accommodated.
Prof. Ugboaja appreciated the efforts of the NAUTH CMAC, Prof Ugochukwu Oguejiofor, the Director of Administration, Mrs J. C. Ugochukwu and Head, Corporate Affairs Department, Mr Chinyere Onwuka, among many others that ensured the success of the event.
Prof. Pius Okafor in his lecture said he had both professional and personal relationship with late Prof. Mbonu.
“I worked under him. He treated us well that even when one of us wedded,he was the chairman on the occasion and I was the M.C,”he said.
He noted that Prof. Mbonu was patriotic, saying that his patriotism was seen during Biafra war when he took care of the sick and the wounded.
Prof Okafor said that the late Prof was disciplined and not corrupt. He disclosed that when late Prof
Mbonu was the CMD of NAUTH, that he attracted rich Nnewi people who developed the hospital by endowing magnificent buildings.
He noted that late Prof Mbonu’s innovations and administrative skills at UNTH, Enugu where he served as Chairman Medical Advisory Council (CMAC) would not be forgotten in a hurry.
“He was a good man who did not die but merely transited. He left great legacy,”he said.
Provost College of Medicine of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Prof Gerald Udigwe was among numerous professors that attended the event.
According to them he was a man of peace, a great adviser with a friendly nature and a true legend whose personality was known all over the country.
