Anglican Bishop, traditional rulers, and community leaders have praised 92-year-old academician Dr. Eberechukwu Anyabuike for unveiling his book on the Christian missionary enterprise in the Igbo community. The event, which also marked his 92nd anniversary, took place at Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, and featured the book titled “Christian Missionary Enterprise in Isu-Ama Igbo 1900-1948: A Historical Survey.”
The celebration began with a church service at All Souls Chapel, Alvan, where dignitaries from various segments of society gathered to show their support for Dr. Anyabuike.
In a review of the book, Professor Ngozi Okereke challenged the notion that Isu-Ama lacked religion prior to the introduction of Christian missionaries, stating, “Isu-Ama had been religious from perennial times. In the religious evolutionary process, Isu-Ama evolved.”
Dr. Anyabuike took the opportunity to urge scholars across the country to develop a keen interest in continuous research and the advancement of university curricula. He emphasized the importance of adapting to the digital world, noting, “We are in a digital world, and trends are evolving daily; scholars must brace up to embrace the dynamics that present themselves as the realities of our time.”
He called on scholars, academicians, and university faculty to demonstrate a deep commitment and sense of responsibility in research work and academic excellence to produce materials that would endure over time. “When this is done, universities will have enough materials to produce students with high academic and moral standards,” he remarked.
Most Rev. David Onuoha, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Okigwe South and Archbishop of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, who was represented by Rev. Ernest Uzoukwu, showered praises on Dr. Anyabuike, describing him as a dedicated lover of God and education.