On April 19th, 2024, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) marked a significant milestone with the ground-breaking ceremony for the Center for Health and Allied Legal and Demographical Development Research and Training (CHALADDRAT). The event, which took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Diagnostic Center in Neni, commenced at 5:00 PM and was led by the Vice Chancellor of NAU, Prof. Charles O. Esimone, FAS.
The ceremony saw the convergence of three main groups of stakeholders. The first group comprised members from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, including Prof. Esimone, the Director of CHALADDRAT, Prof. Brian Adinma, the Deputy Director of CHALADDRAT, Dr. Osita Umeononihu, along with members of the Vice Chancellor’s entourage and staff of CHALADDRAT. The second group represented NAUTH and was led by the representative of the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Gozie Ifeadike, the coordinating Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (C-MAC), and included the Director of Works at NAUTH, the Director of Physical Planning of NAUTH, and their team. The third group consisted of the Indigenous Neni community, featuring Igwe Neni, HRH Damian Ezeani, Igwe Ugonabo Neni, Chief George Ibekendu, Chief Amobimadu, the Palace Secretary, Chief Innocent Umezurike, Chief Emeka Okoye, Chief Christian Ikepudu, President General of Neni Town Union, Hon. Ejike Okechukwu of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Chief F.G. Onyewe of F.G. Onyewe Motors LTD, Chief Mgbemena, and Mr. Anisi, along with several other indigenes of Neni town.
The event began with an opening prayer by the Director of Physical Planning NAUTH, Rev. Fr. Engr. Jude Chukwuneke, followed by the traditional breaking of the kola nut, performed by Igwe Neni. Subsequent speeches highlighted the significance of the day’s event, starting with Prof. J.I.B Adinma, Director of CHALADDRAT, followed by Chief Ikepudu, President General of Neni Town Union, and Prof. Gozie Ifeadike, the representative of the CMD NAUTH. Igwe Neni also delivered a brief speech, after which the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, provided an elaborate address detailing the importance and future impact of the CHALADDRAT project.
Following the speeches, attendees proceeded to the site where the foundation stone laying ceremony was conducted by Prof. Charles Esimone, amidst the presence of dignitaries and all others in attendance. The ceremony witnessed a moment of generosity with Chief F.G. Onyewe and his younger brother pledging their support for the construction of the CHALADDRAT building, donating N5,000,000 and N500,000 respectively.
The ceremony concluded with light refreshments provided by the Chief Medical Director of NAUTH, ensuring a fitting end to a day that heralded a new chapter for CHALADDRAT at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
