From Ikem Felix, Nsukka
•Eze receiving the award on behalf of the LG boss
Nigeria’s premier university; the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) was the first to establish the Department of Psychology in the country. The institution which prides itself as the fountain of psychology in the country on May 16, 2024, marked the 60th anniversary of the course in Nigeria.
The event held at the Faculty of Social Sciences Auditorium also featured the 11th annual conference of the Department of Psychology, UNN.
The theme of the conference: “Surviving troubled times: Prioritizing the well-being of Nigerians amidst crisis,” was apt considering the hardship Nigerians are passing through.
Presentations at the conference clearly highlighted the importance of protecting and promoting the psychological well-being of individuals in society.
The highpoint of the event was the acknowledgement of the modest achievements of the Chairman of Ohaozara Local Government Council, Ebonyi State, Hon. Ajah Chinonso Consider.
The Psychology Department of UNN had after a painstaking national survey spotted Ajah for the award.
House of Representatives member for Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Prof. Paul Nnamchi was also honoured at the event.
The university said it found the council boss to be the voice of his people following his impeccable knack for high standards in grassroots administration, adding that the youthful leader distinguished himself in the governance and well-being of his people. He was bestowed with the “Voice of the Masses Award.”
Head of Department of Psychology, Prof. Lawrence Amazue explained why Ajah was honoured by the department.
He commended the council chairman for his impactful and transparent leadership as well as verifiable accomplishments, making him a deserving recipient of the Voice of the Masses award.
For him, the award merely underscored the council chairman’s avowed commitment to service to humanity.
He mentioned Ajah’s giant strides in the areas of youth empowerment, caring for the less-privileged widows, construction of roads, installation of streetlights as projects worthy of note.
He also applauded the Chairman’s massive investment in human capital development especially in areas of bursary awards, scholarship and payment of WAEC fees for students.
In addition, Prof Amazue noted Ajah’s indelible imprints in the areas of security and provision of good health for the people.
The erudite scholar declared that these people-focused projects were aimed at alleviating the suffering of Ohaozara people and residents of the area.
“His achievements in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State are very verifiable,” Amazue said.
Receiving the award, Ajah Consider who was represented by Nze Magnus Eze expressed gratitude to the University for the honour.
Eze described the council boss as a gold fish that had no hiding place, noting that was why the UNN was able to identify his modest accomplishments.
He lauded the theme of the conference saying that it showed that the scholars were conscious of their environment as Nigeria faced difficult times. He urged that the resolutions be made available to the appropriate authorities for implementation.
“Ajah Chinonso Consider is one of those who are already driving projects that have direct impact on the people, particularly now that the hardship in the country is much felt at the grassroots.
“His re-election bid is such that he is not contesting with anybody. They are two council chairmen in Ebonyi State that will be returned unopposed in the APC in the forthcoming local government election. Therefore, this award is a testimony on the decision of Governor Francis Nwifuru that Ajah Chinonso Consider has impacted significantly on the people of his local government area,” Eze said.
Eze assured that the council boss will sustain the deeds that earned him the recognition.
Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Charles Igwe noted that UNN was the first to have psychology department in Nigerian universities with rich history that reflects the evolution of psychology education and research in Nigeria, dating back to 1960s.
Represented by Prof Romanus Okonkwo, he challenged scholars and psychologists to ensure that voices of the vulnerable are amplified, that their needs are met, and that their rights are safeguarded.
Former Chairman of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof Chidi Odinkalu who delivered the keynote, lamented the prevailing theatre of war across parts of the country. He noted that the violence in the south east was for peculiar reason.
He stressed that the well-being of Nigerians should be made a priority, pointing out that the insincerity of Nigeria leaders was part of causes of trauma in the country.
“Related to trauma is the issue of violence and the return of military to the barracks has made confronting violence an issue. The country ought to be at ease with its people, but where it creates unease, it brings about mental disability, trauma and other consequences,” Odinkalu said.