•She’s brilliant, round peg in round hole, say stakeholders
By Henry Umahi
Over the years, Prof. Grace Umezurike dazzled and charmed those who have crossed her path, with her brilliant smile and uncommon intelligence. As someone noted, Grace is graceful, gracious and gentle.
In the Department of Philosophy and Religion at the the Ebonyi State University (EBSU) where she was a senior lecturer, she was very popular among the students and her colleagues. There, she reinvented teaching and gave it an admirable human face.
“Professor Grace Umezurike is a great human being. She makes lecturing interesting; she makes it look easy. She lectures in a manner that makes it easy for her students to understand her completely. With her, there are no tears in class but you have to be a serious student to enjoy her,” Ify Igwe, one of her former students, said.
Another former student of hers, Mr Humphrey Usim, acknowledged that she is a rare gem. According to him, Umezurike is in a class of her own.
He said: “Prof. Umezurike is a woman among women. With her participation in government, she will deliver, she will not disappoint, she will neither stumble nor slumber. Her cutting edge is her simplicity, brilliance and moral rectitude. She hardly raises her voice even when she is angry. I think the state is lucky to have her in this capacity.”
Dr Nwachukwu, one of her colleagues, said: “Prof. Grace is cool and calm. She is level headed. She is easy to relate with. She is brilliant but unassuming. She is a wonderful woman of virtue. She is simple and truthful. For the period I have known her, she has never done anything that challenges her integrity. I’m proud of her.”
Since Governor Francis Nwifuru appointed the female don as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), there has excitement, even a spark across the state. Many are hailing the governor, saying it’s a sign of things to come. Indeed, she is a woman in whom her people are very well pleased.
Celebral public affairs analyst, Osuji Halifax Nwaze, described her appointment as hope – inspiring and soul – lifting. He said: “Her appointment is a welcome departure from the tradition of considering only men for the post of Secretary to the State Government.
“She is a young, energetic and brilliant lady with proven track record of administrative wizardry at university management level. She will bring finesse to the position of SSG in Ebonyi State Government. She is a breath of fresh air. I have no doubt that she will make Ebonyi people proud.”
Reacting to the appointment of Prof. Grace Umezurike as SSG, Dr Jude Umahi said: “The governor has written his name in gold and endeared his nascent adminstration to the good people of the state – by hitting the ground running, shortly after he took over the realms of power as the fourth executive governor of the state, from the erstwhile indomitable and indefatigable governor – Engr. Dave Umahi.
“Nwifuru briskly constituted a formidable team of experts and aids, to enable him deliver the much-needed dividends of democracy. One of the most celebrated appointments, was that of Prof. Grace Umezurike, who was sworn-in as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), to superintend the Cabinet office. Prof. Umezurike thus became the first female to be so appointed to occupy the exalted position. The appointment was not just a testification of governor Nwifuru’s disposition to ‘affirmative action,’ but the age-long ’round peg in a round hole’ maxim.
“I, therefore, commend the governor for his foresight, and for finding Prof. Umezurike worthy to partner with him in his quest to take the state to the promised land within his tenure. Having said that, I wish to stress that the joy of Prof. Umezurike’s appointment cum swearing-in on 13th June 13, 2023, knew bounds as Ebonyi erupted in wide celebration and gyration.
“As true son of the soil and unwavering fan of Prof. Umezurike, I reactivated my old school brake-dance skills in solidarity with the erudite and urbane don. There is no doubt that Prof Umezurike is eminently qualified to occupy the office, and to change the hitherto narrative associated with bureaucratic bottlenecks.
“She has distinguished herself locally and internationally by disseminating knowledge to knowledge-thirsty world like a pedagogist. Her humility is uncommon, so is her loyalty to constituted authority. She is calm and calculated, lovely and lively. She is a good wife to her husband, exceptional mother to her children and indispensable ally to anyone who comes in contact with her. I’m very optimistic that Prof. Umezurike – a proficient and strategic administrator, will activate high productive and vibrant workforce in the cabinet office; and above all, make Ebonyi State proud.”
Evangelist Chimezie Obasi, aka Ajakampu, said he is gratified to see Grace garlanded in such manner, considering her track records. According to him, before her appointment as SSG, she had distinguished herself in different boards in Ebonyi State where she served in various capacities.
Obasi said: “Prof. Grace Umezurike has been a goal-getter and a pace-setter from time immemorial.
She is a man in a woman’s body, a woman of substance. The saying, ‘what a man can do, a woman can do better’, certainly rings true for her.
“My profound gratitude to the governor of Ebonyi State for finding her worthy of this appointment.
I am optimistic that she will work tirelessly, delivering from her wealth of experience to sustain the good deeds of the former governor, Senator David Nweze Umahi, and also to take Ebonyi State to the promised land in this new dispensation.
“Ebonyi people are proud of Prof Umezurike. She is God’s gift to her village, Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, Ebonyi State and Nigeria. Her name speaks for you. And God’s Grace will be sufficient for her throughout her stay in office.”
Dr Tina Nweze, said her appointment is well deserved. “It is a good development. A round peg in a round hole. She will work as unto God and not as unto man because she knows her onions all round,” she said.
Chairman, Ebonyi State Muslim Forum, Engr. Abass Egwu, also described her appointment as SSG as a welcome development.
He said: “Prof. Umezurike is a seasoned academician, a woman of great valour, disciplined and with sound orientation. This appointment by the governor can better be described as putting a square peg in a square hole.
“Before my departure to Saudi Arabia, on June 14, 2023, I interacted with the new SSG, who demonstrated dexterity and good composure to take on her new assignment. I am convinced that this first female SSG of Ebonyi State Government has all it takes to deliver on her mandate.”
Mrs Laura Uzoamaka Amanze said: “I believe that the appointment of Prof Grace Umezrike as the first female secretary to Ebonyi State Government is an excellent move by Governor Nwifuru. It depicts inclusion and confidence in the ability of the don to perform in such elevated office.
“I believe she will bring her wealth of experience and credibility to bear and also chart a course for upcoming Ebonyi women to aspire to participate more in politics and be involved in policies that can created a better society. Once more, I congratulate her.”
A lecturer, Dr Austin Nweze, said: “It is an honor well deserved. Coming from the academia, she will bring with her the discipline required to provide excellent service to the state. Dr Daniel Umezuruike, her husband, served the state with all his being, shaping the health sector to international standard and practices.
“Prof Umezuruike, as SSG, will not do any less but greater. I would like to thank our new amiable governor for the opportunity given to her to contribute towards the progressive development of Ebonyi State. I congratulate her and wish her a successful tenure.”