GROUNDBREAKING OF THE STARS UNIVERSITY- Christy Aboghe

It was an unprecedented gathering of indigenes of Delta State from within and outside Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State when they all gathered at the country home of Hon. Ned Nwoko, a Nigeria  lawyer and  former member representing  Aniocha / Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representative,

The Idumuje –Ugboko community was pleased to welcome personalities from different sector into the community recently, when, Hon Ned Nwoko officially unveiled the foundation laying of the Stars University. As people trouped into the home of one of their illustrious son of the soil to also celebrate  the unveiling of the operation each one, tell one , tell everyone project  as he prepares for the Senate come 2019.

Hon Nwoko in his speech said it would be a university where sports development will be an integral aspect of the citadel of learning. The opening of the university which happens to be the first sports university in Nigeria was a vision he has for his people. He said the commencement of the project is coming on the heels of the approval granted to the premier university of sports in the Sub- Sahara Africa by the national Universities Commission (NUC). The approval he said has given him reason to commence the development of the institution as he is certain that come September the institution will fully commence academic and administrative operations  for the 2018/ 2019  academic session.

 He said that looking at the likes of John Fashanu, former professional footballer of Nigeria and Chioma Ajunwa, Nigeria former athlete who specialized in the long jump, as the pride of the nation; he is moved to train more youths in the area of sports. He said the university would not only focus of courses related to sports but would also offer other  social science, science and technology courses. He said that the university is aimed at engaging, inspiring and motivating students to stay active and fit in cerebral development and sports.

He went further to say that the establishment of the university would not only afford athletes and students the opportunity to pursue  their academic careers, that the  state - of - the - art  facilities in the university would be  home  to all sport lovers in and across the  Africa  as it would put Delta  state and Nigeria  on the international  scene in terms of sports development and education. He also said that it would  also reduce  the high rate of unemployment in the community, state and country.  Chioma Ajunwa in her speech said she was impressed with the love Hon. Ned has for his people, he said that she is ready at the commencement of the institution to come an exercise her professional skills with the students the way she does in Abia State.

The Chairman of the occasion, Capt. Hosa Okunbo from Edo state, in his speech said that the Principal is one who is concerned about sowing seeds that is why he has chosen to invest in his people rather than take it outside the country. He urged all to start giving back to the nation, he said that they should emulate Hon. Prince Ned Nwoko kind gesture and start giving back to the society. The Chairman Project Committee of the Star University, a onetime Vice Chancellor Igbenedion University, said that he was amazed at the caliber of people Hon. Ned picked to work with him, as they are all professor in the field of academic.

The Commissioner for Higher Education, Engr, Jude Sinebe, the chairman of the Occasion, Capt. Hosa Okunbo,  the Project Engineer, John Fashanu, Chioma Ajunwa, Royal Fathers and other personalities at the event took a short walk from the venue to the campus site where the groundbreaking was officially done.

 Speaking at the event the National President of National Association of Delta State  Students (NADESSTU),  Comrade Agolo Samson said that the Hon. Prince Ned Nwoko’s Sports  Technology, Arts  and Sciences University (STARS) , Idumuje – Ugboko is a blessing to  Delta State, Nigeria and Africa. He said that over the years  that Delta State has top  lead when it comes to  promoting education

The colourful event featured cultural dancing group from different locations, cultural display, teakwando presentation and swimming competition and award presentation to Hon. Ned Nwoko which was the last activity at the event 

The event had different cultural troupes in attendance to entertain guest at the occasion, there was the swimming competition stage where they had the under 18 perform in the completion. Cash and awards of gold, silver and bronze where given to winners and Anita Okpochine from Obiaruku won two gold medals. Hon Nwoko in appreciation to the gold medal winner promised her a scholarship all through her stay in the university. He also promised all who participated in the swimming competition, both winners and loser the sum of ten thousand naira.

Entertainment was not left out of the programme as there was so much to eat and drink. In appreciation, an award was presented to the Honourable because of his love and commitment to his society by the Nigeria Union of Journalist. Also at the event were a cream de la cream of dignitaries including traditional rulers and their chiefs, professors in the field of education, politicians and cultural dances.

The event was graced by the Governor of Delta State who was represented by the  Delta Sate Commissioner of Higher  Education, Engr. Jude Sinebe, royal fathers , the Obi of Obior, His Royal Highness, Obi  Kingsley Ofuokwu III; the Obi of Issele Uku, Obi Nduka  Ezeagwuna; the Obi of Akwuku  Igbo, the Obi of Olodu, Obi Agu Ifechukwu I; the Obi of Idumu ogo, Obi Samuel Nwachukwu Otiegede III; the Obi of Ubulu Okiti; the Iyese of Idumuje Ugboko, Chief Chris Ogwu,  High Chief Julius Monye, of Onicha- uku; Chief Engineer of the Star University Project, Muhammed Sherrif, and Professors in the field of education.