Echoes from the Reception for Ojaide

By Moses Darah

The reception for Prof. Tanure Ojaide, who was honoured with an Honorary Doctorate of Letters (DLitt) by Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, took place on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The event was held at the Postgraduate School Park, DELSU, Abraka by 1:00pm.

Prof. Ojaide is a renowned Nigerian poet and academic known for his unique stylistic vision and criticism of imperialism and religion. He has received numerous awards, including the Commonwealth Prize for African region (1987), the All-Africa Christopher Okigbo Prize for Poetry (1988 and 1997), the Association of Nigerian Authors Prize for Poetry (1988, 1994, 2003 and 2011), 2018 Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa, the 2016 Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) and other numerous literary awards.

A committee of friends, led by the Dean of Postgraduate School, DELSU, Abraka Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, rallied together to organise a fitting celebration in honour of Ojaide’s honorary Doctorate award. The list of generous contributors includes: Prof Sunny Awhefeada, Dr Peter Omoko, Prof Nduka Otiono, Prof Enajite Ojaruega, Mrs Florence Ovweriavwose, Dr Stephen Kekeghe, Dr Julius Babogha, Dr Emma Ikomi, Ms Ejiro Rita Enisire, Dr Henry Unuajohwofia, Dr Kennedy Edegbe, Ms Ifeoma Oyovwi, Prof Emeka Ifesieh, Dr Idogho Joseph, Ms Ogochuku Anigala, Dr Gabriel C. Ilechukwu, Dr Ofie Chukwuka, Dr Usman Oladipo Akanbi, Christy Ese Oghounu, Dr Karo Ilolo, Ogugua Omajuwa, Ekemere Dorcas Ediri, Prof Mabel Evwierhoma, Mrs Ijeoma Susan Ilechukwu, Moses Peter Ukochovwera, Reuben Kehinde Akano, Mrs Mary Bala, Mrs Uzezi Edjere, John Itiveh, Dr Eyituoyo Matilda Ovie-Jack, Desmond Ndukwe, Dr Ufuoma Tonukari, Joseph Evughaye, Dr Mathias Orhero, Ochuko Arodovwe, Ekanpou Enewaridideke, J.K. Ayanyen, Dr Ohwonohwo Titus Rukaye, Prof Rita Mebitaghan, Prosper Chibuzor Ifeanyi, Ms Oghenetejiri Egheneji, Mrs Patience Odiri Inikoro, Dr Peter Udi, ⁠Dr Ojabunor Anthonia, Dr Anthonia Adanma Eguvwebere, Favour Obirinma Nwanne, Samson Edema, Dr Richard Maledo, Benson Omonode, Ernest Ojaide, Dr Emuobonuvie Ajiboye, Chief Matthew O. Eyuren, Prof Rose Aziza, Prof Samuel O. Ogege, Dr Sanubi Franklins, Dr Kevwe Abamwa, Prof Igho Odokuma, Moses Darah, Abure Pedro Anetor, Tobrise Efetobore, Prof Okpevra U. Benjamin, Professor Ejiro Akpotu, Professor Basil Iwhiwhu, Dr Emmanuel Emama, Prof Anigboro A. Akpovwehwee, Asuma Ohwoghere and Prof Dennis Eboh.

The ceremony began on a warm note with the presentation of kola nuts, a symbolic gesture of welcome and hospitality. A distinguished member of the DELSU Governing Council, Prof. G.G. Darah, offered heartfelt traditional prayers, invoking blessings and praying for the emergence of more literary giants like Ojaide.

Students of the Department of Languages and Linguistics in white costumes presented a captivating display of igbe emete cultural dance. The students had a focused two-day rehearsal period before the performance. The short timeframe limited rehearsal time for Ojaide’s favourite Udje songs. The audience erupted in cheers, celebrating their impressive artistic talent and dazzling performance.

Dr. Stephen Kekeghe of the Department of English and Literary Studies masterfully led the poetry recitation section, weaving beautiful lines alongside a talented young English scholar, Prosper Ifeanyi.

Dr Emuobonuvie Ajiboye of the Department of Languages and Linguistics joyfully presented a congratulatory plaque to the esteemed recipient, Professor Tanure Ojaide on behalf of the Urhobo Studies Association (USA), under the leadership of Prof. Rose Oro Aziza.

At the free speech session, Dr. Richard Maledo of the Department of English and Literary Studies lauded the exceptional quality of Ojaide’s literary work, attributing his academic success to studying Ojaide’s work.

The Director, Centre for Security, Peace and Conflict Resolution (CSPCR), DELSU, Abraka, Prof. Benjamin Uwomazino Okpevra, explores the possibility of interdisciplinary research linking literature, history, and conflict resolution, with the Department of History and International Studies analysing historical themes in Tanure Ojaide’s poetry.

Prof. Nelson Ejiro Akpotu of the Department of Educational Management and Foundations, commended Ojaide who was his teacher at the secondary school, for his scholarly contributions to the development of the Urhobo language and culture through his writings.

In his response, the African library giant, Ojaide, generously established an Endowment Fund for Niger Delta Literature, entrusting Prof. Sunny Awhefeada and Prof. Enajite Eseoghene Ojaruega with its coordination. Ojaide further pledged to facilitate a rewarding collaboration between the University of North Carolina, USA, and Delta State University, Abraka, fostering academic exchange and partnership.

The ogba udje, Ojaide thanked the organizers of the event, for the remarkable honour. In his words, “I want to thank Prof Sunny Awhefeada for the role he played. I feel honoured. I am very happy. No matter where you go and how social you are outside, the people there may honour you but they don’t really know you. So when your people give you something, it is different from the others. When I write, it is all about the culture. Many people do ask, what is Aridon and I say Aridon is the Muse. I want to thank everyone that really made this reception a reality.”

In her heartfelt vote of thanks, the trailblazing first female University Orator, Prof. Enajite Eseoghene Ojaruega, expressed gratitude to Ojaide for being a role model and mentor to young scholars. She also extended her appreciation to all donors for their generosity

.