The Orhua Indigenous Polytechnic Alumni Association of Auchi (OIPAA) has immortalized the late Professor Lucy Osemota (née Ogbeide), the community's first female university graduate, for her contribution to the development of the community and its indigenes.
To honor the late professor, who was a librarian at the Auchi Polytechnic, members of the association erected her sculpted image in the community as a way to show their deep gratitude for the efforts she made to promote the interest of the Orhua people and the community. .
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony of the bust of the late teacher at Orhuaghide Primary School, Orhua, Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State, the Chairman of OIPAA, Pastor Shedrack Agie, said the event was to celebrate the extraordinary life and the legacy of Professor Osemota. , whom he described as a pioneer and pillar of excellence.
He stated that the late Osemota, who was the first female university graduate, master's degree holder and Orhua teacher, represented a milestone for the Orhua community and Nigeria at large.
The OIPAA President said Professor Osemota's advocacy and mentorship inspired families to embrace their daughters' education as he opened doors for generations of girls in Orhua.
“If it were not for people like the late Professor Lucy Osemota, most of us who attended Auchi Polytechnic in her time would not have gained admission. She made things easier for everyone. Today their efforts have produced a multiplier effect in the development of our community: Orhua.”
“In his memory, we as the Alumni Association of the Orhua Indigenous Polytechnic of Auchi are committed to preserving his legacy. Let this be a call to action to continue defending education, supporting the less privileged and fostering unity within our community,” he stated.
Pastor Agie said Osemota during his lifetime also gave scholarships to indigent pupils and distributed books, bags and other writing materials, a philanthropic gesture which he said is being sustained by his children.
He, therefore, called on Orhua indigenes, domestic and foreign, to emulate Professor Osemota, who was an Assistant Professor and Reference Librarian at Florida Memorial University, USA, by supporting community development.
Kenneth Adodo, who unveiled the sculpted image, commended the members of the association for their decision to immortalize the late teacher for her contributions to the development of the Orhua community and its people, and called on the Orhua, in the country and abroad, who contribute their quota. for the elevation of the Orhua Community.
The National Chairman of the Orhua People's Forum (OPF), Pastor Vincent Ogbeide, commended the late teacher for her selfless services to the development of human capital of the indigenes of Orhua, including offering scholarships to deserving students of the Orhua Primary School.
Professor Sam Ogbeide, Osemota's brother, expressed his gratitude to the Orhua indigenes of the Auchi Polytechnic Alumni Association for recognizing his sister's contributions to the development of the Orhua community and honoring his late sister by immortalizing her.
Professor Ogbeide also commended the alumni association for their commitment and contributions to the advancement of the Orhua community.