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From Tony John, Port Harcourt
The Governing Council of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), the alumni association, cleric and the university community, have paid tribute to late Innocent Igwedimma Akuvue.
Akuvue, the Ichie Ozo Ochudo I of Nibo, in Anambra State, until his untimely death on September 5, 2025, was the Chairman, Board of Directors of Polymer Institute of Nigeria (PIN) as well as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of GGI International Nigeria Limited.
The senate (council) last Friday, had convened a mock council meeting presided over by the Pro-Chancellor and its chairman, Chinyeaka Ohaa, disclosing that the deceased was the longest-serving member of the council.
Ohaa said Akuvue’s untimely death has created a great vacuum in the council, describing him as a visioner, who left when the ovation was high.
He said: “His generosity challenged me. His death has created a great void, not only to his family, but also in the council. He represented the true statement ‘be your brother’s keeper.’ Today, the council mocks death on his behalf.”
Also, Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Aloysius -Michaels Okorie, said his exit was regrettable and painful.
Professor Okorie acknowledged his commitment to the council, growth of institution and humanity.
National President of the alumni, C.N. Nwagbara, in his tribute, described the deceased as a legend, icon and patriot, lamenting that death was “unfair to Ochudo, his family, ESUT Alumni Association, the ESUT Senate/Council and ESUT Community.”
Nwagbara stated that Akuvue, who was the foremost president of ESUT alumni, left a legacy that hangs as a banner and umbrella for the association worldwide.
He said: “His sudden and untimely death created a void and left us with the feeling of being in a cold wind under the rain without him as our umbrella.”
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The national president described him further as the “father and pathfinder of modern-day alumni,” attributing the present prominence of the association to the deceased’s commitment.
According to him, the passage of philanthropist and devout Christian, had suddenly diminished his exploits in business and public service.
Also, President, Port Harcourt branch of the association, Edwin Okwudili, eulogised Akuvue as a rare gem, whose life was nothing short of a masterpiece.
He said: “For us in the ESUT Alumni Association, Port Harcourt branch, this moment is deeply painful. We are not just mourning a member, we are mourning the fall of an Iroko, a pillar, a builder and a torchbearer, whose life defined what true service means.”
According to Okwudili, “Everything that bore the ESUT name drew his passion like a magnet and he gave his time, resources and influence, sometimes, even when it cost him personal comfort,” for the growth and development of the body.
He stated: “When the history of ESUT alumni is written, his name will not just appear in the chapters, it will be engraved in gold across every page that speaks of vision, leadership and selfless service.”
In his tribute, the Anglican Archbishop of Enugu Province, His Eminence Sosthenes Eze, said late Akuvue, while on earth, understood what life and death meant and lived impacting positively on humanity and the society.
He said if Nigerian leaders would live like the deceased, who was transparent and concerned about human development, the country would not be confronted by a plethora of challenges.
He admonished Nigerians to live a worthy life, where their good deeds would be remembered both while alive and dead.
However, tributes also came from alumni branches, past national presidents, Asutech family forum, inaugural lecturers, celebration of ESUT at 45 and many others.
