Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
It was an outpouring of emotion and tributes as trailblazing scholar and communications guru, Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna, was celebrated for her remarkable legacy and contributions to the field of communication.
Okunna was honoured at the maiden edition of Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna International Conference organised by the Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, on Wednesday.
The conference themed: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Communication Practice and Scholarship in Nigeria, drew participants from the academia, media and beyond. Speaker after speaker drummed praises and accolades for her outstanding career achievements and impacts in the society.
Prof. Okunna, the first female Professor of Mass Communication in Sub-Saharan Africa, has had an illustrious career spanning decades. Her teaching, research, and community service have inspired generations of students and professionals globally.
Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, who attended the event described Prof Okunna as “a transitional being who defies definition and cannot be plotted on a graph.” She added that Okunna has made her mark through impactful contributions to teaching, administration and governance, standing as a symbol worthy of emulation.
Igwe Prof. Onuorah Nwuneli, the traditional ruler of Igbakwu community in Anambra State, praised Okunna as an exceptional scholar and mentor. He said Okunna was the “sister his mother never had,” and shared stories of her early beginning as a scholar under his tutelage at the University of Lagos.
“She was my student, and I recognised her potential early on,” he said. As her mentor, Prof. Nwuneli said he carried her along in many of his intellectual pursuits because he needed someone who could think and work like him.
Head of the UNIZIK Mass Communication Department, Prof Allen Adum, attributed his academic success to Prof Okunna’a mentorship, noting that she predicted his becoming a professor.
“I am here today as a professor because Prof. Okunna lifted me up. Years back at Modotel Hotel, Enugu, she practically signed me up and predicted that she would be alive to celebrate my professorship, which came 25 years after Okunna herself became a professor.”
He added, “Prof Okunna’s name has become synonymous with excellence in the field of communication. Her academic contributions are an inspiration to all of us. She is truly a remarkable scholar—a woman well known to her students and mentees for the nurturing, guidance, and insight she has provided to over 2,000 communication scholars. I, too, have benefited from her mentorship.”
Former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi represented by his media Aide, Dr Valentine Obienyem, said Okunna has made her marks that cannot be erased in the sands of time and commended her for achieving excellence, her supports and contributions to humanity.
Chieftain of the Labour Party and former Anambra governorship candidate, Chief Valentine Ozigbo, described Okunna as a legend in content, character and consistency.
“She is top notch. When I count quality human beings in Anambra, she ranks top. This is why she is worthy of celebration.”
Delivering his keynote, Prof. Umar Pate, hailed Prof Okunna as an institution who has built other institutions across Nigeria. He emphasised her role in promoting womanhood and scholarship in mass communication.
“She is gifted with humility and a generous measure of both aptitude and attitude. She is an institution who has built other institutions across Nigeria. She has remained a symbol of womanhood in Nigeria.
“Okunna simplifies what is complex, while others make complex what is simple. What is so magnetic about Okunna is that she rejoices in the success of others and encourages everyone to reach the pinnacle of success,” Pate said.
He added that Okunna represents the scholarship of mass communication and emphasised the crucial need for her worthy successor in the South-East.
Philomena Igbokwe, Provost College of Postgraduate Studies who represented the vice- chancellor, UNIZIK, Prof Benard Odoh, praised Okunna’s inspiration to female lecturers, noting that her legacy deserves to be celebrated.
“Okunna, as Head of Department, as far back as 1998, was a source of inspiration and encouragement to young female lecturers. We have taken the compass from her. We have looked up to her hard-work and dignity in all that she does. Her legacy truly deserves to be celebrated,” she said.
Other Okunna’s numerous mentees and associates who held her in high esteem spoke loud about the grace with which she carries herself, her humility and integrity that mark her every move. They also commended her for the numerous impacts in their lives.
Ikengaonline reports that Okunna’s story serves as a testament to the power of dedication, passion, and scholarship. The conference organised in her honour celebrated her legacy to inspire and motivate future generations.
