The immediate past Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and APC Flag Bearer for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, OON, was on Tuesday honoured with the prestigious Honorary Fellowship Award by the Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City.
The award was conferred on Elumelu by the authority of the University of Benin at a colourful ceremony held at the Prof. Festus Iyayi Hall, New Faculty of Management Sciences Building, University of Benin.
Elumelu, who was represented at the occasion, was formally presented with the award by the Head of Department of Human Resource Management, Dr. Enaruna Ehimwenma Idabor, in the presence of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edoba Bright Omoregie, SAN, principal officers of the institution, leading political figures federal and state lawmakers, captains of industry, members of the academia and students.
The former Minority Leader was honoured in recognition of his remarkable achievements as a distinguished federal lawmaker, prominent political leader and philanthropist whose contributions to humanity and societal development have continued to impact lives positively across the country.
The University also acknowledged Elumelu’s exceptional support and unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the Department of Human Resource Management.
The event coincided with the 3rd Annual Lecture Series of the Department themed: “Amid the Economic Brouhaha: Healthy Lifestyle for Longevity.”
In his acceptance speech, Elumelu described the award as a great honour and a call to greater responsibility and service to humanity.
“It is with profound humility and deep sense of honour that I stand before this distinguished gathering on this occasion of the conferment on me of the Honorary Fellowship Award of the Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Benin,” he stated.
The former Minority Leader expressed heartfelt appreciation to the management and staff of the University for finding him worthy of the recognition, noting that the honour would remain memorable throughout his lifetime.
“I consider this honour not only as a recognition of service and commitment to humanity, but also as a solemn call to greater service, greater responsibility and greater commitment to the wellbeing of our people and society at large,” he said.
Elumelu further reaffirmed his belief in human capital development as a critical tool for national growth, stressing that no nation can truly advance without investing in its people and building strong institutions driven by ethical leadership.
He commended the Department of Human Resource Management for its strategic role in shaping future leaders, administrators and professionals capable of driving organizational growth and societal progress.
The APC flag bearer also pledged his readiness to partner with the Department in advancing initiatives aimed at leadership development, workforce transformation, ethical management and sustainable societal growth.
Elumelu equally used the opportunity to appreciate the people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency for their support and confidence in him following his emergence as the APC flag bearer for the House of Representatives seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edoba Bright Omoregie, SAN, said the event reflected the institution’s commitment to knowledge dissemination, academic excellence and recognition of outstanding achievements in society.
According to him, the role of Human Resource Management has become increasingly important in modern society, especially in fostering organizational efficiency and leadership development.
The Vice Chancellor who was represented by the Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Prof. S.O. Igbinosa congratulated Elumelu and other award recipients, while commending the Department of Human Resource Management for sustaining the University’s tradition of academic engagement and intellectual discourse.
Also speaking, the Head of Department of Human Resource Management, Dr. Enaruna Ehimwenma Idabor, said the award ceremony was organized to celebrate distinguished personalities who have contributed immensely to society and supported the growth of the Department and the University community.
She described Elumelu as an outstanding achiever and a committed friend of the Department whose contributions to humanity and public service remain commendable.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of a book published by the Department titled, “Contemporary Human Resource Management.”
The occasion also featured a guest lecture delivered by the Medical Director and Chief Consultant of Echoes Hospital Limited, Dr. Matie Obazee, who spoke extensively on the lecture theme, emphasizing the importance of healthy living and wellness in challenging economic times.
