Prof. Ebele Eko turns 80, appreciates God for multiple mercies
Word Family Centre, Calabar was a beehive of activities on Friday June 14, as Prof. (Mrs.) Ebele Ofoma Eko, a professor of English Literature, author, Fulbright Scholar and former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Calabar celebrated her 80th birthday anniversary.
The Anambra State born Ebele is the seventh child of the affable catechist of the St. Andrew Anglican church and wife to late Rev. (Dr.) Ewa Eko, former Resident Electoral Commissioner of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kwara State and later University Administrator.
Popularly called mother of multitudes or mummy Ebele Eko, a brilliant University teacher, a writer, a poet, a prayer warrior, an excellent home maker, an environmentalist, a horticulturist who started at University of Ibadan and finished at the University of Dakar, Senegal.
Fielding questions from a LENS Reporter at Word Family Centre before the celebration, Prof. Ebele Eko only regret in life was the passage of her spouse of 43 years in 2013, Rev. (Dr.) Ewa Eko.
She recalled with affection serving under Prof. Ivara Ejemut Esu (OFR), the then Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar and the immediate past Deputy Governor of Cross River State whom she described as a man of great warmth and memorable humour.
In her parting words, she appreciated members of the Word Family, the United Christian Women International in all the States and minister of the gospel within and outside Calabar for their support and show of love towards the successful celebration of her 80th birthday anniversary.
The Queens College, Lagos, UI, Senegal, France, UK, Germany and US trained scholar retired on March 2, 2009 at the age of 70. She served as Desmond Tutu chair, (1999-2000) and a distinguished professor at university of North Florida, Jacksonville (1998-1999). As the first Desmond Tutu distinguished professor, the celebrant returned all the glory to God for His mercies rescuing her from a rapist while undergoing her MA programme at the University of Minnesota in the 60’s as well as scaling her Ph.D. studies in English at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, U.S.A.
She is a fulfilled octogenarian with children, grand children and great grand children.
By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)
