Abuja- The Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN) on Thursday in Abuja immortalised the late Prof. Celestine Onwuliri with a book titled “My Society and Prof. C.O.E Onwuliri.’’
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book was presented to the Minister of State for Education, Mrs Viola Onwuliri, the wife of the late Onwuliri.
Prof. Chinyere Ukaga, the PPSN President said the book was written and produced by members of the society in fulfillment of the promise made at the burial of late Onwuliri.
“We have been able to fulfill the promise we made to you at the burial of your late husband; which is to immortalise his memory and name.
“This we have partly done through the production of the society’s book.
“Within the book, members have tried to recount their various experiences and encounters with your late husband in appreciation of how he touched their lives.’’
Ukaga said the late Onwuliri was one of the strongest pillars of the organisation, adding that one of his greatest desires was to institute a mechanism to encourage the younger ones.
According to her, the society has also inaugurated “Prof. C.O.E Onwuliri Young Scientist Award, to honour him and achieve his desire of encouraging young scientists.
The president solicited financial support by the minister and other well wishers to build the society’s secretariat and guest house in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
She said that abuilding would also be named after the late academician when the project was completed.
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In her response, the minister thanked and congratulated the society for writing the book in honour of her late husband.
“I thank you on behalf of my family and I; it is not easy to write a book as an individual not to talk of a group.
“My husband loved writing and would be pleased with this gesture.
“I am sure he is happy you are doing well, since he was one of you,’’ Onwuliri said.
She noted that his demise was a painful one but his immortalisation and appreciation from people, had kept his memory alive in their hearts.
She also said the family had completed a block of classroom in a seminary in Umuahia through the Professor Onwuliri Foundation (PROFOUND).
According to her, her late husband started the project but did not complete it before his death, adding that the foundation was also supporting many widows and orphans in Umuahia.
The minister assured the society of her support in the construction of its secretariat.
In a remark, Mr Bello Umar, the Director, Human Resources in the Federal Ministry of Education, also pledged his support for the society.
NAN recalls that Prof. Celestine Onwuliri died on June 3, 2012, in the fatal Dana air crash. (NAN)