The Attorney General Alliance Africa (AGA-Africa) has donated books worth €64412.25 to the newly built Justice Chukwuweike Idigbe Law Faculty of the Veritas University, Bwari, Abuja, in recognition of the critical role education plays in development of an individual and society in general.
The books were formally handed over to the university last week in Abuja, by Pfizer Inc,. Vice President/ Assistant General Counsel and founding board member of the Attorney General Alliance Africa (AGA-Africa), Mr. Markus Green, in company of some executives of PUNUKA Associates, led by Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN).
Green said books play great roles in shaping the lives and minds of young people, hence, his organisation’s decision to support the institution with the books.
His words: “Part of our work is capacity building and one of the ways in which we build capacity is through connectivity with universities. We understand that all of these belong to young people, because all of us standing here, our batteries will run out at one point, so, we have to hand them over to the next generation and we have to ensure that the next generation have the tools to do the work that needs to be done.
“As part of that, we started a programme, where we donated books to Kenya. We are moving on to Zambia and Malawi with all of our partners to give books to universities. We understand that universities are the foundation of learning. We understand that education is not only a right, but is a responsibility, and so, we are taking it very seriously.
“At AGA-Africa, we are very proud to donate these books and we look for other ways to partner with Veritas University,” he said.
The Pfizer Vice President, however, urged the students to be focused, work hard and do everything needed to succeed and excel in their career and life in general, adding, “you have to be prepared and open yourselves to opportunities, and when the opportunity comes, say yes without fear.”
Also speaking, Senior Partner, PUNUKA Associates, Chief Idigbe (SAN), who facilitated the books donation, commended the institution for its fast growing rate, especially, with the law faculty.
Recalling how he was led to donate the law faculty building, Idigbe reiterated his commitment to the growth of the faculty and by extension the University.
He said: “The event we are having today is a confirmation of a relationship; it is not a touch and go, if it was a touch and go relationship, we would have just assisted you with the building and gone away, but it is a relationship as you can see. We hope to deepen the relationship more because of the other commitments, we will try our best.”
He appealed to them not to steal or destroy the books, but endeavour to preserve the books for others coming after them.
“As you have the privilege of passing through this school, you have the responsibility to make sure that those behind you will have the same opportunity that you have had and so you must care for the school, not just the physical building but the books.
“When you go to the library, you read the books, keep them to ensure that the next generation will read the same books. Don’t be selfish with the books that have been given to you today. It is your job to preserve it and when you become alumni, it will be your responsibility to make sure those coming behind you will be well trained by also donating and giving to support your school,” he advised.
In his response, the Vice Chancellor of Veritas University, Prof. Hyacinth Ichokwu, commended the AGA-Africa and Idigbe for the kind gesture.
He promised that the institution would make good use of the books as well as preserve them for future generations, assuring that both the students as well as the university will also do their best to stand out in the academia and professional world.