Chancellor Flags off 1km Dual Carriage Road at the Legacy Campus
The Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University (BIU), Benin City, Archbishop Margaret Benson Idahosa, on Thursday commissioned a 1 Kilometer dual carriage road that is being constructed and donated by the Managing Director of Ray Royal Construction Company, Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Matthew Okpebholo, at the legacy campus of the University in Okha, Benin City.
Speaking at the flag off, Archbishop Margaret Benson Idahosa commended the philanthropic gesture demonstrated by Okpebholo, describing him as a humble and godly man whom the University will continue to hold in high esteem. The visitor to the University, expressed her delight at the spate of work at the permanent site of the University at Okha. She commended the University Management, staff and students for the developmental strides of the Institution and steadfastness on the part of staff for making the Church of God Mission Intl proud.
Cutting the ribbon, the Chancellor appealed to other well-meaning individuals to emulate the kind gesture of Rev. Okpebholo, while praying that Benson Idahosa University will continue to sour higher and live up to her expectations.
According to Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Matthew Okpebholo, who is a pastor at Church of God Mission International (CGMi), the road, which will cost him about N300 million, is expected to be completed in 2017 and maintained by him for 25 years.
The philanthropist, who had in the past donated building to the University of Benin, road to Samuel Adegboyega University, mentioned that generosity was a way of life for him because he wants to be remembered for his good deeds.
“No individual can do what we are seeing now if God is not involved as it is Government that builds road for citizen” he said.
Okpebholo, who said the road will be constructed with kerbs and walkways, disclosed that road construction in the country is expensive; hence the need for philanthropists to assist in such project is needed.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the President of Benson Idahosa University, Bishop F.E.B. Idahosa said that the flag off is the beginning of great things to happen this year.
“We are here to mark a legacy that started in 1978 and continue the vision of our founder who passed on 19years ago” he said.
“Resources will move to you when you begin to move towards your vision but if you sit still, your vision will sit still, as we moved towards this vision, God sent so many people to sow seed on this campus that is a reality today”
The Chairman of the Governing Council, Engineer Goddie Isibor, disclosed that the University had started moving to its permanent site with the completion of the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, recreational facilities, as well as the hostels. He noted that the Institution will commence; Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Energy Engineering, Computer Engineering, Architecture, as well as Sandwich programme for pastors.
Engr. Isibor thanked Bishop Matthew Okpebholo and Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of Christ Embassy Church for their contributions to the development of the Institution. He also used the occasion to thank the President of the Institution for keeping the vision alive, adding that there are more hurdles to be crossed.
After the official flag off, the Chancellor alongside Bishops from Church of God mission Intl were taken on a tour round the legacy campus by Management and the University project team.