A birthday gift to my mentor and role model, Sunny Awhefeada
By Young Erhiurhoro
PROFESSOR Sunny Awhefeada is a household name in the world of literature, classical writings and social commentary. Though he is young, he has mentored and modelled so many Nigerians as acclaimed scholar and educator in Nigeria, especially Delta State University, Abraka where he’s currently lecturing. Through his well researched publications in his area of academic specialization and articles on various subjects, many students and readers have benefited much, including myself.
As a matter of fact, I first knew Prof. Sunny Awhefeada through the Urhobo Historical Society’s conferences and other events. His literary prowess in delivery public lectures is second to none. I always applaud him as the second Urhobo scholar that has written much on Urhobo history, culture, folklore, myths and legends after the late Prof. Peter Ekeh, the founder of UHS. Even till this moment, Prof. Awhefeada is still using his academic career to promote the cultural heritage and historical background of the Urhobo people through fiction and social commentary.
Interestingly, I have been with Prof. Awhefeada in many occasions since I knew him. He is a man with the heart of generosity, hospitality and kindness. Despite his many awards, academic titles, laurels and traditional recognition, he’s one man I know that is simple, quiet and humble to the core. He doesn’t sing his praises as some people do. In everything he does as a person and academic leader, he never demands for publicity or praises. The truth about Prof. Awhefeada is that he has contributed immensely to the education of so people at DELSU. He is a lecturer who is always happy to give out his salary to pay students’ school fees. The story is the same even at his Ughelli residence. So many students have visited him for one help or the other.
However, the Prof. Awhefeada I know, which I also believe others who are close to him can equally testify, is a man who doesn’t compromise on issues of any kind. He’s a highly disciplined man with unshakable integrity.
Today, the name of Urhobo, a recognized ethnic group in Nigeria, is well-respected by people of other ethnic groups and nationalities because of people like Prof. Awhefeada. Truly, a good name is better than riches. While many of our politicians are busy painting the name of Urhobo in uncertain hues, scholars like Prof. Awhefeada are struggling to paint Urhobo in bright colours. This is actually the burden Prof. Awhefeada has continued to carry by trying to lift Urhobo nation from the dust and mud through his classical writings and socially conscious vision.
Therefore my mentor and teacher, on this occasion of your birthday celebration, I know so many people have presented special and notable birthday gifts and different tributes to you. But what I have I give to you as a role model and internationally acclaimed scholar. Happily accept these words of mine as words of encouragement and appreciation to enable you do more for the Urhobo people and Nigeria at large. I can see that, as a young man full of vibrant ideas and sellable dreams, you still have much to accomplish in fulfilling your destiny and dreams. You have just started the journey of life. How I wish there is another academic title other than ‘Professor’, I faithfully believe you would have been awarded it by the university management. But the world over, Professor is the highest academic title, showing you levels of academic qualifications and the numbers of researches and publications you have undertaken. This highly coveted title is what you have already attained in your academic journey.
My Prof, it’s therefore my prayers that God Almighty should add more fruitful years to your age in good health and longevity. You will live to become the oldest man of Effurun-Otor Kingdom and also become a scholar of authority in the university community.
Once again, happy birthday celebration to you sir!
Prof. Sunny Awhefeada
Erhiurhoro wrote in from Delta State
