Engineer Professor Hilary Ijeoma Owamah(L), presenting DELSU’s 115th Inaugural Lecture to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba(R).
By Ese Umukoro
Vice Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), Prof. Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, in admiration has described Engineer Prof. Hilary Ijeoma Owamah, as a distinguished scholar. Professor Asagba gave this commendation at the 115th inaugural lecture of DELSU delivered by Engineer Prof. Hilary Ijeoma Owamah on Thursday, November 27, 2025 at the 750 Lecture Theatre A, Site III, DELSU, Abraka. He also went on to recount that his first encounter with Prof. Owamah was during his interview for employment at DELSU. He narrated how he mesmerised the panel with his brilliant performance.
According to the Vice Chancellor, since then, Prof. Owamah has continued to exhibit a level of intelligence comparable to a computer. He added that, given his remarkable pedigree, the inaugural lecturer is poised to excel in all his life endeavours. In his inaugural lecture titled: “Harmony In Crisis: Green Engineering Solutions For A Fragile World,” Engr. Professor Hilary Ijeoma Owamah, observed that human intelligence has ironically disturbed nature’s equilibrium adding that, humanity’s quest for comfort has led to the neglect of other essential components of nature, resulting in crisis and disharmony. According to inaugural Lecturer, through industrialisation, humanity has depleted the ozone layer, leading to climate-change effects such as flooding, melting ice, and more. As a panacea, Professor Owamah recommended the embrace of green solutions that cut across all spheres of life.
He defined green solutions as using human intellect, institutions and innovations to restore the harmony between progress and ecological integrity. In his conclusion, Prof. Owamah enumerated the pathways to green solution and harmony that include mainstreaming green engineering education, strengthening environmental governance, promoting renewable energy and resource efficiency, as well as institutionalising circular economy practices. Others were encouraging multidisciplinary collaboration, imbibing high ethical and spiritual standards in use of earth’s resources, establishment of a green hub to champion the green solution course and charting a national policy that moves from extractive growth to regenerative progress.
DELSU’s 115th Inaugural Lecturer, Engineer Professor Hilary Ijeoma Owamah in a group photograph with DELSU Management led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba.
Other highlights of the 115th inaugural lecture were the decoration of the inaugural lecturer, Engineer Prof. Hilary Ijeoma Owamah, with the University’s special medal for inaugural lecturers, special musical rendition by the Department of Music, photo sessions of the inaugural lecturer with principal officers of the university as well as with family and friends. Reception ceremony followed immediately after the inaugural lecture at the Convocation Arena of the University. Dignitaries present at the 115th inaugural lecture included Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Prof. Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, Vice Chancellor of University of Delta, Agbor, Prof. Stella Chiemeke, Vice Chancellor of University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Prof. Solomon Tamarabrakemi Ebobrah, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Edmund Aviedo Atakpo, Provost of Oleh Campus and Prof. Elo Ibagere.
Also in attendance were Registrar of the University, Mrs. Rufina Ufiofio, the University Bursar, Mrs Otimeyin Ekakitie-Omajuwa represented by Mr. Joel Ojigbo-Ijatomi, the University Librarian, Dr. Josephine Eruterio Onohwakpor, Provosts, Deans, Directors, staff and students of the university. Also present were Dr. Festus Okubor, Chief Strategist to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II, the Obi of Owa Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Uku Odjevworo Akpomeyoma Majoroh, the Ovie of Oruarivie-Abraka Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, AVM Lucky Ochuko Ararile (Rtd), the Ovie of Umiaghwa-Abraka Kingdom, Former Vice Chancellor of DELSU and Prof. Eric Arubayi and his wife, Prof. Diana Arubayi (Rtd).
Others were Rector of Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, Prof.James Okoro, Bishop of Ika Diocese of the Anglican Church, Right. Reverend G. Ekpenisi, Chaplain of Our Saviour’s Chapel, Venerable Nelson Emebryo, Chaplain of Saint Paul’s Catholic Chapel, Reverend Father (Dr) James Urien, Chaplain of All Saint Anglican Chapel, Venerable Agbawe, friends and family of the inaugural lecturer including his wife, Mrs Victoria Owamah.
(Dr Ese Umukoro, Deputy Director,DELSU, Abraka)