Opinion
“Bikonu,” what exactly is going on with my inner circle?
Only a few days ago, I was celebrating the appointment of Comrade Aloysius Attah as the Director of Information and Public Relations at UNIZIK. I am still celebrating him today because I know his worth. Yet, just a few minutes ago, a mutual friend called me. A true master of suspense, he asked, “Val, biko, have you heard what is happening to Ostende?”
“What?” I replied, my heart racing. He deliberately played with my emotions before finally landing softly: “He has just been announced as the PRO of Oko Polytechnic.” Shortly after, I got OSTENDE on the phone, and he confirmed the pleasant news.
Who is OSTENDE?
His full name is Comrade Oguegbu Celestine Udoka. He is the new Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Oko Polytechnic. Approved by the Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, this move is a strategic step toward strengthening the institution’s communication and deepening public engagement.
A Pedigree of Excellence
Oguegbu is not just a seasoned professional; he is a scholar. He brings many years of experience in journalism and media practice to the table, which actually began with his membership of the Fulton Sheen Press Club “in diebus illus.” He is backed by a remarkably diverse academic background:
• Classical Roots: A Diploma in Latin and a Bachelor of Philosophy from Rome.
• Public Policy: A Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration from UNN.
• Media Mastery: An Advanced Diploma in Journalism (Distinction) and a Master’s degree from Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
• Advanced Research: He is currently awaiting the final defense of his PhD thesis.
A Natural Leader
In the seminary in those days, he was the Commander of the “Man No War” group. This was part of the training ground for the leader he has grown to become. In those days, he could wear himself out fighting for justice for fellow seminarians, even to the point of confronting “unruly” teachers.
At Oko Polytechnic, Ostende served as the Head of the Rector’s Media Team, where he was pivotal in projecting the institution’s reforms and milestones. Known for his eloquence and analytical depth, he is a communicator who knows how to shape narratives and engage an audience. He is affiliated with key professional bodies such as the Philosophical Association of Nigeria (PAN), the Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria (IPAN), and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
His leadership extends far beyond the office:
• National President: Still serving as the worldwide President of his Old Boys’ Association (SABOBA).
• Unionism: Deputy Scribe of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Anambra State Chapter.
• Institutional Service: At the Atani Campus, he has worn many hats—from Chairman of the Examination Monitoring Committee to the official Campus Orator.
A proud native of Adazi-Ani in Anaocha LGA, Ostende is a man of discipline, a dedicated family man, and a professional who commands respect. It seems my friends are taking over, and I couldn’t be more proud.
A.I
April 23, 2026
Tags: Comrade Aloysius Attah Unizik
