The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate for Abia State, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu on Wednesday returned to the classroom to lecture students of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba.
A former lecturer at Calabar Polytechnic and one-time Head of Biochemistry Department at Enugu State University of Technology, Ikpeazu was the guest lecturer at a seminar for science students organized by Grace Uduma Foundation in conjunction with the Abia State Poly School of Science.
His presentation which lasted for more than an hour focused on “Effect of garlic extract on body fat” and “Waste to wealth: a biochemical perspective”.
The renowned scientist and researcher kept the enthusiastic students spell bound as he reeled out scientific facts based on the research he co-authored with an Indian national on the efficacy of garlic extract in reducing body fat, especially when combined with exercises.
Speaking on “wealth to waste”, the frontline gubernatorial candidate, who was the immediate past Deputy General Manager of Abia State Environmental Sanitation Agency (ASEPA), told the students that Aba currently generates more than 5000 tonnes of waste daily.
According to him “this waste can easily be converted to wealth by the citizens from collection at homes to the anaerobic and alcoholic fermentation of the waste to produce fertilizer, methanol, biogas etc through recycling, reuse and sorting”.
Ikpeazu, who obtained a doctorate degree in Biochemistry at the age of 30, highlighted the biochemical processes involved in the anaerobic and alcoholic fermentation reactions that converts waste to other useful products.
He explained to the students how they can make enormous wealth by keying into the available opportunities within the waste management systems as the volume of waste is expected to increase with improvements in income.
Responding to a question, Ikpeazu encouraged the students to see themselves as the best and work hard towards their life goals.
He promised to ensure that the students received bursaries regularly as well as get large multinational corporations to partner with Abia tertiary institutions in supporting education through endowments, sponsoring beneficial research work and supporting infrastructural development at the schools.
According to him: “education is the key to guaranteeing the present and future of Abia State and no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that education at all levels is prioritized with no child left behind and the welfare of teachers taken care of as a matter of priority”.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Dean of School of Science & Industrial Technology, Rev. Engr. David Dimoji informed the students that Ikpeazu with his vast experience in the educational sector, public service and private sector possessed all the relevant skills and capacity required to transform the fortunes of the institution and Abia State rapidly
He further appealed to Okezie Ikpeazu to make the lecture an annual event to enable the students benefit from his wealth of knowledge and experience.
The Rector, Prof Uche E. Ikonne, presented a special award to Dr Okezie at the end of his presentation and urged him to treat Abia State Polytechnic as his own institution and partner in manpower development of the State.
He prayed God to grant him success at the polls as according to him: “Okezie Victor Ikpeazu possesses the required humility, intellect and energy to take Abia to the zenith in Nigeria”.
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