By OGEMDI OZOEMENAM, Awka
Rev Fr Prof Boniface Anthony Chijioke Obiefuna has bowed out from the academic employ of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka after attaining the mandatory age of 70.
Born on 24th June 1954 at Nkitaku Village Aguku in Anaocha council area of Anambra State, Prof BAC Obiefuna holds Bachelor of Philosophy, Bachelor of Theology, Masters in Political Science specialising in International Relations as well as Masters and Doctor of Philosophy with specialty in Religion and Society, all from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
The Valedictorian had served Nnamdi Azikiwe University in various capacities as Head, Department of Religion and Human Relations; Dean, Faculty of Arts; Director, School of General Studies; Consultant, Faculty of Arts Lecture Series; member, Senate Curriculum Committee; Chairman, Senate Roundtable Committee, UNIZIK among other membership of various Departmental and Committees of the university.
He is also a member of many professional organisations and associations like Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), member Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria, member Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, member University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA) Awka Branch, among others.
But delivering his Valedictory Lecture and Festschrift Presentation at the University Auditorium Awka, Prof Obiefuna appreciated God for seeing him through the turbulent challenges of life and granting his heart desire in actualizing his career choice, teaching profession and priest of God.
In a Valedictory Lecture titled "In Praise of the Study of Religion, Society and Human Relations”, Prof Obiefuna said religion gives meaning to culture as there would be no culture if there is no religion to sanction norms, customs and traditions that are the essential elements of culture.
The Catholic priest and Professor of Religion and Society believed that the study of religion constitute the supernatural, humans, and human society which offers the students of religion and society a versed understanding of the supernatural beings, their constituents, their models and the intentionality of these beings in relation to human society.
"The study of religion and society eminently engages in the spirito-psycosocail interpretation of rituals, symbols, images and signs of proper codification of human morality. There must be an understanding that it is humans who are religious, that humans practice religion, and that humans have and belong to various religious systems.
"God is not religious. Angels and deities are not religious. Humans are religious because of their limitedness and dependence on a supra-human for assistance in life-changing situations such as sickness, misfortunes and death. Again, only humans have the rationality for relatedness with the divine, with humans and physical environment. That is why the spirit, in this case, controls every component of the human person: the mind, the will, the intellect, and, of course, the body.
"To address human and societal issues from the point of view of religion is the primary concern of religion and society. If however these concerns are to get attention from the point of view of sociology, psychology, philosophy, or any other area of study, they must receive attention in those departments rather than in the Department of Religion."
Concerning the incessant religion-related conflicts and bigotry experienced in Nigeria, Prof Obiefuna concluded that religion and society as a field of study is in tandem with the provisions of human relations and promised more stable and peaceful Nigerian society capable of directly impacting on Nigeria’s national integration.
Earlier, the chairman on the occasion and Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Charles Esimone described Prof. Obiefuna as a consummate, sound and seasoned public relations practitioner who would always call his attention to any issue that would geopardize the image and reputation of the university.
He noted that the Valedictorian is a prominent person in the university who was active till the last minutes of his years in the university.
Prof. Esimone said in his work ethics, Fr. Prof. Obiefuna remained objective, frank, blunt, and principled, adding that the university would gladly have him serve more in other capacities as he is retiring but not yet tired.
Various groups and associates of Rev. Fr. Prof. Obiefuna presented their goodwill messages and described him as a good team player, mentor, pillar and quintessential character who stops at nothing in ensuring that whatever he puts his hand on succeeds.
Later, his Festschrift was presented. Entitled: Studies in Religion, Society and Human Relations” the Festschrift is a compendium of scholarly papers in eleven parts, edited by Dr. Ikenna Umeanoluo et al and was reviewed by Rev. Fr. Dr. Jude Ezeanokwasa, on behalf of Rev. Fr. Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku, the Vice-Chancellor, Veritas University, Abuja.###