The Women in Colleges of Education (WICE), Federal College of Education, Obudu Chapter, has decorated Dr. Prince Canice Ugbe as the Patron of the Association, in a colourful ceremony held at the Paul Adah Lecture Theatre of the College.

The event, which attracted members of the College community and distinguished guests, was marked by warmth, celebration and expressions of appreciation for the newly decorated Patron. It was also attended by dignitaries and members of the entourage of Dr. Prince Canice Ugbe, who joined the women to celebrate the occasion.

In her welcome address, the Chairperson of WICE, FCE Obudu Chapter, Mrs. Elizabeth Agim, expressed appreciation to all dignitaries, members of the College community and guests who honoured the invitation and made the occasion a memorable one.

Mrs. Agim also acknowledged the National President of WICE, Dr. Magdalene Bisong, for her leadership and commitment to the growth and development of the association.

The WICE Chairperson used the occasion to announce that the next National Conference of WICE would be hosted by the Federal College of Education, Bichi, in Kano State. She explained that, as the host chapter of the National President, members of WICE, FCE Obudu Chapter, were determined to attend the conference in large numbers as a show of solidarity and support for the National President.

She called on members to remain united and committed to the ideals of WICE while looking forward to a strong representation of the Obudu Chapter at the forthcoming conference.

Speaking as Chairman of the Occasion, Comrade Paul Ipuole Ogar took the audience down memory lane, recounting his personal encounter with Dr. Prince Canice Ugbe during his days as a job seeker at the College. Comrade Ogar recalled the role played by Dr. Ugbe in helping him secure gainful employment at the College, describing the intervention as an experience he would never forget.

He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and used the occasion to encourage women to support and uplift one another. He particularly urged members to avoid gossip and backbiting, stressing the importance of unity, mutual support and positive relationships among women.

The Chairman of the Occasion further emphasised the need for members of WICE to work together in advancing the interests of women and contributing meaningfully to the development of the College.

The major highlight of the ceremony was the formal decoration and conferment of an honour on Dr. Prince Canice Ugbe as the Patron of WICE, FCE Obudu Chapter. The decoration was received with excitement by members and guests, as the association formally recognised Dr. Ugbe's acceptance to serve as its Patron.

In his acceptance speech, the newly decorated Patron, Dr. Prince Canice Ugbe, expressed appreciation to the women of WICE for the honour bestowed upon him. He described his appointment as a great privilege and expressed his readiness to identify with the association and support its activities.

Dr. Ugbe charged members of WICE to remain united and stand together as one, emphasising the importance of collective strength and mutual support in achieving their aspirations. He assured the women of his availability and commitment to supporting them whenever the need arises, stressing that he was just a phone call away.

The Patron also pledged his support for the planned journey of members of WICE, FCE Obudu Chapter, to Kano State for the forthcoming National Conference — an assurance that was warmly received by the members.

Dr. Ugbe further encouraged the women to support the emergence of a female Provost for the College, urging them to work collectively towards greater representation and opportunities for women in leadership.

The colourful ceremony ended on a celebratory note, with members of WICE expressing appreciation to Dr. Prince Canice Ugbe for accepting to serve as their Patron and reaffirming their commitment to unity, mutual support and the advancement of women within the College and beyond. The event thus reinforced the values of solidarity, collaboration and collective responsibility which remain central to the activities of WICE, FCE Obudu Chapter.