The Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of the Social Sciences, Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka organised a one-day memorial lecture in honour of its departed colleague, Late Professor Monday Obaidjevwe Ogbomo. The Lecture, which took place on Wednesday June 4, 2025, at the Faculty of the Social Sciences (FSS) Mini Lecture Theatre, witnessed tributes from dignitaries who came to pay their last respect to the late Professor. Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba admitted that the news of Professor Ogbomo’s demise came as a rude shock, especially on the heels of his recent elevation to the apex of the profession as a Full Professor of Library and Information Science. Professor Asagba commended the Late Professor Ogbomo for living a worthy life that has impacted his students, colleagues, academic community and humanity in general. Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Edmund Atakpo, Professor Asagba reminded attendees that life on earth is transient emphasising that everyone will leave this world. He concluded his remarks by challenging all to live a worthy life taking inspiration from the exemplary legacy of late Professor Monday Ogbomo.
In his opening remarks, the Dean of Faculty of the Social Sciences, Professor Sam Ogege, expressed gratitude to all those present for honouring a departed colleague. Professor Ogege concluded that Late Professor Monday Ogbomo really impacted lives, and concluded that his death was a loss to the faculty.
The Head of Library and Information Science Department, Professor Basil Enemute Iwhiwhu in his welcome address described Late Professor Monday Ogbomo as a seasoned scholar and a friend. He also said that the memorial lecture was to celebrate the legacy of the deceased. Professor Iwhiwhu further stated that the auspicious occasion was meant to stimulate conversations bordering on the late Professor Ogbomo’s area of professional contributions, and thereby further immortalise his memory and legacy within and beyond the academic community. He implored all to engage in meaningful conversation while paying tribute to a fallen colleague.
The guest speaker and immediate past Librarian of DELSU, Professor Stephen Osahon Uwaifo delivered a compelling lecture titled “Reaching Out, Reaching More: Marketing Library and Information Products and Services in the Digital Age”. While highlighting the dynamic and evolving nature of the library as a growing organism with vast potential for further development, Professor Uwaifo also acknowledged challenges that hinder effective marketing of library products in Nigeria. These obstacles included inadequate budgetary allocations, irregular power supply, and a shortage of skilled ICT professionals to drive innovation in the sector. Reflecting on the legacy of the late Professor Monday Ogbomo, whose dedication to the advancement of library and information science continues to inspire, Professor Uwaifo urged all stakeholders to actively contribute towards overcoming these challenges. He concluded with a passionate call for collective action to ensure the successful promotion and utilization of library products and services in the digital age.
In his tribute to his late father, Mr Onoriode Ogbomo eulogized the contribution of his father to academia which was seen in the various positions he held in the university. He expressed fulfilment at the contribution of his father to the academic world. Also, Chairman of Delta State Chapter of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), Dr (Mrs) GloriaTinuoye described the Late Professor Ogbomo as a committed member who paid his annual dues while on his sick bed. She further said that the deceased impacted the Association tremendously.
Those present at the memorial lecture included Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Edmund Atakpo, the University Librarian, Dr (Mrs) Josephine Onohwakpor who was one of the discussants of the lecture, Provost of College of Health Sciences, Professor Emmanuel Odokuma, Dean of Faculty of the Social Sciences, Professor Sam Ogege, Director of Intensive and Part-Time Programme, Professor Emmanuel Mitaire Tarurhor, Director of the University Examination Centre, Professor Edirin Jeroh, immediate past University Librarian, Professor Stephen Osahon Uwaifo who was the guest speaker, Associate Professor Edwin Achugbue who moderated the discussion session, Professor (Mrs) Diana Arubayi, wife of a former Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Head of Library and Information Science Department, Professor Basil Enemute Iwhiwhu, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the memorial lecture, Dame (Dr) Onome Ekoko, members of the Ogbomo family including wife of the deceased, Professor (Mrs) Esoswo Francisca Ogbomo, Professors, staff, students, and other invited guests from within and outside the university community.
Dr Ese Umukoro,
Deputy Director,
CIPR, DELSU.
