The Vice Chancellor of the Delta State University, Abraka, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, has paid glowing tribute to the Late Associate Professor (Mrs) Gabrieline Onyedikachi Obaro of the Department of Library and Information Science for her dedication to duty. Speaking at the commendation service held in her honour on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at Atscan Hall, Site II, DELSU, Abraka, Professor Asagba described the late scholar as calm, hardworking, and humble, qualities that defined her professional life and her contributions to the growth and development of the University. Professor Asagba further expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr (Mrs) Gabrieline Onyedikachi Obaro noting that she will be greatly missed for her goodwill and exemplary service, especially by the Department of Library and Information Science. He encouraged the bereaved family to remain strong emphasizing that true comfort can only come from the Almighty God. The Vice Chancellor then led the university community in observing a minute’s silence in honour of the departed scholar.
In a deeply emotional funeral oration, the Head of the Department of Library and Information Science, Professor Basil Enemute Iwhiwhu, expressed the profound sorrow he felt delivering the tribute, noting with grief that the Department had lost two distinguished scholars in just few months. He highlighted the significant contributions of the late Associate Professor (Mrs) Gabrieline Onyedikachi Obaro to the field of Library and Information Science, particularly her effective coordination of the Diploma and Postgraduate programmes in Library Science. Fondly known as Gabby, she specialised in the History of Libraries, Information Literacy, and Indigenous Knowledge. Professor Iwhiwhu concluded that her enduring legacies would continue to inspire and motivate colleagues and students alike.
Dean of Faculty of the Social Sciences, Professor Sam Ogege in his tribute eulogised Late Associate Professor (Mrs) Gabrieline Onyedikachi Obaro for her dedicated life, inspiring career, and unwavering commitment to knowledge, service and humanity. The Dean who was represented by the Associate Dean of the Faculty, Dr Roland Edjedegba, lamented that the exit of the late scholar has created a void that would be difficult to fill. Professor Ogege described Late Dr.(Mrs) Obaro as an inspiring teacher who sparked curiosity in the lecture hall, a strategic planner and policy advocate within library spaces and committee rooms, and a tireless force in advancing the information system. He concluded that the life of the late scholar teaches that greatness is not in loud declarations but in quiet and meaningful impact.
Chairman of ASUU-DELSU, Comrade Paul Opone, in his commendation, stated the Late Associate Professor (Mrs) Gabrieline Onyedikachi Obaro was an active member of the Union. Comrade Opone also said that her death was a reminder of the ephemeral nature of human life. Comrade Opone later led the Union in singing the ASUU solidarity song as a mark of honour to their departed member.
After the commendation service, the body of Late Associate Professor (Mrs) Gabrieline Onyedikachi Obaro will be taken to Otulu-Amumara, Ezinihette, Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State for final burial ceremony on Friday, 25th July, 2025. Late Associate Professor Gabrieline Onyedikachi Obaro joined the services of Delta State University in 1996 as Graduate Assistant in the Department of Library and Information Science and rose to the rank of Associate Professor in 2024.
Dr Ese Umukoro,
Deputy Director,
DCIPR, DELSU.
