DELSU Library Section Holds Send-forth Party For Ifukor

By Daniel Dafe

A former staff of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Dr. (Mrs.) Mary Ifukor, who served as the Deputy Librarian until her retirement some months back, has been eulogized by her colleagues, as the Library Welfare Association, today, hosted a send-forth party for her.

Speaking at the occasion which took place in the institution’s library in Site II, the University Librarian, Professor Stephen Uwaufo, described Dr. Ifukor as a virtuous woman with the fear of God, adding that a big vacuum has been created.

He said: “Even though you have officially left the system, you are still a part of us.”

In the same vein, the University Librarians from Oleh and Asaba campuses of the institution, Dr. Daniel Emojorho and Dr. (Mrs.) Josephine Onowakpor respectively, hinted on several ways she touched the lives of others, the Library section and the university community.

According to them, she stood for what is right and was not scared of speaking the truth when it mattered most.

In their separate remarks, they called on every member of staff to emulate her and seek out ways to impact and contribute to the welfare of others.

While Dr. Emojorho considered her as a good example of one that shows that there is dignity in labour, Dr. Onowakpor described her as a woman of prayers and not ever guilty of the sin of envy.

Others who spoke from the Technical, Readers Services and Special Collections sections of the library recounted ways in which she lived an exemplary life.

On his part, Dr. Ogochukwu Emiri, Chairman, DELSU Library Welfare Association, stressed that it was better to celebrate people while they are alive rather than when they are dead, noting that Dr. Ifukor touched the lives of many persons with her philanthropic gestures and strong commitment to playing the role of a counselor and adviser to many.

High point of the ceremony was the presentation of an award to her by the management of the library in recognition of her selfless service.