As part of activities marking its 17th Anniversary, Lecture and Awards Ceremony, National Impact Glitz Magazine, published by Lumen Impact Communications, has announced two distinguished academics of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Justin Onyekpe and Prof. Bright Chigozie Nnabuihe, as the Fathers of the Day.
The landmark event, scheduled to hold at Presken Hotel and Resorts, Ikeja, Lagos, will feature a public lecture on the theme: “Nigeria’s Growth Paradox: Unlocking the Economy’s Full Potential and Creating Agenda for Nigeria’s 2027 Presidency”.
The celebration will also recognise outstanding personalities who have made remarkable contributions to national development.
Onyekpe is an eminent Nigerian historian, author and academic administrator. He is the Head of the Department of History and Strategic Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos, where he provides academic and administrative leadership.
Having joined the University of Lagos as a Graduate Assistant in 1986, Onyekpe steadily rose through the ranks to become a Professor. Widely respected as a Marxist scholar and proletarian internationalist, his research focuses on political economy, grassroots governance and agrarian development.
He is the author of several influential scholarly works, including Understanding Nigeria’s Political Economy and Culture of Underdevelopment, Anatomy of Nigeria’s Economic Crisis, and Ownership and Use of Land in Twentieth-Century Nigeria: A Survey and Critique. His contributions have enriched scholarly discourse on governance, economic development and nation-building.
Beyond academia, Onyekpe is a passionate advocate for youth development, encouraging young Nigerians to embrace civic responsibility, the rule of law and constructive engagement. He is also a regular commentator on national and historical issues across major media platforms, including the BBC, where he has provided expert analysis on West African history, migration and ethnic identities.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to historical scholarship, he was inducted as a Fellow of the Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN) during its 54th Annual Congress in 2010.
Also being honoured as Father of the Day is Nnabuihe, a renowned Professor of Igbo Language, Culture and Linguistics and the Head of the Department of Linguistics, African and Asian Studies, University of Lagos.
Nnabuihe has distinguished himself through extensive research in African linguistics, sociolinguistics, Igbo literature and indigenous language documentation. He has authored and co-authored several notable publications, including Udezuluigbo: A Festschrift in Honour of Sam Uzochukwu, as well as numerous scholarly works on indigenous language preservation and development.
A respected advocate for the promotion of Nigerian languages, Nnabuihe has consistently challenged the narrative that the Igbo language is facing extinction, arguing instead that its large global population of speakers ensures its continued relevance. His advocacy has inspired renewed interest in preserving indigenous languages and cultural heritage.
To encourage younger generations to embrace their linguistic heritage, he authored the 135-page educational book Kà Ànyi Mu Asụsụ Igbo (Let Us Learn Igbo Language), commissioned by Ọgbakọ Asụsụ Igbo Lagos to provide bilingual instruction for children.
He is also a regular resource person on major media platforms, including the BBC, where he speaks on Igbo history, customs, language and cultural evolution.
According to the organisers, the choice of both scholars as Fathers of the Day reflects their outstanding contributions to scholarship, national development, cultural preservation and intellectual advancement. Their recognition is expected to add academic prestige and intellectual depth to the 17th Anniversary celebration of National Impact Glitz Magazine.