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Against the background of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Igwe’s focus on environmental aesthetics, as part of the agenda of his administration, the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has commenced the building of a gigantic dignity of man statue.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the gigantic dignity of man statue is being sponsored by an alumnus of the University, Apostle Stanley Nnamdi Mbaigbo, through his company, Tropical Gate Limited.
The dignity of man statue is a 20 feet arm-and-fist structure, and it is being built on the empty roundabout between the University’s library and the Departments of Nutrition and Dietetics/Home Science and Management in Nsukka campus of the university.
Apostle Mbaigbo through Tropical Gate contracted the project to FIRM World, an inspiration, research and memory group whose pilot and spokesperson for the work is Jeff Unaegbu of the Institute of African Studies, UNN.
The University administration through its Acting Director of Physical Planning Unit, Engr. E. U. Onodugo granted approval of the site for the construction of the huge statue, TNG learnt.
According to Mr. Unaegbu, the essence of the statue is to be a standing symbol for the motto of the University which is “To restore the dignity of man”.
The idea behind the statue is also to stamp on the consciousness of the University community and its public, the importance of the philosophy of the founding fathers of the University.
According to him, the University adopted the motto ” To restore the dignity of man” as a banner against the dehumanization of humans, especially Africans and other black people in world affairs.
“Every man has a right to be alive and reach the highest point of his dreams, provided the dreams do not dehumanize other humans,” he said.
In 1963, while advising the first graduating students, the most prominent founder of the University, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, had pointed out that the motto points to the “restitution of man’s inalienable birthright to social equality, economic security, political freedom and religious tolerance.
These abstract notions form the basis of man’s fundamental rights without which there would be neither regard nor respect for human dignity”.
TNG reports the dignity of man statue would be painted golden with black tiled pedestals and ash-tiled aesthetic support.
Mr. Unaegbu revealed that there will be red brick paving stones and black and lemon painted kerbs for the finishing.
Excavation work began on the site on Monday, and it is hoped to be completed before the next convocation of the University.