The 7th Professor James Ogonor memorial lecture held on Monday January 25, 2010, at the multipurpose hall of the Women’s Health and Action Research Center (WHARC). The lecture is organized annually in honour of the former Deputy Director of WHARC, the late Professor James Ogonor. In his life time, Professor Ogonor was a professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of Benin, and a great researcher with special interest in the use of traditional medicine for the management of various reproductive health problems. In view of this, WHARC devoted these lecture series to espousing the potential use and benefits of traditional medicines in the promotion of women’s health in Nigeria.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were: Dr. (Mrs.) Ogonor, wife of Professor James Ogonor; Professor Augustine Okhamafe, Chairman of the event; Dr. Abel Guobadia, Board Chairman of WHARC; Professor O. G. Oshodin, Vice Chancellor, University of Benin; Professor P. Hugbo, Vice Chancellor, Western Delta University; Professor G. Omuta, Vice Chancellor, Benson Idahosa University; Professor A. G. Onokerhoraye, former Vice Chancellor, University of Benin; Dr. Moses Momoh, Edo State Commissioner for Health; Professor Cyril Usifoh, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin; Representatives of the Nigerian Medical Association; Associates of WHARC; distinguished Professors from the University of Benin; Representatives of various NGOs in Benin; students of the School of Nursing and Midwifery of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, and students of the University of Benin. A total of two hundred and sixteen (216) guests were present at the lecture.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Director of WHARC, Professor Friday Okonofua, welcomed everyone to the lecture. According to him, the memorial lecture was established in 2004 by WHARC to honor in perpetuity its late Deputy Director, Professor James Ogonor, who died on January 18, 2003. He thanked Professor MacDonald Idu for accepting the invitation to deliver the 7th memorial lecture despite his busy schedule. Professor Okonofua stated that he was very delighted to have in attendance, the wife of Professor James Ogonor. According to him, ‘Professor Ogonor’s family members have made tremendous progress in their various spheres of life’. He prayed that his gentle soul may continue to rest in the bosom of the lord.