Of New Englishes and and New Literacies

10.2 Appreciation
Fr. Vice Chancellor, this lecture today may not have been possible if not for the major roles played by many people in my life. To my wife, Mrs. Veronica Ogbene Egbe, who has been an amazing pillar and support; who has borne my coming and going as an ‘husband-at-large’; for being the Veronica who has patiently wiped tears of toil from my face. Yours is a testimony of steadfastness. My children, Jennifer Gisiawasibita Egbe and Emmanuel Ntamiawasibita Egbe, you have just seen the light and the path; set your bars and remain focused. My dad, His Royal Highness, Eval Godwin Eleng Egbe, today your joy is complete; you are a pathfinder. You believed it is possible and today is that possibility. To my late mum, Madam Roseline Godwin Egbe, to whom I dedicate this lecture, I know you are singing songs of thanksgiving and praises with the angels of God in heaven; thank you mum for teaching me simplicity, humility, endurance and meekness. To my siblings and all members of my family as well as my in-laws, thank you for being there to build the greater Egbe Family. To my academic family, I wish to thank my academic mentors: Jane Hughes popularly called ‘Mama Karatu’ who in 1991 cut my teeth and sowed the seed which has yielded my enduring passion for reading and literacy practice and research; late Professors Solomon Unoh, who started my refining process in English language studies, Yemi Aboderin, my M.A. supervisor, and Dele Orisawayi, my PhD supervisor. These scholars mentored me on the dignity of scholarship. I thank Professor Chukwuemeka Onukaogu - a literacy icon in Nigeria who has faith in me to drive many literacy initiatives and projects notably the Literacy Enhancement and Achievement Project (LEAP) as well as all the esteemed members of the Reading Association of Nigeria with whom I have worked. I value your friendship. I remain thankful to Professors Wale Adegbite, Timothy Oyetude, Stella Ekpe, Eno Nta, Louisa Uwatt, Chinwe Muodomogu and so many others for taking and walking with me through the literacy road. I cannot forget Professor Eka Braide, my former Vice Chancellor at the Cross River State University of Technology, Calabar and also former Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Lafia, who taught me the essence of diligence, due process, and hard work; Professor Michael Kwaneshie, the immediate past Vice Chancellor of Veritas University, Abuja who showed me what sacrifice and working for your Faith in fear and trembling mean; Professor Hyacinth Ichoku under whose leadership as the current Vice Chancellor of Veritas University, Abuja, granted me the rare privilege to deliver the maiden Inaugural Lecture of Veritas University, Abuja; Professor Oyinlola Olaniyi for his friendship and faith. To all my academic and professional colleagues in Nigeria and in the Diaspora especially my professional colleagues in the Pan African Literacy for All committee, my colleagues in Veritas University, Abuja, the University of Calabar, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, and Federal University, Lafia, I thank you for your inspiration and support. My students, past and present, and those I’ll meet in future, and all of you who have made the long journey to be present, for your time, patience and support, I remain grateful to you all. Indeed, to God be the glory, the First and the Last. I pray that God will bless you all for your presence and for listening. Thank you immensely.