Rita, the wife of embattled Professor Cyril Ndifon of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), is now a professor at the institution’s Faculty of Education.
A Federal High Court had, recently, ordered that Cyril, the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law charged with alleged sexual harassment, be remanded in Kuje prison.
The Ndifons also celebrated their 28th year marriage anniversary.The thanksgiving, which took place at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Navy Barracks, Calabar, was officiated by Rev. Father Richmond Diara, and was attended by hundreds of friends and well wishes.
Speaking shortly after renewing their wedding vows, Prof. Rita said her promotion was recently announced amid the challenge faced by her family. While dedicating the success to her husband, she expressed joy that despite the turbulence, she never allowed anything to stop her.
She said: “I feel so happy and fulfilled because this is what I have always wanted, and God has helped me to achieve it. My promotion to professorship was just recently announced in the midst of the challenges my family is facing.
“I worked hard. There are so many requirements. What it takes to be a professor is not lobbying. I didn’t take any shortcut. Everything is all about God. Just put your trust in him and everything will be added. In fact, I have never allowed any challenge to weigh me down. If I looked at challenges, I won’t be here celebrating.”
On how she was able to manage her academic work, despite her husband’s alleged sexual abuse, she said: “If you love your husband, stand firm. Challenges will come. It was a coincidence that we happened to celebrate our 28th year marriage anniversary. I thank God that my husband is here today to celebrate with me, despite all odds.”
Speaking, one of the guests at the ceremony, Alice Eromabo, described Rita as a woman “whose lifestyle is worthy of emulation”. Eromabo, an immediate past vice chairman of Ikom Local Council of Cross River State, said: “When you are dedicated to a cause, you will always achieve it. Prof. Rita Ndifon has set a pace. In the area of her marriage, she has been able to overcome.”
Source: The Guardian
