National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Abraham Amah
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has honoured the late former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemaka Ezeife, as the “Hero” of Igbo land for his significant contributions and service to the people of the South-East geopolitical zone. The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, made this declaration during a commendation service held in honour of Ezeife in Awka on Friday.
Ezeife, also known as “Okwadike,” served as Anambra governor from January 2, 1992, to November 1993, during the aborted Third Republic. He passed away at the age of 85 on December 14, 2023, at the Federal Medical Centre in Abuja.
Iwuanyanwu emphasised that it has become a tradition for the pan-Igbo organisation to honour distinguished sons and daughters of Igbo land who have selflessly served their people. He stated that the entire Igbo race would undertake the burial of such personalities to inspire the younger generation to fight for their people.
“He served Ohanaeze Ndigbo in various capacities, including as the Chairman of the Council of Elders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Northern zone, which comprises Abuja and the 19 Northern states. He was also a member of Ohanaeze Presidential Advisory Council (MOPAC) and Ime Obi Ohanaeze,” Iwuanyanwu said.
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, along with former governors Peter Obi, Senator Chris Ngige, Chief Okwesilieze Nwodo of Enugu State, and former Anambra Deputy Governor Dame Virgy Etiaba, praised Ezeife as a nationalist who fought for justice and equality for all Nigerians regardless of tribe, religion, or political affiliations.
Soludo referred to Ezeife as a “cat with more than nine lives” and acknowledged him as his role model, coming from the same Aguata Local Government Area. He mentioned that Ezeife’s “think home” philosophy would have been a success had he served a longer tenure as governor and shared his commitment to making Anambra State a livable, viable smart city homeland.
Ngige highlighted Ezeife as one who advocated for unity and fairness, addressing the continued need for political equity and economic resourcefulness in Nigeria.
Peter Obi emphasised Ezeife’s advocacy for justice throughout his life and encouraged others to emulate his values. Dame Virgy Etiaba commended Ezeife for his fatherly role, praising Governor Soludo for granting him a state funeral.
Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo expressed alignment with Ezeife’s beliefs, stating that their ideologies stemmed from a shared point of view. Prof. Charles Esimone, Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, recalled Ezeife’s instrumental role in converting the university to a federal institution during his gubernatorial term.
Dr. Ogelue Ugorji, Ezeife’s first daughter, described her father as a man of wisdom, peace, and unity, known for his unwavering support for justice and equity. She hoped that Ezeife’s vision for a just and equitable Nigeria would be realised.
In recent years, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organisation representing the Igbo people in Nigeria, has been actively honouring past Igbo leaders for their significant contributions to the advancement of the Igbo community. This tradition of recognizing and celebrating distinguished sons and daughters of Igbo land has become a cornerstone of Ohanaeze’s efforts to pay tribute to those who have selflessly served their people. Through these honours, Ohanaeze aims to preserve the legacies of these leaders and inspire the younger generation to continue the fight for the progress and unity of the Igbo people.
The awards and commendations bestowed upon past Igbo leaders by Ohanaeze Ndigbo highlight their exemplary service and dedication to the welfare and development of the Igbo society. By acknowledging the contributions of these leaders, Ohanaeze not only ensures that their efforts are remembered and appreciated but also reinforces the values of leadership, sacrifice, and community service within the Igbo community. Through these recognitions, Ohanaeze seeks to promote a culture of honour and respect for those who have played instrumental roles in shaping the history and identity of the Igbo people.
Furthermore, the act of honouring past Igbo leaders serves as a unifying force within the Igbo community, fostering a sense of pride, solidarity, and cohesion among its members. By coming together to celebrate the achievements of their leaders, the Igbo people strengthen their collective identity and reaffirm their commitment to upholding the values and traditions that define their cultural heritage. These ceremonies of recognition not only celebrate individual accomplishments but also serve as a reminder of the resilience, ingenuity, and indomitable spirit of the Igbo people, inspiring them to continue striving for excellence and progress in the face of challenges and adversities.
Some of the past Igbo leaders who have been honoured by Ohanaeze Ndigbo include: Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu: A prominent political leader and military officer who played a key role in the Nigerian Civil War as the leader of the breakaway Republic of Biafra.
Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe: Nigeria’s first President and a prominent nationalist leader who advocated for Nigerian independence and unity.
Chief Michael Okpara: Former Premier of the Eastern Region of Nigeria and a renowned politician known for his contributions to agricultural development and infrastructure in the region.
Professor Chinua Achebe: An acclaimed author and intellectual who is celebrated for his influential literary works, including the novel “Things Fall Apart.”
Sir Louis Mbanefo: A distinguished jurist who served as the Chief Justice of the Eastern Region and made significant contributions to the legal profession in Nigeria.
Dr. Alex Ekwueme: Former Vice President of Nigeria and a respected statesman known for his contributions to national development and democracy.
These are just a few examples of the past Igbo leaders who have been honoured for their remarkable achievements and contributions to the Igbo community and Nigeria as a whole.
