By Chukwuemeka Egejuru, Amarachi Uzoukwu and Okere Ugochinyere
It was an outpouring of encomium as Nigerians from all walks of life gathered in Umuahia, Abia State to witness the unveiling of a book on Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu entitled “The Scholar in Governance -A Kaleidoscope on Okezie Victor Chibuikem Ikpeazu Ph.D”.
The event which drew the creme of the society including former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, governor of Sokoto state, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, representative of Ebonyi State governor among others speakers paying glowing tributes to the scholastic nature of the governor and his accomplishments in all spheres of human life.
Speaking, the chairman on the occasion, Chief Emeka Anyaoku said that Governor Ikpeazu has vindicated his mandate by improving road networks in Aba as well as other projects across the State.
Chief Anyaoku also pointed out that the Abia Governor as a scholar is clearly doing his best to raise the image of governance in the state having tirelessly embarked on made-in -Aba goods campaign which has improved the economic lives of artisans in Abia.
He hailed Gov Ikpeazu for combining intellectualism and pragmatic leadership in governance which he said have left indelible marks in sectors like education, agriculture, commerce, health among others.
In his speech, the governor of Sokoto State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal described the University community as a critical component in the nation building and administration, urging stakeholders to make education of children and youths their foremost priority.
He applauded Gov Ikpeazu on his agriculture and infrastructure development and achievements and pledging Sokoto State’s collaboration with Abia State in building bridges of unity and understanding across the nation.
In his goodwill message, the former Senator that represented Abia North Senatorial district, Senator Ike Nwachukwu described Gov Ikpeazu as a God sent leader of our time, noting that an ignorant person cannot lead the people.
He attributed the bane of leadership and governance in the country to lack of proper education of the mind and character.
Also contributing, the Vice Chancellor, Abia State University ,Uturu, Professor Eleazar Uche Ikonne, described Gov. Ikpeazu as a confident leader, having made out time to teach students in the Biochemistry department of Abia State University.
He further stated that Gov Ikpeazu remains a practical leader who walks his talk paying 100% patronage in his attire since he assumed office as a governor in 2015.
“He is a scholar in government, having initiated the unique Abia State anthem which depicts the culture, ingenuity and the inventive minds of Abians”, he added.
Prof Ikonne disclosed that proceeds of the book launch would be used to build a post graduate Laboratory for the department of Biochemistry in the Abia State University Uturu and thanked the governor for opening up frontiers of learning and research and extolled Governor Ikpeazu for proving himself both in academies and politics.
Reviewing the book, the Vice chancellor of Rivers State University, Professor Blessing C. Didia, opined that Dr Ikpeazu has changed the face of politics, having shun politics of praise -singing in Abia and chose to be a silent achiever.
Prof Didia added that people follow courage and not title and commended Gov Ikpeazu for venturing into politics which has yielded mega feats for Abia.
In his prayer of declaration, Rev. Dr Uma Ukpai stated that there is a miracle going on in Abia State as the state keeps having new face lift.
Rev. Ukpai further prayed for Gods favour upon the leaders as God favoured Jacob despite his mistakes, adding that the ongoing works in Abia should be spread to all villages and towns in the state.
In his response, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu stated that the book launch day was a special day for him due to the presence of array of leaders, founding fathers and those who served Abia State meritoriously.
He outlined Small and Medium Enterprise as one of his greatest achievements, which includes made-in -Aba products
“Our desire is to take our state from where we are to a better platform”, he added.
Gov Ikpeazu acknowledged the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, for his support in ensuring that made -in-Aba products sales.
The governor has also ensured that Ariaria international market enjoys uninterrupted power through an independent power source. “Power has come through marketing, automation has come through marketing”.
As an education friendly governor, he disclosed of the retraining of about 150 primary school teachers, reconstruction of 340 classroom blocks, construction of four model schools among others.
The governor who acknowledged the feat achieved by secondary school students of the State for winning the first position in WAEC.
The governor who acknowledged the feat achieved by secondary school students of the State for winning the first position in WAEC conducted exams for three consecutive years in addition to winning the Prof Woke Soyinka’s price for literature, equally congratulated the management, staff and students of ABSU for running full academic activities in the institution for three years without strike actions as well as moving from number 90 to 30 in the scale of ranking.
Ikpeazu said that the book launch in his honour was in order to expand the frontier of education adding that the country can no longer ignore Abia in terms of education.
He reassured Abians of his commitment to continue to serve.
