Abia state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has been unveiled in a book entitled; Recollected in Tranquility: A festschrift for Okezie Victor Chibuikem Ikpeazu (Ph.D)as part of activities that marked the celebration of Abia @ 30.
The event which held at Michael Okpara Auditorium Umuahia attracted the Crème la crème of the society and would offered many the opportunity to know many sides of Gov. Ikpeazu.
Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu
The book seeks to establish a connection between the manifest Ikpeazu and his inherent characteristics as a scholar (university lecturer), a political figure, and the people’s view about him.
Authored by Elder Kennedy Okechukwu Onyenma; a Marketing and Development Communicator cum literary scholar, with many years experience.
Onyenma, who holds a Masters Degree in English and Literary Studies is a media/PR strategist, a columnist and hails from Umunkwo Ikem Nvosi, in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia state.
The book’s foreword was written by the former President of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Chairman Governing Council, Abia State University Uturu, Senator Adolphus Wabara (Ph.D) and would be reviewed by an erudite scholar, Professor Sampson Erugo (SAN), represented by Dr. Hagler Okorie.
Onyenma in the book employed the use of Horatian satirical tool to correct in print; wicked falsehood sponsored by some disgruntled groups, of the society against Gov. Ikpeazu, with the aim of maligning his person, however, Onyenma on the other hand succeeds in showcasing the real humane image of the Governor.
The book further exposes the hidden secrets of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu that people thought time had erased.
The Book Author, Elder Kennedy Okechukwu Onyenma
The book also explores Ikpeazu’s past and personality, reveals his proclivity for hardwork, his inherent passion for humanity, his depth of tolerance, warmth, compassion, candor and pre-disposition to peace and unity among others.
The author further disclosed Gov. Ikpeazu’s crave for massive infrastructural turnaround, his passion for indigenous made-in-Aba products and the insatiable appetite to restore the lost glory of Aba – the commercial nerve centre of Abia as the ‘Japan of Africa’.
The 285 page book further elucidates Ikpeazu’s activities while in government which is consistent with his humanist character.
Ikpeazu, popularly known by his people as Damirida, Kurutu is a man loved by God and saved by grace as described by the author.
Son of a teacher and a nurse; grandson of a blacksmith; a scientist par excellence and a scholar in governance, who despite his enormous busy schedule has written over 80 publications among others.
A practical Christian, a husband to only one wife and God-fearing father who has enjoyed God’s plenteous mercies and grace.In the author’s words: “The kinetic Governor of Abia State is a man after God’s heart, found and saved by grace”.
