Otti Honours Ex-Minister Madubuike at 83, Says Abia Celebrates Merit Above Politics

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to recognising and celebrating outstanding sons and daughters of the state whose contributions have positively impacted society, irrespective of their political affiliation, religion or background.

Governor Otti stated this on Friday in Umuahia during the 83rd birthday celebration of former Minister of Education and former Minister of Health, Professor Ihechukwu Chiedozie Madubuike, organised by the Abia State Government.

The ceremony, held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, also featured the unveiling of three books in honour of the elder statesman: Nigeria: A Crumbling State? Issues in Nation Building and Development and Aka Ekpuchi Onwa: The Igbo Unbowed, both authored by Prof. Madubuike, as well as Triple Heritage: Essays in Honour of Ihechukwu Madubuike: Scholar, Administrator and Public Intellectual, edited by Professors Chima J. Korieh and Victor Ukaogu.

Speaking at the event, Governor Otti congratulated the former minister on his milestone birthday and the publication of the books, describing him as an exceptional scholar, accomplished administrator, devoted family man and one of Abia’s finest intellectuals.

The Governor stressed that his administration places greater emphasis on merit, integrity and service than political considerations, noting that every Abian who has distinguished his or herself in the service of humanity deserves recognition.

“For us in Abia, we believe that we must celebrate our heroes while they are alive because any society that does not honour its heroes will lose its identity.

“Professor Madubuike has earned this celebration through a lifetime of scholarship, integrity and service.

“We don’t care about political parties, where you worship or where you originally came from. What matters is your contribution to our state.

“Once you are our son or daughter and have served humanity with distinction, we will celebrate you because Abia comes first”, he said.

Responding to suggestions made by the celebrant and other speakers, Governor Otti highlighted reforms in the education and healthcare sectors, citing the rehabilitation of facilities at Abia State University, the restoration of lost accreditations at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic.

He revealed that his administration had rescued the ABSU from years of neglect through extensive rehabilitation of hostels and learning facilities and restored lost accreditations at the Ogbonnaya Onu polytechnic, introducing cutting-edge programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, 3D Printing among others.

The Governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to developing the proposed Abia Seaport, disclosing that a Chinese firm is currently conducting feasibility studies to facilitate project financing.

“We are serious about building the Abia Seaport, and it will happen in our generation.We are equally committed to delivering world-class healthcare and education because that is the future we owe our people”, Governor Otti added.

Chairman of the occasion and former Governor of Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige, described Prof. Madubuike as a patriotic Nigerian, accomplished academic and respected statesman who played a significant role in the establishment of Federal Medical Centres across the South-East.

Sen. Ngige commended Governor Otti for honouring the former minister and praised the quality of infrastructure being delivered by his administration and urged Abians to sustain their support for the governor.

Former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, also lauded Governor Otti for celebrating the elder statesman, describing Prof Madubuike as a rare personality whose contributions to national development remain remarkable.

Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, who proposed the toast, applauded the governor for institutionalising the recognition of distinguished citizens, recalling Prof Madubuike’s contributions as Commissioner for Finance in the old Imo State and later as Minister of Education, where he championed policies that paved the way for the establishment of state-owned, private and open universities in Nigeria.

Former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Sir Simon Okeke, also commended the governor for what he described as unprecedented developmental projects across Abia State.

Responding, Prof Madubuike lauded Governor Otti’s reforms, particularly in education, describing them as transformative.

“In three years ‘CHIOMA’ (as his name goes) has conquered Abia State. Abia State was crumbling, the pillars in Abia were decaying. We call him CHIOMA. One of the factors of decay is bad leadership but he has removed CHI ỌJỌỌ (bad omen) and has brought CHIOMA to Abia”, he said.

The former minister reiterated his long-standing advocacy for technology-driven education, urging the state government to establish an Abia Institute of Technology or Abia University of Technology to equip young people with skills for the future rather than duplicating conventional universities.

The event, which also featured the cutting of a birthday cake, was attended by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, members of the National and State Assemblies, former Minister Dr Sampson Uchechukwu Ogah, members of the State’s Executive Council, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Chris Uche, captains of industry, clerics and other dignitaries.

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