Nwobodo on white with Gov. Mbah
Elder statesman and former Governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim has returned to his ancestral compound after becoming the Onyeizhi Umunna (eldest man of his clan) in Ugwu Agba, Amechi-Uno, Enugu South local government area of Enugu State.
Nwobodo is 85 years old, born on May 9, 1940. He was celebrated at a grand event in 2025, where Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State honored him as a “priceless gift to humanity” and a symbol of selfless service. Nwobodo had since 1999 left his Enugu GRA house to his house in Amechi that he built in 1978 before becoming a Governor in the Second Republic.
He, however, returned to his native father’s home in Ugwu Agba Amechi-Uno on Sunday, saying that he wanted to be participating fully in all his clan meetings and other community development as an Oha.
Nwobodo said that “Since my elder brother could not accomplish returning to this our father’s house, I decided to return, especially now that I have become the eldest of our family.”
He stated that the day was not a day for long speeches, adding that, “the important thing is that the governor of Enugu State is here. The governor has honoured me with his presence, and I ask the Governor to prepare for 2027.”
Governor Peter Mbah made encomium on Nwobodo’s wife, Pat, stating that behind every ageless man is an iconic woman, and thanked Pat Nwobodo for caring for her husband, Jim.
“I’m fully honored to be part of celebrating the warming for our father. You are a beacon who inspires me a great deal. Your footprint is all over the three states of Enugu, Ebonyi, and Anambra, and that is a credit to you and the people of Nkanu land. You have inspired generations, and from what you have continued to do, the public knows their true hero, and that is what the gathering here reflects.
“Our prayer is that God will continue to strengthen you. We pray for continued mentorship, as we will continue to call on you for mentorship. The housewarming goes to confirm that there is no place like home. Ancestral home is a bond where we commune, and it’s an epicentre. So, I’m glad about the homecoming. Young people are watching and would emulate us. As you celebrate this in your house, God will continue to strengthen you in good health,” Governor Mbah prayed.
In a homily after Nwobodo took the reading preceding the celebration of the homecoming, Rev Fr. Dr. Kerian Onwuzu stated that, “because we are the children of God and because we are in the house of one blessed by God, we are all part of the blessing.
“We all know Jim when he was in power. We are thanking God for keeping him alive to return to his homestead. He came to the market with a form (seat) and asked everyone to sit down. He is not selfish, and since he is a good man, no harm shall befall him. We are blessed today and asking God to continue to bless him.”
Rev Fr John Amadi further prayed that peace remain in Nwobodo’s house always.
Among the guests who came for the celebration included Governor Peter Mbah, the Chairman of Enugu State traditional rulers council, HRH, Igwe Samuel Asadu, among traditional rulers, leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and other government and community leaders.
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