By NewsBits
It was like a carnival as who is who of Nkanu Odenigbo came together on Saturday, 30th March 2024 to honour their illustrious son, Prof. Bath Nnaji and his wife, Agatha Nnaji for their immeasurable contributions to the development of their land.
The ‘Appreciation Ceremony and conferment of chieftaincy titles to Nnaji and his wife’ which took place at Community Primary School, Umuode, Nkanu East local government area of Enugu State was heralded by the unveiling of a giant statue of the former Power Minister by the Senator representing Enugu East Senatorial zone, Kelvin Chukwu followed by the conferment of chieftaincy titles to Nnaji and his wife
Various speakers poured encomiums on the Chairman/CEO of Geometric Power limited his wife. Senator Chukwu said “honour is being given to whom it’s due because Nnaji represents his people with a sense of humility, not minding his status in the society. He’s very humane and I can only say he continues to live the way he’s created because what he’s doing for our people is exactly how he’s created.”
“I pray that God continues to keep him alive for us so we can continue to tap from his wealth of wisdom, guidance, and direction which he’s usually happy to provide. Similarly, the Member representing Enugu North/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Chimaobi Atu said “Prof. Nnaji is a true representation of one created in the image of God. He’s a transformer who has changed the lives of so many people and together with his wife, they’ve continued to change the stories of so many people.
He encouraged him to keep the fire burning “even when humans don’t see what he’s doing, the Almighty sees and will continue to bless him more abundantly and to those God has used him to change their lives, they should extend that hand of fellowship to others.” The President of Nkanu Odenigbo Welfare Association (NOWA) High Chief Madueke Ngenegbo while commenting on the statue said “It’s just a token of love to show you and your dear wife what you mean to us and appreciate you for what you’re doing for us and humanity.
“This is to immortalise him and show the world that someone in the mould of Prof. Nnaji who’s involved in the business of his peoples’ welfare should be honoured. Chief Ngenegbo enjoined his people to emulate the lifestyle of Nnaji and “be genuine, because anyone that’s genuine to himself will be beneficial to his people and the society.
He prayed to God to grant his long life and good health and endow him with more wisdom to continue to impact on his people.
In his reaction, Prof Nnaji who couldn’t hide his joy, thanked his people for spending their resources to honour him which he said is very rare in his clime. He also assured them that together with his wife, they’ll keep waxing strong in their determination to serving humanity.
“I’m vey elated. It’s not very typical especially in our environment that your people to recognise you. So, for my people to recognise me in this incredible way is very humbling for me and my wife, we never expected it. They didn’t ask us to contribute any money in anything they’ve done here. I will like to appreciate them and tell them to please continue to be together and work towards the progress and peace of our communities.
“This is just waxing strong; my wife and I are totally committed to developing our communities and we’ll continue to do it until God calls us.” He prayed God to keep his people in good health and continue to provide for them to continue to develop their children and our communities. Mrs. Nnaji with her charming smile, said “I feel great, I feel so special because this is just an unexpected kind gesture.”
She encouraged the people of Nkanu land “to always remain united so that there will be peace and progress in their land.” Highpoint of the event was the conferment of the chieftaincy title ‘ECHERIBE NKANU (one who cares about others) on Prof. Nnaji and ‘Osodieme’ (wife that supports the husband in doing good) on Mrs. Nnaji
The event was attended by people from all works of life; National Assembly members, State lawmakers, Clergies, Traditional Rulers, politicians, community leaders, different dance troupes, women and youth groups among others.
