By Job Osazuwa and Anthony Obi
Founder of Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL), Prof. Pat Utomi and other eminent Nigerians have paid tributes to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe who just clocked 75.
He was specially honoured yesterday in Lagos during CVL’s 33rd leadership tribute colloquium.
At the event organised for the celebrant at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), with the theme: “Modern Traditional Leaders as Development Catalysts,” the centre highlighted the roles of traditional rulers in shaping the political structure and governance of the country.
Utomi said it was a privilege to have the Obi as a traditional ruler in his time and insisted that traditional rulers were still relevant in the development of society. Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, who was represented by Mr Tony Nnacheta, commended Obi Achebe for daily assisting the state governor and for the benefit of all in Anambra with his wealth of wisdom.
He added that the Obi, as the head of all traditional rulers in the state, had used his good offices to create a rapport between government and people at the grassroots. He said he was well-schooled, competent and fearless in delivering his judgments.
Also, former editor-in-chief of Newswatch magazine, Mr. Ray Ekpu paid tribute to the Obi on his birthday.said while there was a decline in the quality of political leadership, there was a rise in the quality of leadership provided by traditional rulers.
All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate in the last election in Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, however identified the royal father as a servant-leader who had impacted many.
Responding, Achebe said he was surprised at the good things said about him. He thanked those who came to honour him.
He urged Nigerians to be hardworking, contented and believe in the country. He pleaded with the people to focus more on things limiting the nation.