Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Is An Epitome Of Legacy ― PDP

The Anambra state chapter chairman of the People Democratic party PDP, Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu, has described late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu as an epitome of legacy.

“The history of Nigeria cannot be complete without the mention of Ojukwu,’’ the chairman said.

He said this during the maiden annual memorial lecture on Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu held at Ben Nwazojie Law Auditorium, Igbariam Campus, over the weekend.

“Ojukwu’s love and fight for what is right for Ndi Igbo and Nigeria at large cannot be overemphasized.’’

Chief Nwobu who called on Ndi Igbo to always speak with one voice, stressing that their togetherness would help to build a greater force toward National development.

“Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu was not the smartest person on earth, yet he is still remembered and celebrated today because of what he stood for while alive.

“We all must endeavour to leave a legacy, being able to understand and do what is right,’’ he noted.

He, then, tasked the university to uphold the legacy of good education, urging them to produce quality students who could compete and be recognised globally.

Acting Vice-Chancellor, COOU, Prof. Greg Nwakaobi said the lecture was a background for subsequent lectures stressing that its purpose was to refreshen memories on what Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu stood for.

He pledged that the annual lecture would hold on Nov. 5 of every year.

The VC noted that the University, which was established in 2000 as ‘Anambra State University’ and later renamed in 2014 as ‘Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University’ was in honour of the man who had demonstrated love for Igbo generations.

The keynote lecture of the event has a theme: “Between Force of Reason And Reason For Force: Legacy of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu’’.

Delivering the lecture, the former Director, Human Right, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu described the Ojukwu as a voluble humanist, whose ambition was to speak for the disadvantaged and underprivileged people of Nigeria.

“Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu was the face of a lethal struggle over the future of a country and the co-existence of its people and remains the subject of bitter and passionate disagreement.’’

Odinkalu commended the state government’s decision to name the institution in honour of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

He noted that the lecture was instituted in Ojukwu’s memory to honour his legacy and those of his generation.

Wife of the late hero, Mrs Bianca Ojukwu commended the vice-chancellor and the management of the institution for the wonderful initiative.

“Ojukwu dreamt every second on moving his people to a better position and kept on striving toward ensuring that Ndi Igbo are treated with equity and fairness.’’

She prayed her late husband’s legacy to be projected and protected.

Other guests that graced the occasion include former Governor of Central Bank, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo and former Anambra State Governor, Dame Virgy Etiaba.