On Thursday, the former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, was celebrated by his former staff as he clocked 69 years. Chief Obiano, governor of Anambra State between 2014 and 2022, was celebrated in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, and in Abuja, the nation’s capital by his former aides, friends, and allies. In Awka, Rt. Hon. Uche Okafor, former Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, was the rallying point of the gathering while Chief Willie Nwokoye, the principal secretary to the former governor, was the rallying point in Abuja.
As governor, Obiano energized the Anambra consciousness and reached out to indigenous investors of Anambra origin who came in and invested in agriculture, among other key areas. He also set up critical governance structures in the state, among others.
Since leaving office more than two years ago, Obiano’s former Chief of Protocol and Deputy Chief of Staff, Uzu Okagbue, has consistently celebrated his birthday with full-page birthday wishes published on a national daily. This year, Okagbue did the same but was joined by many allies and staff of the former governor, who celebrated him and converged in two cities to cut his birthday cake and make a toast to their former boss.
In Awka, Chief Maja Umeh, former Commissioner for Information under Peter Obi was in attendance. CPS Ben Eke, Obiano’s CSO and later, ADC, was in attendance. Also, Hon. Amala Anazodo, a former member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, who also served as Obiano’s Special Adviser on Legislative Matters, attended the gathering. Hon. Uzoma Eli, also a former member of the Anambra State House of Assembly was in attendance. Mr. James Eze, Obiano’s former Chief Press Secretary came in from Enugu, and Mr. Emeka Ozumba, a former senior media aide to Obiano were all present. Former Transition Chairmen, Ikenna Aniagboso, and his colleagues were equally in attendance. Mrs. Tochi Obi, Chief Emeka Nwosu, Mr. Jude Emecheta, Amaka Arinze, Bob-Manuel Udokwo, Mr. Tony Ujubuonu, Chief Chinedu Nnatuanya, Chief Lawrence Anikpe, and many others, all gathered to mark Governor Obiano’s birthday.
Thursday’s celebration of the former governor by his aides speaks to his influence, which might be hard to fizzle out given his particular record of giving countless young people the opportunity to serve in his government.
Ebuka graduated with a second-class upper-division degree in Political Science from the University of Calabar in Nigeria. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master's Degree in Political Science with a specialization in Government and Development Studies from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Nigeria. His academic background and professional experience have equipped him with a deep understanding of political dynamics and governance issues.
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