A revered Traditional Ruler in Abia State, Eze Onyekwere P. J. Anyaegbu has called on Leaders at all levels to engage in acts that would positively impact society while occupying positions of trust.
Addressing the August Meeting of the Umudike Development Union (Women’s Wing), Eze P. J. Anyaegbu, who is the Dike Oha II of Umudike Ancient Kingdom, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State reminded Office holders that they would not be assessed by the loudness of their offices, but by the legacy of achievements they register in the hearts of people.
The Royal Father who made reference to the contributions of a two-term representative of the Ikwuano/ Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency and the current member on the North East Development Commission NEDC, Rt Hon Sir Sam Onuigbo in ensuring the restoration of lost accredited management science courses in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike enjoined the political class to emulate this sterling qualities and records of public service, exhibiting resilience, vision, and transformational leadership.
Referring to Rt. Hon. Sam Ifeanyichukwu Onuigbo, the royal father, stated: “I have followed the dogged and unrelenting steps of Rt. Hon Sam Onuigbo, Odozi Obodo Gburugburu, especially his sterling contributions towards the restoration of several key Management Science courses that were earlier withdrawn from our university, the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, MOUAU.
“He began this arduous journey when he was our federal Lawmaker and never relented when he completed his term. Today, to the glory of God, the key five Management Science courses have been restored to MOUAU.
And, as the Royal Father in whose domain MOUAU is sited, I cannot ignore the spillover effect and impact the restoration of these courses will have on the university and our immediate communities. Jisike Chief Onuigbo, Odozi Obodo Gburugburu,” he concluded.
Baring their minds on the accolade poured on Rt Hon Sir Onuigbo, some indigenes of the town noted that the words were not ordinary but a royal affirmation of a chequered struggle, which began as a solo effort to redress an unjust decision.
Recall, Rep Onuigbo, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South federal constituency in the House of Representatives, initiated the moves to reinstate the five upscale courses through a motion to that effect on the floor of the Eight House of Representatives.
The effort was sustained through channels even when he left the House of Representatives as he walked along various corridors of government to ensure what could now be described as a collective victory for the institution, students, the economy and the entire Umudike community.
As records have it, from the 2016/2017 academic session, when the National Universities Commission (NUC) delisted key Management Science programmes from MOUAU, the intellectual and professional formation of countless students were put in abeyance.
However, while others feigned unconcerned and resigned to fate, Rt. Hon. Onuigbo refused to bow to impossibility and injustice and began his persistent push to redress the anomaly, and by divine grace, the courses, including Accounting, Marketing, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, and Economics; have been restored.
According to the people, “the plaudits are not reserved for just Hon Onuigbo alone, rather it represents a clarion call to the entire political class of Ikwuano, our elites, and indeed every son and daughter of Abia State, to embrace the maxim that says, charity begins at home.
“The restoration of those five courses in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture is a gift, not just to the institution but also to every young dreamer whose academic aspirations were placed on suspended animation.
“This is not a temporary infusion but a timeless gift to the future economy of Ikwuano Local Government Area, Abia State, and by extension, Nigeria.
“What is more, when a king rises to applaud, when the Vice-Chancellor and the Management of MOUAU acknowledge such a wonderful contribution and a people gather to affirm what has become a part of historical record, the impact is no longer personal, but the loud testimony of destiny.
“Rt Hon. Sam Ifeanyichukwu Onuigbo, has come to represent one of the light-bearers of this generation, just as his works in education, climate change, community, and human capital development, stand out as the hallmarks of transformational leadership worthy of celebration, documentation and emulation.”
