Prof. Sen. Ekweremadu (CFR), a Knight of the Good Shepherd who is generally referred to as “Ikeoha Ndigbo” across the globe, has served in different capacities and has left glaring unmatchable accomplishments in the sands of history, following his Sterling records of exemplary leadership.
It will interest this reader to know that as the pioneer Executive Chairman of Aninri Local council, on the platform of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) in 1997 that Distinguished Senator Ike Ekweremadu won the Best Council Chairman of the year, in 1997, following his massive achievements.
Sen. Ekweremadu who was afterwards appointed Chief of staff to the governor of Enugu state in 1999, being the first chief of staff to be appointed in the country (in this republic) and served in that capacity till 2001, was later appointed Secretary to Enugu State Government in 2001 and served till 2002. A staunch Member and living life-wiire of his Political party (PDP), he became Senator, and even proceeded to become the Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate for three consecutive (6th, 7th and 8th) senate. He was also, a one time speaker of ECOWAS parliament.
During these years of active politicking and selfless service to humanity, Sen. Ike has sponsored relevant bills and motions on constitutional amendments, security, education, economy, health, electoral reform and many more. Just recently, on March 14th, 2022 to be precise, Senator Ike had during a consultative meeting with the media and the unveiling of his agenda for our dear state, with the caption, “My Agenda: A Pathway to Building a New Enugu State” given insights on what he would be bringing on the table as Governor of Enugu state come 2023, God Willing.
In his words, the veteran Lawmaker had said: “Enugu State gave me huge opportunities to serve as pioneer chairman of Aninri Local Government, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Secretary to the State Government, five-term senator, three-term Deputy President of the Senate and Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament. I have served in a number of important committees and in several global positions.
“In the course of this journey, I have met world leaders, business leaders and made friends in the private and public sectors of the national and global economies. I have had the opportunity to understand how states and nations are transformed.
“A good example is a city like Dubai in the UAE, which was a desert, but has now become the world most digitalised city and a global investment hub. I have an insight into the economic transformation taking place in Rwanda and Ghana.
“As a senator, I worked hard to put forward necessary bills and motions on constitutional amendments, security, education, economy, health and electoral reform that have impacted and are still impacting positively on the well-being of our people. “
“I have initiated and completed many life-changing projects in our communities, beyond my constituency which has earned me the name, “Akidi ama oke Ani.” And these projects were done in the very important areas of water, road, educational infrastructure, health, power and many more.
“I always wish I can do more. I have the will, but the means are limited. I am limited to what I can mobilise as a legislator in developmental projects and programmes.
“At this point, therefore, I believe it is time to focus on Enugu State and Enugu people without whom I will not be who and what I am today.
“The governorship of Enugu State will offer me a good platform to serve our dear state more and better”, he concluded.
However, prof. Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, a renowned parliamentarian and astute lawmaker who has in the course of his selfless service to our fatherland, worked in both the executive and legislative arms of government across board, has no doubt, nothing else to Prove, as he prepares to take over the mantle of leadership from His Excellency, the executive Governor of our dear State, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, come 2023.
With his overbearing and dazzling wealth of knowledge in both public and private sectors, Prof. Sen. Ike Ekweremadu can best be described as an embodiment of robust leadership exemplification, with rich knowledge of governance and requisite technical know-how on the workings of the Nigerian system.
The above position explains the unprecedented love and massive supports Prof. Sen. Ekweremadu enjoys across the grassroots of Enugu State, as well as justifies the daily yearnings of the teaming population of the state who continue to pray to God almighty to give us Sen. Ekweremadu as governor, come 2023.
Meanwhile, Just as the scripture has rightly stated in the book of Ecclesiastes 9:11 “that The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favour to those with knowledge but time and chance happen to them all”; i want to assure Sen. Ekweremadu that Enugu People are with him without pretension and that we love him without condition.
Let me therefore, at this juncture, join millions of Enugu people in their collective prayers for prof. sen. Ike ekweremadu to become governor of Enugu state, come 2023, especially as this finest creature hits 60 on the 12th of may, 2022.
Happy Birthday, Ikeoha Global! May The good Lord grant your heart desires. Amen.
By Dr. Bartholomew Nwankwo from Uzo Uwani LGA & Engr. ogonna ugwu from Oji river LGA of enugu state.