Umuahia, Abia State — It was a day of honour, nostalgia, and celebration as Anya-Ndi-Igbo, the umbrella body of all key Ndi-Igbo organisations, joined dignitaries and well-wishers at the grand reception held in Umuahia by the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, in honour of elder statesman, Dr Uma Oke Eleazu, OON, Njenje Media reports.
The event, which fulfilled a promise Governor Otti made earlier in June during Dr Eleazu’s 95th birthday celebration in Lagos, was described by Anya-Ndi-Igbo as a demonstration of “fidelity in its most elegant form.”
“It is not often that political leaders keep faith with their promises, especially when there is no political risk in breaking them. But Dr Alex Otti is a special breed of politician,” the group stated.
Anya-Ndi-Igbo expressed deep appreciation to the Abia State Governor for setting “unprecedented standards in governance” and for recognising distinguished Abians who have rendered selfless service to humanity — a gesture consistent with the Igbo worldview of honouring merit and integrity.
The tribute noted that the shared values between Governor Otti and Elder Eleazu are rooted in their commitment to justice, transparency, and transformative leadership. It recalled that even before Otti emerged as governor, Dr Eleazu was among those who steadfastly believed in his vision for a liberated and progressive Abia State.
Citing Dr. Eleazu’s remarks in a June 2025 interview with TheNiche newspaper, Anya-Ndi-Igbo quoted him as saying:
“Since Dr. Alex Otti became governor of Abia State, I have started having hope that things can change. What has changed under Governor Otti? It is simply somebody who takes his policies from what is written in the Constitution. Someone who recognises that public funds will be used for public purposes.”
The group praised Dr Eleazu as “an oasis of moral rectitude in an ocean of corruption,” describing him as a man of rare integrity, humility, and grace — qualities that have earned him divine longevity and public admiration.
Born 95 years ago in Asaga Ohafia, Abia State, Dr Eleazu’s life, according to Anya-Ndi-Igbo, “is defined by legacy and service.” The son of a Methodist catechist, he had aspired in his youth to be a pastor but instead followed a distinguished academic and administrative path. He obtained degrees in Politics, Philosophy, Economics, Applied Economics, and Public Administration from the University of Durham and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), culminating in a PhD in 1968.
Upon returning to Nigeria after the civil war, Dr Eleazu served diligently in both public and private sectors. Though his presidential bid during the Babangida transition period was thwarted by money politics, he channelled his intellect into writing and public commentary, championing truth, justice, and national rebirth. His 2020 book, “Nigeria, As I See It: Reflections on the Challenge of Leadership,” vividly captured his concern for the nation’s trajectory.
Beyond his academic and administrative accomplishments, Dr Eleazu has been a consistent advocate for Igbo unity and national progress. His leadership of Anya-Ndi-Igbo as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at 95 underscores his enduring commitment to public service and the collective advancement of the Igbo nation.
“It is no exaggeration to say that Elder Eleazu is among the last of a vanishing breed of patriotic, honest, and compassionate Nigerians who still hold fast to the pristine values of respect, justice, integrity, and responsibility,” the group stated.
