Prof. Ibe Lauds Otti for Honouring Igbo Icons, Says Initiative Unites Ndigbo, Rewards Selfless Service

Uturu: The Founder of Gregory University Uturu (GUU), Prof. Gregory Ibe, has commended the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, for his sustained efforts in honouring distinguished Igbo leaders and patriots.
Prof. Ibe, who is also the Convener of the World Igbo Summit, described Governor Otti’s commitment to recognising eminent Igbo personalities as commendable, remarkable and worthy of emulation.
He made the commendation in a statement signed by the Deputy Registrar, Communications, Gregory University Uturu, Sleek Ogwo, and made available to newsmen .
The GUU Founder noted that in recent weeks, Governor Otti has led the Abia State Government in organising a series of celebrations and tributes in honour of iconic figures who have made significant contributions to the development of Ndigbo and Nigeria.
According to him, those honoured include His Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, on the occasion of his 85th birthday; General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, Nigeria’s first military Head of State, during a state-hosted remembrance ceremony; and Prof. Ihechukwu Madubuike, former Minister of Education and Health, during his 83rd birthday celebration in Umuahia.
Governor Otti also recently witnessed the unveiling of two United Nigeria Airlines Boeing 737-800NG aircraft named after Prof. Chinua Achebe and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, in Lagos. Prof. Ibe described the gesture as a fitting tribute to the immense contributions of the Igbo people to scholarship, leadership and national development.
Describing the initiative as a veritable platform for rewarding patriotic and sacrificial contributions to societal development, Prof. Ibe said it also serves to preserve the history, values and identity of Ndigbo.
“What Governor Alex Otti has done is both timely and historic. By honouring our heroes while they are alive, and by remembering those who laid the foundation for our collective existence, he has restored dignity to public service and to our cultural heritage,” Prof. Ibe stated.
He particularly applauded the Governor’s non-partisan and non-sectarian approach to recognising deserving individuals.
“I particularly commend the Governor’s non-partisan and non-sectarian approach. The inclusion of leaders from different political backgrounds, ethnic affiliations and professional callings in these honours demonstrates that governance can rise above politics to serve the greater good. This is leadership with vision,” he said.
Prof. Ibe further observed that the celebrations transcend age and titles, stressing that they provide valuable lessons for the younger generation.
“These celebrations are not just about age or titles. They are deliberate lessons for our younger generation that hard work, integrity, diligence and selfless service still pay. When we celebrate people like the Obi of Onitsha, General Aguiyi-Ironsi, Prof. Madubuike and others, we are telling our children that honour is the reward for sacrifice,” he said.
The World Igbo Summit Convener added that the events have also played a significant role in fostering unity among Abians and Ndigbo as a whole.
“More importantly, these events have, in no small measure, served the purpose of uniting Abians and indeed all Ndigbo. At a time when divisive politics seeks to remind us of our differences, Governor Otti is reminding us that we are one people bound by a common heritage,” Prof. Ibe noted.
He also referenced Governor Otti’s assertion that “any society that does not honour its heroes will lose its identity,” describing the statement as the very essence of visionary leadership.
Prof. Ibe therefore urged the Governor to sustain the initiative, describing it as critical to nation-building, cultural preservation and the reorientation of the younger generation towards ethical leadership.
He prayed for God’s wisdom and strength for Governor Otti to continue providing purposeful leadership, and for long life, good health and continued grace for the honoured leaders as they continue to serve humanity.