Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has paid glowing tributes to the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe (Agbogidi), CFR, and former Minister Chief Yomi Edu as they marked their 85th and 80th birthdays respectively.
Obi disclosed this in a post shared on his X handle following his participation in the birthday celebrations held in honour of the two elder statesmen.
According to him, one of the highlights of his weekend was attending the events organised to celebrate the lives and contributions of the distinguished Nigerians, whom he described as symbols of leadership, service and nation-building.
Speaking on the Obi of Onitsha, Obi said the revered monarch remains a respected figure whose life has been dedicated to preserving cultural heritage, promoting enterprise and strengthening traditional leadership.
“The first was His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe (Agbogidi), CFR, the Obi of Onitsha and Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University. He is a respected symbol of cultural heritage, enterprise, and traditional leadership, who marked his 85th birthday,” Obi stated.
Reflecting on their years of working together, the former Anambra State governor noted that the monarch demonstrated a deep commitment to good governance during his administration.
“I worked closely with him in my eight years as Governor, where he showed a passion for good governance. His life and reign continue to represent dignity, continuity, and the preservation of our rich cultural identity,” he added.
Obi also celebrated Chief Yomi Edu, a former Minister of the Federal Republic, who turned 80, commending his years of public service and contributions to national development.
“Also celebrated was Chief Yomi Edu, former Minister of the Federal Republic, who turned 80. His years of public service and contributions to the corporate world and national development were duly honoured by family, friends, and well-wishers,” he said.
The former governor noted that the occasion attracted several eminent personalities from Nigeria and beyond, underscoring the esteem in which the celebrants are held.
“The occasion was further graced by eminent personalities, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the former President of Ghana, the Governor of Lagos State, captains of industry, former governors, and other distinguished guests from across Nigeria and Africa at large,” Obi wrote.
He described the gathering as one that reflected respect across political, cultural and generational divides.
According to him, such occasions serve as reminders of the importance of honouring individuals whose contributions have helped shape the nation and the African continent.
“Moments like this remind us of the value of longevity, service, and the importance of celebrating those who have contributed in various ways to the growth of our nation and continent,” he stated.
Obi concluded by offering prayers for the celebrants, wishing them continued good health, strength and many more years of impactful living.
“We continue to pray that God grants them good health, strength, and many more fruitful years ahead.”
