REPORTER: PEACE AGBO
Governor Alex Otti of Abia state says the people that fail to recognize and celebrate their heroes stands the chances of losing their sense of purpose and identity.
Governor Otti stated this during the 108th posthumous birthday celebration of the Nigeria’s first Speaker of the House of Representatives and a former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Aviation, late Dr. Jaja Wachuku.
The event which was organized by the Abia state government at the Anglican Grammar School Mbawsi, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area aimed at preserving his legacy and inspiring future generations.
The Governor explained that his decision to celebrate Wachuku was informed by a deeper study of his life and achievements which revealed that the late statesman was an exceptional leader who made immense sacrifices for Nigeria.
Responding to some appeals by stakeholders, Governor Otti said the government was considering immortalizing Late Wachuku legacy.
In his speech, the lawmaker representing Abia South Senatorial District, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, described Wachuku not just as a national icon but as a father figure.
For his part, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Caleb Ajagba, said that the decision to renovate the late Wachuku’s home followed disturbing reports about its state and was not politically motivated.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr Ndubuisi Jaja-Wachuku expressed gratitude to the governor and the Abia State Government for honouring his late father and disclosed that many historic documents, including materials on the Ahiara Declaration of Biafra and authentic Igbo history, were sourced from Wachuku’s preserved library.
Correspondent Peace Agbo reports that the event featured the unveiling of the late Wachuku’s renovated residence, library and his tomb with that of his wife, as well as laying of wreaths at their tombs.
