Anambra to name Niger Bridge Head/ Upper Iweka Road after Ojukwu

GOVERNOR Peter Obi of Anambra State, yesterday said the State had concluded arrangement to name the gate way to the South East, the Niger Bridge Head - Upper Iweka road in Onitsha, considered the most important road in the South East, after Ojukwu.

Obi said the ceremony would be performed by President Goodluck Jonathan during his visit to the state later this month and called on Nigerians to keep the memory of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu alive by emulating his virtues.

The governor said the late Odumegwu Ojukwu lived a life devoid of greed and unbridled acquisition of material wealth.

Speaking during a memorial service in honour of the late Ikemba Nnewi at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Nnewi, Obi said Nigerians would be doing the ideal thing if they embraced the virtues of selfless service to the people as exemplified by the late Eze Igbo Gburugburu.

According to the governor, Nigerians should start the immortalization of Ojukwu since the mourning period for his death had ended.

In his sermon during the service, the Vicar of Saint Michael’s Church, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Anoyiba tasked Ndigbo to uphold the legacy of sacrifice of the late Ikemba.

The cleric observed that in spite his wealthy background, Ojukwu chose to live a humble life of selfless service and patriotism and recalled that he used his personal wealth to fight for justice, equity and fairness to save Igbos from forces of oppression and suppression.

He reminded Christians that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ earned them the privilege of salvation and eternity, while stressing the need for dialogue in resolving differences.

Ojikwu’s widow and Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu commended Nigerians for giving her family a tremendous support and encouragement since the death of her husband, adding that it made the experience of the loss less traumatic.

Ambassador Ojukwu described her late husband as a man of peace who believed in justice, equity and fair play and urged leaders to emulate his ideal of transparency in public service so as to gain people’s trust and confidence.

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