FIC Report (Abia State) – Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has stressed the need for Ndigbo to develop a philosophy that will serve as guide for their dealings and development as a people.
Governor Ikpeazu who was speaking at the Okezie Victor Ikpeazu Leadership Colloquium with the Theme: “Socio-Economic Future Of Ndigbo: Setting the Agenda” as part of activities to mark his 58th birthday celebration held at the Ishmael Ikpeazu Memorial Library and Center for Scientific Leadership, Umuobiakwa, Obingwa said that Ndigbo must know who they are and where they are heading.
The Governor said Ndigbo must go the extra mile and overcome factors such as insecurity as well as other challenges that have hampered the development of the region.
He stated that lack of belief in themselves and absence of an Igbo philosophy which have held the region down should be addressed in order to conquer the World adding that digitization and new ways of solving problems should be given attention.
Governor Ikpeazu who said he would want to be remembered for his intervention in the Enyimba Economic City Project and the Geometric Power Project disclosed that 150 Abia Youths have been sent by his Government and are currently studying Modern Auto Mechanics at Innoson Motors.
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu reteirated that the Ishmael Ikpeazu Memorial Library and Center for Scientific Leadership was built through the support of his friends and well wishers to effect the ideals of the Ikpeazu dynasty.
The Governor said that an initial 50 candidates will benefit from the program which will focus on a new leadership paradigm.
He said the Institution will bequeath generations yet unborn with the requisite knowledge to survive in the present day world pointing out that he has institutionalized the library to offer scientific solution to the myriads of challenges bedeviling the society.
The Governor said that The Ishmael Ikpeazu Memorial Library and Center for Scientific Leadership comprises of a Museum housing relics of his Great Grand Father who was a renowned Blacksmith, Science laboratory,E-Library, Internet Broadband, Guest House among other facilities.
The Governor called on the Igbo Business Community currently outside the Region to invest back home and decried the habit of having all their investments outside Alaigbo.
Delivering his own address,Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State congratulated Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for using his 58th Birthday Anniversary to immortalize his late father by instituting the Ishmael Ikpeazu Memorial Library and Center for Scientific Leadership.
While noting that part of the problems in Nigeria is lack of documentation, Governor Wike said that the Scientific Library will serve generations unborn.
The Rivers State Governor assured that he will continue to identify with Governor Okezie Ikpeazu whom he described as a dependable ally and Brother adding that the agitation for inclusion of the Southern part of the country is to give all sections a sense of belonging.
In his goodwill message, a former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose while congratulating Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for attaining the milestone, said history will be kind to him for changing the narratives in Abia state.
He charged Abians to strive to consolidate on the gains recorded by the present administration.
In their separate speeches, the PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and Sir Chris Odinaka Igwe, OFR appreciated the Governor for laying a solid foundation for the development of the State and stressed the need for Igbo business men to leverage on the opportunities in the South East.
In their contributions during the Panel discussion, the Panelists, including the President NACCIMA, Ide John Udeagbala, the CEO Geometric Power, Professor Barth Nnaji, the Operator of the Enyimba Economic City, Mr. Daal Uzu and Professor Gabriel Okenwa said that it is time for Igbo business men to think home, repatriate a chunk of their investments and knowledge back home as well as be united to chart a common course.
They are of the view that Ndigbo must harness their best areas and used the Forum to congratulate Governor Okezie Ikpeazu on his 58th Birthday celebration.
Highlights of the ceremony was the unveiling of the book “Okezie Ikpeazu – Raising the Bar of Governance in Abia state” authored by Mr Obiora Nzekwu and formal Commissioning of the Ishmael Ikpeazu Memorial Library and Center for Scientific Leadership.
Also the event featured cutting of birthday cake and goodwill messages from notable Abians including the Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu and several other Dignitaries from the political and business worlds from across the country graced the occasion.
