By Mimi Chiadikaobi
Proffessor Ken Nworgu, and former orator of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, erudite lawyer has described a 190 page book entitled “Beyond Sycophancy” as a master piece of talent display on Friday during a ceremony to mark the 60th birthday of the author.
Nworgu, who was the reviewer of the book written by immediate past Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Chief Chido Obidiegwu described it as a master piece.
He said that Obidiegwu, a first class master of ceremony and events anchor had turned 60 years of age, and put up the book to mark his new age with his autobiography, “Beyond Sycophancy”.
Book unveiling
Nworgu said that the book has been lauded as a good work of art, which recounted his rise in the world of event anchoring, to service in government corridor and urged the public to pick up a copy.
Prof. Kate Omenugha, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Odumegwu Ojukwu University Igbariam, chaired the event and described Obidiegwu, as personality worth trusting with any project of interest.
Omenugha said that the event was to celebrate one of the Anambra’s finest son of the state as he marks his 60th Birthday which is year of celebrating wonderful accomplishments and good health and prayed for more years to come
Omenugha, urged the guests to emulate the celebrant’s public service spirit as well advised everyone to take a copy of the book home for detail digest.
Earlier, Prof Charles Soludo ,Anambra Governor commended Obidiegwu’s commitment to work and urged the public to emulate his total sacrifice to public service.
Souldo was represented by Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Chief of Staff to the Governor, who said that the governor was unavoidably absent.
“Mr governor sends his best wishes to you and pray that your new age will bring in lots of blessings to you,” he said.
In his address, Obidiegwu with songs of praise to God acknowledged that the day was a moment of gratitude as he is still blessed with the strength of a thirty year young man.
He told stories of his rise celebrating Mr Peter Obi, Obiano, Senator Umeh and Soludo for playing a major role in building him to the portfolio of statesman.
He acknowledged several personalities who played different roles both in his getting high profile event for him and eventual appointment in Anambra government.
He said that those personalities efforts later led to his moving down to Anambra from his former base, Lagos State where he occupied the esteemed position as MD/CEO of the state media outfit.
Obidiegwu acknowledged some personalities that helped him to include, Chief Victor Umeh, now Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial zone, former governors of Anambra, Mr Peter Obi and Chief Willie Obiano, and current governor,Prof Chukwuma Soludo, among others.
Newsmen reports that the event was well attended by government colleagues namely Mr Paul Nwosu, commissioner for Information, Commissioner for Entertainment, Culture and Tourism,Mr Don Onyinji.
Dr Paschal Agbodike, Federal Lawmaker representing Ihiala/Ekwusigo Frederal constituency, Dr Somtochukw Udeze, Anambra State House of Assembly Speaker and other state legislators were among the dignitaries who attended the event.
Other dignitaries present includes former governor of Anambra Mr. Peter Obi represented by former commissioner for lands and Economic planning, Mr. Patrick Nkyobi , Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Paul University, Awka, Sen. Victor Umeh representing Anambra Central and wife Prisca and Dr Val Obienyem, media adviser to Mr Peter Obi among others.
The Traditional Ruler of Eze Ana-Ukwu,Eze Igulube of Omor,Ayamwlum Local Government Area of Anambra His Royal Highness, Igwe Chidueme Oranu, was present and he described Obidiegwu as a gentleman committed to his chosen carrier.
Oranu said that he found in Obidiegwu a personality with a refined character honest in dealing humanity and urged him not to depart from the footprints so as to enjoy more fruitful years and enjoy the yield of his labour.
Obidiegwu relatives in attendance includes Mr Ikenna Obidiegwu his younger brother and elder sister Mrs Chika Osinaomumu amongst other relatives.
Obidiegwu has for years become very distinct with trademark baritone voice, and his grown all-grey hair is in his own class in events anchoring.
The celebrator, who holds the traditional title of Agu ji ogene was acknowledged by many as a jolly good personality.
