In this happy birthday message penned down by Professor Gregory Ibe himself, he gives insight into the personality of General (Senator) Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu and how the exploit of the retired military and political leader touched his life.
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GENERAL (SEN) IKE OMAR SANDA NWACHUKWU: HONOURING A LIVING SAGE AT 80
Only very few Nigerians are blessed with the sort of distinguished personal, family, career and corporate profile that Gen (Sen) Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu parades. Born to an Igbo father and a Fulani mother, married to a Yoruba wife who has maternal roots in the creeks of Niger Delta, the Peoples General squarely fits into the perfect appellation of the bridge. In addition to his rich diverse family background, he also had the rare privilege of traversing different sections of Nigeria and many other nations in pursuit of education.
Upon acquiring these solid family and educational backgrounds, Gen Ike Nwachukwu posted an enviable professional career through which he dutifully impacted the society at local, state and national levels.
As a young man growing up, I was privileged to identify with the flagship projects of the Generals tenure in public service, when as Military Governor of old Imo State he undertook the relocation of the then Imo State University to a permanent site in Uturu and construction of Imo Airport. Just fresh from training as an Accountant, I was privileged to work with the Israeli firm that handled the construction of the two projects. Suffice it to say that the practical experience I garnered from working on those landmark projects have remained instrumental to the modest achievements I have made in pursuit of my passion in civil engineering and building technology.
I must confess that over the years I have seized every opportunity to tap wisdom from the over flowing knowledge bank of this living sage. For instance, when in 2014 the Peoples General was saddled with the onerous responsibility of leading the South East delegation to the National Conference, I was only pleased to function as his aide when the team requested me to serve our people as consultant.
The Generals legendary love for Ndigbo has continued to manifest in his fatherly support for the World Igbo Summit, which we jointly convene. It is therefore my prayer that the good Lord will keep our octogenarian General strong and healthy to see the dividends of his patriotic labor to state and nation.
Happy 80th birthday to the Peoples General!
Prof Gregory Ibe, PhD, OFR, (Enyi Abia),
Chancellor/Proprietor
