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By Madu Obi
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe has been described as a pathfinder and a pride of the nation.
Speaking during the maiden edition of the Obi Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe Lecture Series at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus, Anambra State, organized by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye described Obi of Onitsha as a man with a very sound, strong family and educational background that has made Onitsha a place with good governance.
Bishop Adekaye, who listed traditional institutions to include marriage, family, education, religion and kingship, lamented that good governance had continued to elude Nigeria due to lack of purposeful God-fearing and informed leadership at all levels.
According to the cleric, what Nigerians are clamouring for is an honest, courage8ous and forthright leadership.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Greg Nwakoby applauded the NIPR for its activities geared towards promoting the corporate coexistence, nation building and rebranding of the nation's image.
He said the university had always insisted that only certified members of the NIPR would head the institution's public relations unit to ensure excellence and professionalism.
In his speech, the NIPR President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku commended the Vice Chancellor of the university for accepting to collaborate with the Anambra State Chapter of NIPR to host the event.
He said the lecture series for Igwe Achebe had become one programme instituted to celebrate a living person as against most lectures that celebrate achievers, posthumously.
Neliaku opined that systematic procedures be taken to make it an annual affair, declaring it as a national event of the NIPR.
A former President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations ( NIPR), Mr Bobo Brown, described the Onitsha monarch as an endless story of God's own writing in Nigeria's conscience.
He said Achebe's name could open doors and light paths, describing him further as a man with unimaginable intellectual capacity and stickler to rules.
Brown commended the Anambra State chapter of the NIPR and its leadership for their courage and ingenuity for bringing back the culture of translating ideas into action in the spirit of the NIPR of yesteryears.
Responding, Igwe Achebe described the event as totally overwhelming while giving gratitude to God for making it a reality.
He charged all to take cognizance of the various issues raised by the guest lecturer to strengthen the traditional institutions, especially through Public Relations methods.
The event was graced by a host of traditional rulers, the academia, government officials, Onitsha red cap chiefs, Otu Odu Onitsha, captains of industry, members of the NIPR and students.
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