By Dr. G.O.C Ajah
HRH Igwe Ezeudo Abel Ogbonnaya Nwobodo MFR, an illustrious son of Umuawalagu Unataeze Community, Unateze Clan in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State was born on 29th November 1932.
An accomplished educationist, administrator, Management Consultant and philanthropist, Igwe Abel Nwobodo attended Methodist School Nara, Methodist Central School Agbani, Methodist College Uzuakoli, University of Lagos and the Institute of Management Science, Delft Holland, in addition to a series of management courses, seminars and workshops both locally and overseas that have all combined to build him into astute and highly respected achievers and leaders of men in this clime.
Yes, HRH Igwe Ezeudo Abel Nwobodo can best be described as a man of many parts, an astute politician and an accomplished technocrat. He has held many positions in his community – Nara, Nkanuland, Enugu State and Nigeria at large.
In 1958, he was elected to the Nkanu County Council and was re-elected in 1961 when he became the Vice Chairman of the Council. He was also elected as Chairman of the Nkanu Divisional Council and member of the Udi, Nkanu and Ezeagu Joint Council in 1971.
Igwe Ezeudo Abel Nwobodo became a teacher in 1949 and later joined the Civil Service where he rose to the rank of Permanent Secretary. He has served as a member and Chairman of many state organizations, including, Member of the Council of the Institute of Management and Technology; Executive Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission; Executive Chairman of the Local Government Pensions Board, and Chairman of Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission, ENSIC for 10 years from 2001 to 2011.
As a man who has travelled wide, Igwe Ezeudo Abel Nwobodo has to his credit and honour numerous traditional titles and recognitions, which have distinguished him as a revered Royal father.
He is the life Patron of the prestigious Nze-na-Ozo Society of his Community, Umuawalagu Unataeze. The most valued and second in his lineage of Chieftaincy title “Ezeudo 1 of Nara” (meaning Peaceful King) was conferred on him by HRH Eze Odenigbo Ogbu of Nara, to highlight his role as a lover of peace. This, spiced with his title, Mba Abu Ike, underscores his person as a man you cannot trifle with or take his peaceful nature for granted.
Ezeudo was recognised as the traditional ruler of the Umuawalagu Unataeze Community by the Military Government in 1999 with the designation Awalagu 1 of the Umuawalagu Unataeze autonomous Community following his overwhelming popularity among his people and beyond.
Anyone who has had the opportunity to relate with him cannot but marvel at his humility as well as impregnable and unimpeachable integrity. Here is a man who would cross seven rivers and seven wildernesses to get something done for you but would never request or accept any gift from you on account. His yes is his yes, and his no is always his no for good reasons.
His philanthropy was pronounced in his Community and beyond and extends to the Church. No wonder he was given many awards by the Methodist Church. These awards were capped by Knighthood.
HRH Igwe Ezeudo is happily married to Lady Ugoeze Joy Nwobodo, and the Union is blessed with children.
He is a Patron of many associations and has received numerous awards of excellence from various organizations and Corporate bodies. He is currently the 1st Grand Patron of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers.
The Nigeria National Honour Award, Member of the Federal Republic, MFR conferred on him in 2012 by His Excellency Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, former President of Nigeria was the climax of his retinue of honours and recognitions.
Given his selfless life, it is not a surprise that he has been widely celebrated by his family and teeming lovers.
Your Highness, as you mark your 92nd birthday, the world celebrates your longevity and commends your inspiring contributions to humanity.
Congratulations! HRH Igwe Ezeudo Abel Ogbonnaya Nwobodo MFR, Awalagu 1 of Umuawalagu Unataeze Autonomous Community, a man of peace, courage personified, and man of the people.
Happy birthday
Dr. Ajah is a former Secretary to Enugu State Government
