Enugu came alive with goodwill, prayers and glowing tributes on Sunday, January 4, 2026, as political leaders, academics, technocrats and community stakeholders gathered to celebrate the birthday of renowned public intellectual and development advocate, Dr. Chinedu Onu, in what many described as a powerful testament to a life defined by service, mentorship and impact.
The colourful celebration, which attracted dignitaries from across Enugu State and beyond, was marked by an outpouring of commendations for Dr. Onu’s enduring influence on governance, academia and youth development.
Opening the tributes, the Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ezenta Ezeani, said the event was unique because it was not initiated by the celebrant but conceived by friends and associates who felt he deserved to be honoured.
“This celebration is different because it was not self-initiated,” Ezeani said. “It was conceived by friends who believe that Dr. Chinedu Onu deserves to be celebrated for who he is and what he represents.”
He described Dr. Onu as a man who believes deeply in friendship and consistently stands by people in moments of distress, noting that his contributions have touched lives across communities.
“He is a dependable ally, a community leader and a go-getter. This gathering is also to appreciate him for standing by many of us during difficult times,” Ezeani said, as he prayed for God’s continued blessings, sound health and sustained prosperity for the celebrant.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Simon Ortuanya, said Dr. Onu has built a solid foundation of achievement and can confidently reflect on a life of purpose.
“Despite being born great, Dr. Onu has strived to achieve his own greatness and has done so well for himself at a very young age,” Ortuanya said.
He described Dr. Onu as reliable and dependable, adding that once he commits to a cause, he leads from the front. He also highlighted his academic contributions as Founder and President of the Michael Okpara Centre of Excellence, domiciled at the Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Rt. Hon. Chima Obieze, Member representing Ezeagu Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly and coordinator of the celebration, described Dr. Onu as the most influential mentor in his political and personal journey.
Obieze said the celebration was deliberately organised by friends and associates, stressing that it was not a self-sponsored event but a collective decision by people whose lives have been shaped by Dr. Onu’s guidance.
“This gathering is not about fanfare. It is about gratitude. Many of us here are products of Dr. Chinedu Onu’s mentorship, encouragement and belief in our abilities at moments when we doubted ourselves,” he said.
He recalled that beyond politics, Dr. Onu has consistently invested time, resources and wisdom in grooming young people, insisting that leadership must be rooted in character, service and discipline.
“I have worked closely with many leaders, but I can say without hesitation that Dr. Onu stands out. He does not just give advice; he follows through. He does not just open doors; he walks with you until you are stable,” Obieze added.
The lawmaker noted that many of the public office holders present at the event trace their political confidence and strategic thinking to early engagements with the celebrant.
Even when he had no obligation to do so, he took personal interest in our growth. That is why this celebration is emotional for many of us. It is a payback of gratitude to a man who quietly shaped destinies,” Obieze said, praying for renewed strength, wisdom and long life for Dr. Onu.
Also speaking, Hon. Okey Mbah, Member representing Nkanu East Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, described Dr. Onu as a man whose defining attribute is integrity.
Mbah recalled a youth convention in Abuja where funds meant for participants had to be entrusted to someone of unquestionable character.
“When the question arose about who had the integrity to keep the money meant for the youths, we unanimously agreed that Dr. Chinedu Onu was the man,” he said.
According to him, Dr. Onu transparently disbursed the funds to all participants, a singular act that later earned him widespread trust and eventual emergence as President of the YDA.
“That same integrity inspired many of us to become relevant in politics and public service in Enugu State. When we count our political gains and training, it is difficult to do so without remembering him,” Mbah said, describing Dr. Onu as astute, intelligent and deeply knowledgeable.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation in Enugu State, Dr. Patrick Ubru, said Dr. Onu was being celebrated because of his wide-ranging impact on entrepreneurs, politicians, academics and professionals across the state.
“I have known him for over 26 years. He has been a mentor, a motivator and a source of inspiration who encourages people to dream big and aspire high,” Ubru said, describing the celebrant as a big brother and a builder of men.
He prayed that God would continue to uphold Dr. Onu with wisdom and reward him for his sacrifices in the lives of many young people.
Also speaking, Dr. Barth Ezeugwu, a commissioner in the Enugu State Local Government Service Commission, described Dr. Onu as a brother, mentor and foundation leader whose generosity and goodwill are widely acknowledged.
“He believes in people, carries their burdens and actively seeks opportunities to uplift others,” Ezeugwu said, noting that Dr. Onu’s inclusive leadership style is one of the reasons many of those present are serving in government today.
In his tribute, Chief Uche Anioke, PhD, former Chairman of Awgu LGA used the six blind men and an elephant to describe Dr. Onu as a man of many sides that means different things to different people.
He added that he’s is a philanthropist without boarders recalling how he (Onu) sponsored a law student for four years without meeting him simply because he called into a radio show (freedom square) and explained his ordeal, adding that he’s a forward-looking individual who is ready to help people irrespective of their background citing some examples.
Chief Anioke noted that the celebrant is a man of vision and is ready to help any aspiring individual achieve their goal and his innovative acumen is something worthy of emulation.
The Chairman of Udenu Local Government Area, Aka Eze Aka, described the celebration as long overdue, referring to Dr. Onu as “Udenu’s export” and a man with a heart of gold.
Recalling a personal experience, Aka narrated how Dr. Onu, while serving as a commissioner, voluntarily replaced his worn-out vehicle tyres without being asked, an act he said deepened his admiration for him.
“He is frank, honest and practical. When I needed someone to lead my campaign, there was no other choice,” Aka said, adding that Dr. Onu’s guidance contributed significantly to his political success.
He disclosed that Dr. Onu has also agreed to champion investment and development in Udenu Local Government Area as Chairman of the council’s Investment and Development Agency.
In his appreciation remarks, Chinedu Onu, PhD, expressed profound gratitude to all those who honoured him, describing the gathering as the biggest birthday celebration he has ever had.
“This is actually the biggest birthday celebration for me,” he said. “I am deeply humbled by the love, prayers and goodwill.”
He thanked Rt. Hon. Chima Obieze for coordinating the event and appreciated friends, leaders and associates for their kind words and support, noting that the outpouring of affection would further strengthen his commitment to service, mentorship and development.
The celebration ended on a joyful note, with guests describing the event as a fitting tribute to a man whose life continues to be defined by integrity, generosity and enduring impact across Enugu State.
