SOLUDO PAYS GLOWING TRIBUTES AS HE BIDS FAREWELL TO FORMER GOVERNOR CHINWOKE MBADINUJU, SAYS HE WAS A GIANT WHO LEFT AN ENDURING LEGACY
By Christian ABURIME
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has described former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju as a giant who left an enduring legacy in the state.
Governor Soludo paid the tributes to his predecessor, who passed away at the age of 77 during his final burial ceremony.
The Governor attended the Inter-denominational Church Service held in honour at his country home in Uli, Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State.
Governor Soludo, in his speech consoled the family again and the people of Uli, saying that Anambra mourns the passing of a great soul and a gift that Anambra bequeathed to the world.
“As we mourn, we are consoled that he came and lived a life of impact
“We know that a giant has gone home. We thank Odera for all the great strides in Anambra and Nigeria.”
Governor Soludo highlighted Odera’s contributions to Anambra State, including the construction of the judiciary and House of Assembly building, Ekwueme Square, the Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Centre, and the Anambra State University, now renamed Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University.
“Odera prayed that it shall be well with Anambra and today, ndi Anambra have come in unison to say it is well with Odera’s soul,” Governor Soludo said.
“We assure you Odera that we will carry the baton, going forward. The torch will never grow dim. We will continue to grow in the area of infrastructure, health, and education,” Governor Soludo said.
Governor Soludo concluded his remarks by saying that Odera was one of Anambra’s finest and that he will be greatly missed.
“This is a time to celebrate one of Anambra’s finest. On behalf of myself and the great people of Anambra, we say goodbye. It’s the end of an era but yet the beginning of another,” the Governor added.
Earlier, Rev Dr. Thomas Obiatuegwu had offered prayers of love and comfort to the late Mbadinuju family.
Son of the deceased, Barr. Cheta Mbadinuju thanked everyone, especially Governor Soludo who approved that a state burial be organized for their late father and expressed gratitude to God that the reality and truth that were suppressed about his father’s life and achievements have seen the light of the day.
Former Anambra Governors; Peter Obi, Chris Ngige, Deputy Governors; Ebonyi, Abia and Enugu, Patricia Obila, Ikechukwu Emetu, Ifeanyi Ossai, Speaker Anambra House of Assembly, Rt Hon Somtochukwu Udeze, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Chief of Protocol, Chinedu Nwoye Glamour, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Sen. Uche Ekwunife, Traditional Rulers among others attended the event.