The Ohafia people of Abia State, at the auspices of Mben Political Assembly (MPA), the think-tank championing the socio-political rejuvenation of the clan, plans to institute a colloquium in honour of her departed illustrious sons and daughters.
The colloquium, which will be a biennial event will be used to remember her heroes’ past, reflect on their contributions to the community, and encourage the living to sustain and surpass their impacts on the society.
The President of the association, Architect (Chief), Eme Uche Onuh disclosed the plan while paying tribute to late Dr Kalu Uke Kalu, a prominent son of the community who passed on last week. Dr Uke’s passage was the culmination of such recent losses of the community’s shining stars who led the way for the progress and development of the area.
The details of the programme are still being worked out as well as consultations with various Ohafia interest groups including traditional rulers and the political class to make the event all-encompassing, Onuh said.
Also speaking, Chief Emele Onu, the director of media and publicity for the association, said the name OHP Colloquium is being considered for the event, with the OHP standing for Ohafia Heroes Past.
“We intend to kill two birds with one stone, every two years. We commemorate our departed heroes with a high-powered symposium and second, transition their heroic persona to the living for the development of the society,” Onu said, adding that Ohafia has more than a fair share of the world’s best quality humans, living and dead, whose footprints must endure in the society.
It will be recalled that Ohafia is home to many notable global and national icons, living and dead, including late Professor Eni Njoku, a minister in Nigeria’s first republic and first Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos; late Professor Kalu Ezera, first Republic parliamentarian; Professor Eme Awa, renowned political scientist and former head of the national electoral commission and Chief Ojo Maduekwe, a former minister of transport.
Among the community’s existing illustrious indegenes are Nigeria’s former finance minister, Dr Kalu Idika Kalu; elder statesman and one-time presidential aspirant, Dr Uma Eleazu; ex-Nigetiam Flying Eagles coach, John Obuh as well as the Director-General of the National Film Institute, Dr Chidia Maduekwe.
The deceased, Dr Kalu Uke Kalu, a foremost chartered accountant, was one of the board gurus who dictated the pulse of banking and finance in Nigeria, culminating in his appointment as Chairman of Union Bank. He is a recipient of the award of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), conferred on him for meritorious service to the country.
“The MPA is looking to hold the first colloquium in the second quarter of 2024 to be delivered by a high-powered academic or top politician on a subject germane to the development of Ohafia and Abia State,” Onuh said.
