Ex-Information Minister, Nwodo Emerges President General Of Ohaneze Ndigbo

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Across Nigeria, News From The State Tuesday, January 10th, 2017

By IGNATIUS OKPARA, Enugu

Former Minister of information and Aviation, Chief Nnia Nwodo, has emerged president- General of apex Igbo socio cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo.

He polled 242 votes to defeat his only rival, Professor Chiwelite Ejike, a former Vice chancellor of Anambra state university of science and Technology, (ASUTEC) who garnered only 13 votes.

African Examiner reports that before the election which took place at the Ohaneze secretariat in Enugu Tuesday commenced, two of the presidential candidates Professor Simon, Otuanya, a former Commissioner for Education in Enugu state, and Chief Ifeanyi Ezeugwu had stepped down for Nwodo, following alleged pressure from some top Enugu state government officials.

The post of secretary- General of the organization which was zoned to Rivers state was clinched by a chieftain of Independent peoples of Biafra IPOB, Barrister Uche Okwukwu, who scored 166 votes, while his closest rival, Isaac. Wonwu polled 63 votes.

A retired Deputy Inspector General of police, DIG from Imo state, Hillary Opara, was elected Deputy president General, unopposed.

One time military governor of Old Anambra and Imo states, Admiral Alison Madueke, who earlier bought the presidential form withdrew from the race as he failed to turn up for the screening by the electoral committee held by Professor Anya O. Anya.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after result of the President -general was announced, Nwodo’s rival, professor Chiwente, who was visibly unhappy with the result, said although, “Ndigbo have spoken, I pray that the outcome of the election will not be severe.

Meanwhile, there were allegations that the delegate lists were produced by the various state governors.

The Man, Chief John Nnia Nwodo

He was born on December 11, 1952, the third son in the respected family of Nwodo in Ukehe, Igbo Etiti L.G.A, Enugu State. Young John had his primary education at St. Patrick’s School, Iva Valley, Enugu – 1957-1960; Holy Ghost Primary School, Enugu from 1961-1962 and St. Mary’s School, Uwani, Enugu in 1963. For his secondary education, he attended the prestigious College of Immaculate Conception, Enugu from 1964 to 1970, bagging his WASC.

Thereafter, he gained admission into the University of Ibadan, Jos Campus from 1971-1972 and University of Ibadan, Ibadan from 1972-1976. He left for the London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London from 1984-1987, heading back for a mandatory stint at Nigeria Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos, in 1988.

On the work front, he was a Research Assistant, Federal Cabinet Office Lagos -1975; General Manager, Chief J.U. Nwodo & Sons Ltd 1978; State Secretary, National Party of Nigeria, Anambra State Branch from 1978-1980. He was Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Information – 1980-1981; Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Special Duties- 1981-1983; Minister for Civil Aviation, 1983; Partner, Dr. J.N. Nwodo & Co. 1989-1992; Chairman, Urban Development Bank of Nigeria Plc. – 1993; Principal Partner, Nnia Nwodo & Co. 1993 till date. He was also part time Lecturer in Constitutional Law- Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) 1996-1999; Honourable Minister for Information and Culture – 1998-1999; Chairman, Viva Securities, a member of the Nigeria Stock Exchange 1998-2006 and Chairman, Enugu State Centenary Committee June 2009 to-date.

Between 1982 and 1998, he travelled to over 20 countries on international conferences and related official functions. He has authored several publications and delivered many erudite lectures and has been honoured by a grateful society and organisations for the quality of impacts he has made.

He is Life Member of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association 1993; Honourary Fellow of the University of Nigeria Students Union 1995; Certificate of Honour by Igbo Etiti Students Association 1996; Honourary Award of the Law Students Association (LA WSA), Enugu State University of Science and Technology 1997; Professional Service Award by Rotary International District 9140 – 1997; Merit Award of Excellency by Association of Staff Development and Distant Education Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu-1998; Fellow Common Wealth Journalists Association 1998 and more.

He was married to late Lordship Hon. Justice R.O. Nwodo of the Federal Court of Appeal, Lagos, a union blessed with five children.