A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Professor Kingsley Moghalu, Ifekaego Nnewi, has expressed felicitation with Chief Chukwuemeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, on his 91 birthday.
Moghalu, in a goodwill message stated: “Chief Anyaoku represents the best of a tragically vanishing breed in our country – a gentleman of honor, a man of strong character and values, a man who’s impact in the world and at home was and remains an inspiration to millions, including my humble self.
“I am fortunate to have benefited, frequently, from his wise counsel and encouragement, in my own endeavors internationally and at home in Nigeria.”
Statement read:
“I warmly congratulate my revered mentor, Elder Statesman and Africa’s foremost living career diplomatist, H.E. Chief Chukwuemeka Anyaoku GCFR, Former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, as he turns 91 today.
“I also congratulate Chief Anyaoku, the Ichie Adazie of Obosi Kingdom, Anambra State on the inauguration today of his inspirational legacy project, the Emeka & Bunmi Anyaoku Library built by the Emeka & Bunmi Anyaoku Foundation.
“As his personal guest at Adazie’s country home in Obosi two years ago, it was my honor to have been given a personal tour of this elegant, values-laden project by Chief Anyaoku as it neared completion, on the eve of the occasion of the 2021 edition of the Emeka Anyaoku Annual Lecture, hosted that year by the then Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, and hosted in rotation annually by the State Governors of Nigeria’s 36 States. I was privileged to have served as the Guest Lecturer of the 2021 Emeka Anyaoku Lecture in Awka, Anambra State.
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The Elder Statesman shared with me how much this legacy contribution to his community meant to him and how, even in his retirement and advanced age, much of his savings had gone into building the library. What a statement of the values that matter to him – and should matter to us all – that a man of this pedigree should make this kind of
personal sacrifice for the education of the present and coming generations of young minds.
“It is, therefore, double congratulations to one of Africa’s most distinguished personages of the 20th and 21st centuries, who has played key leadership and behind-the-scenes roles in resolving conflicts, promoting democracy, and advancing economic and social development in the 56 countries of the Commonwealth in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, Australia, and New Zealand, as he marks these two profound milestones. Congratulations as well to his dear wife, Chief Mrs. Bunmi Anyaoku, Ugoma Idemmili, who has been Adazie’s pillar of support.
“Chief Anyaoku represents the best of a tragically vanishing breed in our country – a gentleman of honor, a man of strong character and values, a man who’s impact in the world and at home was and remains an inspiration to millions including my humble self. I am fortunate to have benefited, frequently, from his wise counsel and encouragement, in my own endeavors internationally and at home in Nigeria.
“Happy Birthday Sir, Adazie Obosi. 91 cheers to many years of service to community, country, and the world.”