Abia State Governor, Alex Otti and his predecessor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, have paid special tribute to one of the founding fathers of the state, Chief Emmanuel Adaelu, who died recently at 92.
In separate speeches at a memorial colloquium organised in Adaelu’s honour by Clifford University, Ihie, in Isala Ngwa North Local Government Area, on Saturday, they extolled the nanogenarian’s immense contributions to the socio-economic development of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tributes were contained in a book, entitled “Elder (Dr) Emmanuel Onyemaobi Adaelu: Consummate Leader”, which was unveiled at the colloquium.
Otti described Adaelu as a foremost industrialist, business guru, philanthropist, elder statesman and inspirational leader of his people.
He stated that Adaelu’s inspiring accomplishments were a testament to his unbroken convictions of personal excellence and successes.
“He raised the bar in business, employed many people, and contributed to the economy of Abia and Nigeria in general,” he stated.
Also, Ikpeazu described the elder statesman as a strong pillar and great giant, who illuminated the path of renewal and rebirth, not only for Ukwa/Ngwa people, but also the entire Abia.
He recalled that his rare emergence as the Governor of Abia of Ukwa/Ngwa extraction in 2015 was one of the biggest dreams, life-time aspirations and struggles of the deceased.
“Adaelu, as a colossus for several decades, traversed and bestrode the political and business landscape of Abia and Nigeria in a trailblasing line of accomplishments and inestimable contributions.
“He had a distinguished career as a teacher, author, astute politician, administrator, accountant, entrepreneur, industrialist and evangelist,” Ikpeazu stated.
In a remark, Bassey Udo, the President of the Eastern Nigerian Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist, said that Adaelu was a devout Christian, who sacrificed so much for the church.
The first Attorney-General of Abia, Chief Theo Nkire, recalled Adealu’s role in the emergence of Ikpeazu and Adolphus Wabara, as Governor and Senate President, respectively.
Nkire, who is the Chairman of the Central Burial Committee, said that Adaelu’s greatest badge of honour was the letter in which Ohanaeze Ndigbo recommended Aba to the nation as the sixth state for the South-East zone.
In a compendium of tributes, others, including Prof. Paul Ananaba (SAN), Justice Teddy Eruba, Dr Blessing Nwagba, extolled Adaelu’s indelible legacies.
Earlier in a remark, the Vice-Chancellor of Clifford University, Prof. Chimezie Omeonu, described Adaelu as a founding member of the university, who participated in every activity of the institution.
“He combed the entire Eastern Nigeria Seventh-Day Adventist churches, organisations, some commercial banks to raise funds for the commencement of construction of facilities in preparation for the university’s take off,” Omeonu said.
NAN further reports that the university unveiled and dedicated a hostel in his honour.
The deceased is the father of Solomon Adaelu, a former member of the House of Representatives for Obingwa, Osisoma Ngwa and Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency.
He was one of Abia’s founding fathers and decorated with the prestigious national honour of the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic. (NAN)
