Isuofia: A Tale of Two Warriors
From the fanfare and celebrations at Isuofia to mark the royal recognition of a worthy son by HRM, Igwe Christopher Muoghalu and the entire people of Isuofia, a tale of two great men emerged, warriors in their rights, one representing the end of an era and the other, the beginning of another.
The tales of Gov Willie Obiano and Prof Chukwuma Soludo seem intertwined in ways definitive of a destiny written in the stars. Both, financial experts, served in the banking sector when Soludo initiated the consolidation of banks as governor of the apex bank in Nigeria – an initiative Obiano latched onto, to build a strong brand for Fidelity bank as one of its top managers then. It appears fate favours ndi Anambra, at present, as Obiano readies a firm foundation for another consolidation exercise for Soludo, this time, in Anambra State.
While both men walked round the Isuofia community square, acknowledging the greetings of ndi Anambra, it was clear that Anambra State was about to experience a transition from the better to the best.
It therefore comes as no surprise that the baton of leadership will be transferred from Obiano whose exploits resonate resoundingly from the riverbanks of Omambala to seashores in foreign lands, endearing him to the hearts of many and earning him the title, Akpokuedike Aguleri – a title which has attracted a universal flavour from his admirers who retitled him, befittingly, Akpokuedike Global; to Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo who would rather be addressed as Charly nwa Mgbafọ, in appreciation of his humble beginnings and the memory of a loving mother who passed on when he was just eight years old.
Isuofia: A Tale of Two Warriors
Though honoured with titles such as Odenigbo Aguata and Odenjiji Aguleri, Soludo has remained humble, working silently to provide succour for his people and reunite the villages of his community, Isuofia, which had falllen apart and were on the brink of a major crises some years ago. It was for his role in fostering peace and uniting the community that the Igwe and the entire people of Isuofia assembled to bestow the title of Dikeudo Isuofia, on him.
The story of Obiano and Soludo cannot be told in one essay. It transcends tales of titles, merriments and festivities. They are tales of warriors who have lived sacrificially and are willing to commit more of their time, energy and resources to the service of their prople in particular and humanity in general.
It was a remarkable event at Isuofia and undoubtedly, a title well deserved. But beyond the drumbeats of the Ikolo and the echoes of cannon shots, rose the tales of these great warriors. Beyond the sonorous melodies of mbem and the colourful displays of culture and tradition, rose the voices of ndi Anambra as they prepare in tandem with their governor, Akpokuedike Global, to welcome his anointed successor, Dikeudo Isuofia.
The transition from Akpokuedike to Dikeudo promises to be beneficial to ndị Anambra. Where Gov. Obiano has successfully built institutions and projects of gargantuan proportions in the 10,000 sitter international conference centre, the Awka township stadium and the international cargo/passenger airport, Umueri, added to major advancements in agriculture and sustainable investments in MSMEs among others, and all resting on a formidable security network, there can be no better person to maintain and sustain these achievements and use them as a spring-board to break new grounds, as the renowned economist and development expert, Prof Chukwuma Soludo. The time to rally behind him is now.
Ikenna Aniagboso
afachukwugbalu@gmail.com
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