…Jim Nwobodo is a Legend – Amechi-Uno Town Union
…You’re a blessing to Mankind – Igwe Obi Igwesi
…For Jim, Life begins at 84 – Dcn. Okey Ogbodo
Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu
The people of Amechi-Uno community, Amechi Awkunanaw in Enugu South local government area of Enugu State, has expressed uncontrollable joy following the return of their illustrious son, His Excellency Sen. Dr. Jim Nwobodo to his ancestral homestead.
Receiving Jim Nwobodo home on Saturday, May 11, 2024, with a mammoth crowd, dance troupe, and gun salutes, as he (Jim Nwobodo) and his wife, Dr. Barr. Pat Nwobodo, danced to his signature ‘Papa anata’ chants, the people, speaking through the Secretary General of the Town Union, Chief Christian Igwe, described the governor of old Anambra state as a legend and great Iroko.
In their welcome address, they noted reasons that prompted Jim Nwobodo’s decision to relocate to Orieani when he became governor.
“As providence would have it, in 1979 Senator Nwobodo contested the governorship position of the old Anambra State under the mentorship of Late Chief Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the Owelle of Onitsha.
“He was a very handsome young man and a celebrated orator. He won the hearts of almost all the electorates and recorded a landslide victory over his opponents.
“The contest was hot but the victory was divine. It was reminiscent of the fight between David and Goliath. Senator Nwobodo was the only WAWA man who could muster the courage to put up a contest against the present Anambra people. He thus became the political father of Nkanu Land in particular and the WAWA nation at large”.
Breaking Kolanut and offering prayers earlier in Nwobodo’s Orieani mansion before the departure for his ancestral home, HRH Eze Barr. Igwesi Obi Igwesi, the traditional head of Obuoffia and traditional ruler of Omuoha autonomous community, thanked God for His ever fresh mercies upon Nwobodo.
Tracing the relationship his family shared with that of Sen. Jim Nwobodo, including how Nwobodo’s mother was present for days in his father’s palace when his father, HRH Igwe John Igwesi joined his ancestors, Igwe Igwesi expressed deep thanks and gratitude to Jim Nwobodo.
“You were already Governor when my father transited to the great beyond. While going through my father’s archives, I discovered correspondences and letters you exchanged with my late father. I took notice of the fact that he referred to you as his son in those letters.
“I recall that your mother spent five days with us when we were to bury my late father. It was an act of kindness that my family didn’t take for granted.
“When my younger one, Rt. Hon. Ikemba U.S.A Igwesi indicated interest to run for a legislative office, you gave him your full support and nod, ensuring he clinched the ticket and was eventually elected to represent Enugu South Urban Constituency in the State Assembly.
“These gestures made me take you as an elder brother and I always looked forward to an opportunity to publicly appreciate you”.
Presenting a cow and other gifts, Igwe Igwesi extolled his (Nwobodo) thoughtfulness to return to his father’s home, as a first son, while wishing him longer life.
The Enugu State Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dcn. Okey Ogbodo, explained that the day presented another opportunity to celebrate Jim who he said has neither been sufficiently celebrated nor can ever be over celebrated.
Ogbodo thanked God for the gift of Jim’s wife, Dr. Barr. Pat Nwobodo, saying he has witnessed first hand the enormity of love she has showered on Jim these past years. To Jim, he said “life begins at 84.”
Other speakers took turns to shower encomiums on Jim and his wife, Patricia Nwobodo.
Responding, the visibly elated Jim Nwobodo thanked his guests for attending despite such short notice.
He stated that he puts God first in all his endeavors, reiterating that all his achievements were by God’s grace.
He showered praises on his wife, extolling her intelligence and industry.
“This is the beginning, I’ll call you again and I know you will answer”, Nwobodo quipped, promising attraction of more dividends of democracy to his community.
Pacesetter reports that Nwobodo was accompanied by traditional rulers. Some of them included Igwe Igwesi Obi Igwesi, Igwe Nnamchi Emmanuel, Igwe Greg Nnaji and Igwe D.A Nnamani who presented a cow, on behalf of the Amechi-Uno community.
Consecrating the compound with holy water and salt, the Catholic Priest took his Bible reading from the book of Colossians.
Jim Nwobodo, who recently celebrated his 84th birthday is a Nigerian businessman and politician who was governor of Anambra State (1979–1983) during the Nigerian Second Republic.
In 1995, he was appointed Minister of Youth and Sports and was Senator for Enugu East Senatorial District in Enugu State (1999–2003). In 2003, he ran unsuccessfully in the Nigerian Presidential elections.