The Government of Abia State today held a Commendation Service and Day of Tributes in honour of the first Military Governor of old Imo State, Rear Admiral Godwin Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd), with the Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu said that the best way to immortalize the fallen statesman is to continue to fight for those ideals he stood for.
Speaking at the event held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu said the fight against marginalization, injustice, hunger etc that he championed must be continued . He said that the deceased was a man of battle, who fought against injustice and under development in the nation and ensured that democracy was entrenched.
The Governor, who announced that the Abia State Executive Council would take a decision on how best to immortalize him in practical terms, implored the Vice Chancellor of
ABSU to endow a Chair in the name of Ndubuisi Kanu for the study of Strategic Studies and Sustainable Development at the University while an annual grant of 5 Million Naira will be awarded to deserving Abians in the name of Ndubuisi Kanu for studies at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies.
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who described Late Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu as a reservoir of experience, knowledge and wise counsel said his death is a huge loss to people of Abia State and Nigeria at large. He thanked the Governors of Imo and Lagos states for immotalizing late Admiral Kanu by naming institutions after him.
Also speaking, The Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Yenogoa Rear Admiral Obi Egbuchulam said the deceased was a competent Naval officer and astute administrator who distinguished himself creditably in the various offices he held including being member of the Supreme Military Council and Military Governor of the old Imo and Lagos States.
In his speech, the Chairman Central Burial Committee and former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim said late Ndubuisi Kanu was the one that laid the master plan of the old Imo State. He said the deceased was disciplined and courageous and exhibited exemplary character worthy of emulation
Chief Ohakim thanked Governor Ikpeazu who he described as one of the finest Governors in Nigeria for taking it upon himself to fix the Ovim road and other contributions to the burial arrangements. He appreciated Imo and Lagos State Governors for naming strategic government projects after the deceased – Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu
Contribuing, the Executive Chairman, Isuikwuato LGA, Hon. Chima Agbaeze appreciated the achievements of late Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, particularly in Isuikwuato. He described him as an Iroko, who cannot be forgotten easily and said they are consoled on the fact that he lived a life of purpose.
In his tribute, the President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo represented by the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo , Ambassador Okey Emuchay said the contributions of the late Admiral to the development of Igbo land was legendary including designing of Owerri town. Also, on behalf of the Ovim Isuikwuato community, Senator Emma Nwaka said late Admiral Kanu fought against injustice and assisted his people including constructing the first tared road in Isuikwuato
Wife of the deceased Admiral, Chief Mrs Gladys Kanu extolled her late husband as man of strong character and a great Nigerian who will be missed by his family.
Earlier, in his sermon, the Methodist Bishop of Umuahia East, Rt. Rev’d Godfrey Agupusi said wealth, belongings and political powers are temporal things and can only sustain life here on Earth but cannot guarantee eternal life.
The man of God who took his text from Luke 18:18 and spoke on the topic “The Most Important Question” said life is full of questions but the most important of all questions in life is how to inherit the kingdom of God. He said anyone who fails to give positive answer to the question of where to spend eternity would regret at the end of life. Rev’d Agupusi charged everyone to answer the questions while they are alive.
Rear Admiral Kanu, a great son of Abia from Isuikwuato Local Government Area was untill his death in Lagos, on January 13, 2021 had served in several positions in the Nigerian Navy. He also served as the first Military Governor of old Imo State and former Military Governor of Lagos State amongst other positions
The commendation ceremony attracted the presence of many dignitaries including the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Sir, Ude Oko Chukwu, Members of the Abia State House of Assembly, SSG,Commissioners, and Commissioner nominees, the State Head of Service, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Permanent Secretaries and their management team, Local Government Chairmen, Chairman, Abia Council of Traditional Rulers and his colleagues, service chiefs, members of the clergy among others.
His remains will be buried tomorrow, Friday, 15th October, 2021 at Ovim, Isuikwuato LGA, Abia State.
Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
14th October, 2021.
