Former two-time Minister, former Presidential Aspirant, Chief John Nnia Nwodo Jnr., leads Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

The Igbo, one of the main ethnic groups that make up Nigeria on Tuesday, 10th January, 2017 in Enugu took some bold steps aimed at addressing the persisting challenges of their people. Operating under its umbrella apex body, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo they overhauled its structure and installed a new national leadership.

Two-time Minister of the federal Republic of Nigeria, one time Presidential Aspirant of the defunct All Nigeria People’s Party ANPP, a lawyer, an Economist and a renown public commentator, Chief John Nnia Nwodo Jnr (Ike Nsukka) emerged the new President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for the next two years.

Coming at a time Ndigbo are facing one of their biggest challenges in the country since the civil war, Chief Nwodo is expected to bring to bear his bold political and administrative leadership experience.

Please meet the brand new President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo Jnr

He was born on December 11, 1952, the third son in the respected family of Nwodo in Ukehe, Igbo Etiti L.G.A, Enugu State. Young John had his primary education at St. Patrick’s School, Iva Valley, Enugu – 1957-1960; Holy Ghost Primary School, Enugu from 1961-1962 and St. Mary’s School, Uwani, Enugu in 1963. For his secondary education, he attended the prestigious College of Immaculate Conception, Enugu from 1964 to 1970, bagging his WASC.

Thereafter, he gained admission into the University of Ibadan, Jos Campus from 1971-1972 and University of Ibadan, Ibadan from 1972-1976. He left for the London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London from 1984-1987, heading back for a mandatory stint at Nigeria Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos, in 1988.

On the work front, he was a Research Assistant, Federal Cabinet Office Lagos – 1975; General Manager, Chief J.U. Nwodo & Sons Ltd 1978; State Secretary, National Party of Nigeria, Anambra State Branch from 1978-1980. He was Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Information – 1980-1981; Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Special Duties – 1981-1983; Minister for Civil Aviation, 1983; Partner, Dr. J.N. Nwodo & Co. 1989-1992; Chairman, Urban Development Bank of Nigeria Plc. – 1993;

Principal Partner, Nnia Nwodo & Co. 1993 till date. He was also part time Lecturer in Constitutional Law – Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) 1996-1999; Honourable Minister for Information and Culture - 1998-1999; Chairman, Viva Securities, a member of the Nigeria Stock Exchange 1998-2006 and Chairman, Enugu State Centenary Committee June 2009 to date.

Between 1982 and 1998, he travelled to over 20 countries on international conferences and related official functions. He has authored several publications and delivered many erudite lectures and has been honoured by a grateful society and organisations for the quality of impacts he has made.

He is Life Member of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association 1993; Honourary Fellow of the University of Nigeria Students Union 1995; Certificate of Honour by Igbo Etiti Students Association 1996; Honourary Award of the Law Students Association (LAWSA), Enugu State University of Science and Technology 1997; Professional Service Award by Rotary International District 9140 – 1997; Merit Award of Excellency by Association of Staff Development and Distant Education Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu-1998; Fellow Common Wealth Journalists Association 1998 and more.

He was married to late Lordship Hon. Justice R.O. Nwodo of the Federal Court of Appeal, Lagos, a union blessed with five children.

•Ike Abonyi, a senior Nigerian editor and analyst, first published this piece on his Facebook wall.

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