Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano yesterday congratulated the Obi of Onitsha and Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe on his 74th birthday anniversary.
Conveying the best wishes of the government and people of Anambra State on the occasion, Obiano expressed thanks to God for the gift of Achebe to humanity and the state.
The governor said it was with a sense of pride and admiration that he sought to share in the joy of the anniversary, noting that the premier traditional ruler belonged to the class of those who not only attained great heights but live to be widely celebrated.
Obiano said the record of Nnaemeka Achebe’s service in the oil industry where he rose to the height of his career was inspiring; just as the seamless switch to royal leadership has been remarkable.
The governor observed that the Onitsha community in particular and Anambra State in general has been better for it in a climate of peace and cultural renaissance.
He pointed out that it was a source of pleasure that at 74, Achebe was strong and focused as ever, suggesting that the best was yet to come from him. Chief Obiano used the occasion of the anniversary to restate the commitment of the State Government to a robust partnership with the traditional institution for the benefit of the people.
He prayed God to grant the monarch good health and protection while wishing him many more happy returns.
•Photo shows Obi of Onitsha
NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s leading online newspaper. Published by Africa’s international award-winning journalist, Mr. Isaac Umunna, NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s first truly professional online daily newspaper. It is published from Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and media hub, and has a provision for occasional special print editions. Thanks to our vast network of sources and dedicated team of professional journalists and contributors spread across Nigeria and overseas, NEWS EXPRESS has become synonymous with newsbreaks and exclusive stories from around the world.