For being an informed cultural anchor and messenger for his
people in a period of rapid change and spear-heading the
renewal/modernization of Onitsha, Anambra State, Igbo land and Nigeria;
for espousing tradition and culture as still relevant tools for
building a just society, HRM Igwe Nnayelugo Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe,
CFR, mni,
In him, science and tradition intersect to serve both humanity and
culture. When a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the
famous Columbia University in New York City, USA, is tossed into this
unique mix, a guru, pushing a powerful modernist, socio-cultural
message emerges - in an environment defined by a puzzling crisis of
faith.
Meet HRM Igwe Nnayelugo Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, CFR, mni, the 21st Obi
of Onitsha, in Anambra State, South-Eastern Nigeria. HRM Obi Nnaemeka
Achebe, was born on May 14, 1941. He is the first child of Akunne
Anthony Chinwuba, and Chukwuebuka Winifred Ogbenyeanu Achebe. He is a
direct and unblemished descendant of Ezearoli, through the lineage of
Chimedie, Oreze Obi, and Aguzani.
With excellent results from his primary and secondary schools, he
gained admission in 1963 to Stanford University in California, US, where
he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. This was followed with a
Master’s degree in Business Administration from Columbia University in
New York City, also in US.
He was nominated in 1979, to the maiden set of the Senior Executive
Course of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in
Kuru, Jos, Plateau State, targeted at developing high-level leadership
in the public and private sectors in Nigeria.
After a brief working stint in the US, during the Nigeria-Biafra war,
lgwe Achebe returned to Nigeria in 1972 to begin a long career with
Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria. Over a period of 30
years, he held positions in several strategic functions, including Human
Resources, Operations, External Relations, General Management and
international Representation/Reputation Management.
On reaching the normal retirement age of 55 years in 1996, the company
requested him to continue to provide his invaluable experience and
expertise to the organisation by a special arrangement. He was
transferred to Shell International in London, where he effectively
acted as “ambassador at large” for Shell Nigeria with the title of
Senior Corporate Adviser until his coronation as Obi of Onitsha.
lgwe Achebe pushes a vision for Onitsha, which identifies the most
singular challenge today as the need to reverse the decline and restore
the foundations for development and growth in this great and historic
town. He believes that Onitsha must be restored to its past supremacy by
keeping abreast of change whilst upholding and preserving its identity
as a people. He also believes that Onitsha must be part of the
mainstream in Nigeria and should maintain and strengthen its ties and
links with the world around it.
Today, Onitsha faces the challenges of reconciliation and peace,
preservation and enhancement of its culture and tradition, community
development and self-help, re-focussing the youths towards functional
education and gainful economic activity, and generally harnessing it’s
resources and energy at home and in diaspora for the good of Onitsha.
Addressing these issues and challenges calls for a leader who possesses a
unique combination of attributes which incidentally, Igwe Achebe has
aplenty.
lgwe Nnaemeka Achebe is gentle but firm, resolute and fair. He does
not shirk responsibility for his own actions and those of his delegated
subordinates. He is blessed with excellent managerial skills as well as
local, national and international exposure and connections. He is a man
of principles and is open, transparent and diplomatic. Above all, he
is well versed in and committed to upholding the ancient customs and
traditions of the proud people of Onitsha.
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