By Cajetan Muta
The Igbo Socio-Cultural apex body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has Felicitates with the good people of Delta State and numerous well-wishers to celebrate His Royal Majesty, Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien, the Asagba of Asaba as he clocks 97 years.
Ohanaeze described the Asaba monarch as “one of the quintessential Igbo persona who displayed accomplishments both in his chosen fields of endeavour and also in the duties imposed on him by the circumstances of his birth.”
National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday said Prof. Edozien as a university teacher and researcher, brought laurels to the University of Ibadan.
According to the Igbo apex body, the revered traditional ruler rose to an enviable rank of a Professor and Dean, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Ibadan and the chairman, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos; foundation scholar, University of Benin; Professor of Nutrition, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT, Cambridge, MA; Head, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health and a Professor Emeritus, University of North Carolina, USA.
The Ohanaeze scribe pointed out that the nonagenarian remains an accomplished and fulfilled erudite scholar.
Chief Ogbonnia said, “One of the most amazing of the Asagba mystique is the unique capacity to harmonise the diverse interests and ethnic groups that are resident in Asaba, the Delta State capital; the burgeoning Asaba modernity with the cultural values of the ancient Kingdom; and above all, his hock with the grassroots despite his intellectual zenith, nobility and meritorious public service.”
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide led by Ambassador Professor George Obiozor is very proud of the Asagba of Asaba for his invaluable contributions to the affairs of the Igbo nation in particular, Nigeria and the global community in general.”
“Furthermore, he is one of the prominent Igbos who never equivocated on his Igbo heritage. He has remained steadfast both in our tribulations and jubilations.”
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is looking forward to a national grand celebration of his Centenary Birthday.”
“While thanking God for his eventful life thus far, we beseech the Almighty God to grant the Asagba of Asaba a longer life in stable health.”
