By Ikemefuna Asika
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo has paid glowing tributes to the late former Governor of the State, Dr. Chinwoke Clement Mbadinuju (Odera), who passed away at the age of 77.
Speaking at the lying in state ceremony on Wednesday in Awka, Soludo described Dr. Mbadinuju as a man who devoted his life to serving the people of the State.
“Odera came in as Governor 24 years ago, and he left office 20 years ago. It is only fitting as a people, he devoted four good years of his life which he put on the line. We have gathered as a people to say goodbye,” Governor Soludo said.
The Governor also noted that Dr. Mbadinuju laid the foundation for the modern-day Anambra State.
“Odera founded Anambra State University, now called Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University. He built Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square and the Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Center.
“He did his best in infrastructural development. History will be kind to Odera, that he laid the foundation of a new Anambra of today,” Governor Soludo stated.
He thanked those who attended the event to pay their respects to Odera.
“Ndi Anambra has assembled here today to say it is well with his soul,” he said.
Earlier in his sermon, the Anglican Archbishop of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, while consoling the wife and family of late Mbadinuju, stressed that Odera tried his best as Governor of Anambra State.
While enumerating the three kinds of death as physical death, spiritual death and eternal death, the Archbishop reminded every politician, religious and spiritual leaders that the day of reckoning is imminent and urged them to live an upright life.
Former Anambra Governors Peter Obi, Dame Virgy Etiaba, Former Deputy Governor Emeka Sibeudu, Deputy Governor, Dr Onyedikachukwu Ibezim, Senator Uche Ekwunife, Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze, Deputy Speaker Anambra House of Assembly, Chukwuma Okoye, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Chief Judge of Anambra State, Hon. Justice Onochie Anyachelu, Members of Anambra State Executive Council, Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr Aderemi Adeoye, Anambra State Immigration Head, Mr Edirin Okoto, among others, attended the event.
Late Dr. Chinwoke Clement Mbadinuju (Odera) served as Governor of Anambra State from 1999 to 2003.
