Ugochi OkoroThe Apex Igbo social-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide led by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has congratulated a global icon, and renowned diplomat, Chief Emeka Anyaoku on the occasion of his 91st birthday.
Ohanaeze’s message of felicitation was contained in a statement signed by the National Publicity secretary, Dr Alex Ogbonnia.
Chief Anyaoku, a former Secretary–General of the Commonwealth and Nigerian Permanent Representative in the United Nations celebrated his 91st birthday on Friday, 18 January 2024.
According to Chief Iwuanyanwu, Anyaoku has remained a veritable source of inspiration to the younger generation.
“He has displayed an exceptional inter-ethnic wizardry, marital exemplariness, prudent negotiator, global renown, oratorical skills and unassailable friendly finesse,” Iwuanyanwu said.
Anyaoku, who became the first black ever to fully head a major international organisation, served the body with an uncommon competence, elegance and panache. He was also re-elected at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at Limasso, Cyprus in 1994 for a second term of five years, beginning on 1 April 1995.
The Ohanaeze leader noted that one of the most cherished of the Anyaoku persona is his unwavering self-esteem, dignity, dispositional humility, robust intellect and capacity to relate with almost all the Heads of Government in the world without compromising his Igbo cultural identity and enviable virtues. “It was such a diplomatic prowess that Anyaoku deployed in overturning the obnoxious apartheid regime and the inauguration of Nelson Mandela’s government of racial equality in South Africa. Also, during the dark days of Nigeria, Anyaoku identified fully with the Rights activists for the restoration of democracy to Nigeria in 1999.”
The Igbo Leader enjoined all sons and daughters of Igbo land, and indeed the entire black race to clink glasses in honour of an exceptional living legend, a man with a track record of successes in the service of numerous international organizations, a rare gem who has been conferred with doctorate degrees, honoris causa, by over 33 universities in all parts of the world; and a bridge builder who is very conscious and proud of his Igbo heritage.
“It is the prayer of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide that the Igbo Titan will witness many more years in sound mind and vitality,” the statement added.
