By Michael Ovat -Awka
Former governor of Imo State, Chief Achike Udenwa, has called on Nigerian youths to emulate the humble beginning of Chief Dr Chidi Anyaegbu (Okeiyi Ndigbo), Chairman, Chisco Group, to grow, developed and assume leadership roles in the society.
He stated that young people must recognise that they are no longer merely the leaders of tomorrow, but of today.
Udenwa made the called while speaking at the maiden Chidi Anyaegbu annual public lecture series/Book Presentation, held at the Convocation arena of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam campus, Anambra State, on Thursday, October 29th, 2026.
He described Anyaegbu as one of the Nigeria’s most intrepid entrepreneurs who has hugely contributed to the grow and development of mankind.
According to Udenwa who was also the Chairman of the occasion, Anyaegbu’s kindness cut across tribe, ethnic and religion affiliations.
“He started the legacy we are all celebrating today with a sum of one hundred and twenty naira (N120) after years of apreticeship (Igba-boi), serving his master, Mr Daniel Ofodum in Lagos.
“He begin as a truck pusher after being settled by his master with the above mentioned fund. Today, we are celebrating his patient, success, discipline, trustworthiness dedication hard work and commitment.
“We are celebrating the success story of a man who has since 1981 made Nigeria Aviation and Transport sectors proud.
“We are celebrating a man who has pledge to make the transport sector more attractive for the upcoming young Nigerian entrepreneurs to invest on.
“We are celebrating an Icon who’s life was build with a sum of N120.
“It is an event worth to be attended by everyone especially, the youth for them to learn the legal attributes that can make one great in life, Udenwa applauded.
In her brief remark, the host and the Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Varsity, Prof Kate Azuka Omenugha, while describing the event as historic, assure the celebrant that his legacies in the Varsity under her watch will not be taking for granted.
In his opening speech, the State governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, commended the University management team and Chisco Group for organizing the event.
Soludo who was represented by the State Commissioner for Education, Dr Ekene Longinus Ogugua, said the event was part of the Community Public Private Partnership Initiative of his administration.
He also urged Anambra youth to emulate the celebrant’s patient-spirit to grow positively, noting that the State needs more likes of Anyaegbu to actualized it vision of emerging Nigerian destination hub by 2070.
The Guest Lecturer and the governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, in his speech via visual, express appreciation for been the first guest lecturer to the maiden Chidi Anyaegbu annual public lecture series.
In his remark, the celebrant, Chief Anyaegbu, said the event will be holding every year.to served as another motivational tool for the young ones.
Anyaegbu commended Hon Ofodeme Daniel -scot and the Public Relations Officer of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Dr Harrison Madubueze, for initiating the idea.
In their separate speeches, the organizing committee chairman, Chief Osita Chidoka and Hon Daniel -scot thanked governor Soludo, the University community and Chisco management team for given them the privilege to organized the programme and for enduring a conducive environment before, during and after the event.
The event with the Theme: “Enterprise Across Generations: Merging Indigenous Business Knowledge With Modern Investment Strategies for National Prosperity’, also featured book launch and groundbreaking ceremony for the new Chidi Anyaegbu Department of Transport Management and Multi-Purpose Auditorium.
Other dignitaries also presence during the event include Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Somtochukwu Udeze, the traditional ruler of Ogidi community, Igwe Alex Onyido, Senator Martin Agbaso, former Unizik Vice Chancellor, Prof Okechukwu Esimone, the President of Chasing Group and Diamond club, Prince Charles Ezeagu, transporters, Anyaegbu’s family members, business associates and captains of industries.
