Tribute: Elder Dr. Uma Eleazu,OON (Ezie Gburugburu of Asaga-Ukwu, Ohafia) @ 95:

By Emeka Ugwu-Oju

On Saturday 14th June, 2025, the Children of Elder Dr Uma Eleazu, OON, hosted a grand birthday ceremony at the Monarch Event Center, Lekki, Lagos to celebrate their father who turned 95 on Monday 16th June, 2025.

Dr. Uma Eleazu is a Remarkable Nigerian. An eminent Economist, Author, Politician, Activist. He was one of the 49 Founding Signatories of National Democratic Coalition, NADECO,. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, former President of Nigeria had this to say about him in a letter on the occasion of his 95th birthday -“Yours, indeed has been a life of tireless, selfless, and patriotic service to the fatherland as an elder statesman, renowned economist, scholar, political strategist and one of the most respected voices in the polity today and a positive role model to younger politicians.”

True to type, Dr Uma Eleazu, ensured that his birthday celebration was not just about good food, drinks and music, but also intellectual discourse about the future of Nigeria. He wrote a piece titled “Reclaiming The Future We Deserve: A Message To Nigeria's Next Generation  Of Leaders," which was read on his behalf at the event by two of his children. Also the Guest Speaker,  Prof Pat Utomi, presented a paper titled: “Purpose, Public Life And The Common Goos- Missed Opportunities Of The Nigerian Project," on the occasion.

The Chairman of the event was *General Ike Nwachuku, rtd, and some of the eminent people in attendance were: Dr. Alex Otti,OFR, Governor of Abia State; Chief Ebitu Ukiwe, former Chief of General Staff and his wife, Amina; Admiral Allison Madueke, rtd, former Chief of Naval Staff; Prof Anya O. Anya ,OFR, past President General of Ndigbo Lagos;; Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu,OFR, former Minister of Finance; Pastor Shyngle Wigwe and his wife; Chief Mrs Stella Okoli,OON, founder & CEO, Emzor Pharm Ind. Ltd; Alhaji Kashim Imam;  Mr. Segun Ajayi,mni,  director general, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN;  Engr. Chris Okoye, president, Anya-Ndi-Igbo and his wife, Prof Ifeoma Okoye;  Maj. Gen Obi Umahi, rtd), President General, Ndigbo Lagos; Mrs Hazel Kalu,  wife of Late Elder Kalu Uke Kalu,CON;  Dr. Okey Anueyiagu; Mazi Nnamdi Udo, former MD, Nigeria Airspace Management Authority, NAMA.

The Toast was proposed by  Etigwe Uwa, SAN and a special presentation was made to the celebrant who is the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Anya-Ndi-Igbo by a delegation of Anya-Ndi-Igbo led by the President, Engr. Chris Okoye; Smart Farmers Mentoring Organization, SFMO,  an organization promoting Smart Farming Initiative For Nigeria. He gave a copy of Dr Uma Eleazu’s book, ”Nigeria As I see it, Reflections on the Challenge of Leadership” to each of the attendees. There were 3 performances by the Enugu Chamber Choir/Orchestra.

Happy 95th Birthday Ezie Gburugburu of Asaga-Ukwu, Ohafia. You are wished more years in good health and God’s blessings !!!

As we continue to celebrate Elder Dr Uma Eleazu, we also sorrowfully remember our fellow Nigerians who have been murdered recently in Benue, Plateau, Kano, Kebbi and Borno States by terrorists and suicide bombers. May their souls rest in peace and may God comfort their family and friends.*

Ugwu-Oju is the Chairman, Board of Trustees, South East-South South Professionals of Nigeria, SESSPN.