The pan-Igbo socio-political organisation, Anya-Ndi-Igbo, has paid glowing tribute to elder statesman, economist and policy scientist, Dr. Uma Oke Eleazu (OON), describing him as “an oasis of moral rectitude and a shining example of character and decency in a nation grappling with leadership deficits.”
The group made the commendation during a grand reception held in Umuahia by the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, in honour of Dr. Eleazu, who recently clocked 95 years.
Speaking through a jointly signed statement by its leaders, Anya-Ndi-Igbo commended Governor Otti for what it called “a rare fidelity to promise” and “an unprecedented gesture in governance.” The organisation noted that the governor had promised during Dr. Eleazu’s 95th birthday celebration in Lagos on June 14 to also celebrate him at home in Abia, a promise now fulfilled.
“What we are witnessing here today is fidelity in its most elegant form,” the statement read. “It is not often that political leaders keep faith with their word, especially when there is no political consequence if they fail to do so. But Dr. Alex Otti is a special breed of politician.”
According to Anya-Ndi-Igbo, honouring accomplished Abians such as Dr. Eleazu reflects the Igbo worldview of giving honour to whom it is due, stressing that genuine leadership is defined by respect and recognition of those who serve humanity selflessly.
The group recalled that Dr. Eleazu had been one of the earliest and most consistent supporters of Governor Otti’s political journey, expressing belief that his emergence would “liberate Abia from years of leadership inertia and governance paralysis.” It added that Otti’s “sterling performance in office has vindicated the grand old man’s faith in him.”
Citing Dr. Eleazu’s remarks in a 2025 interview with TheNiche newspaper, Anya-Ndi-Igbo quoted him as saying:
“Since Dr. Alex Otti became governor of Abia State, I have started having hope that things can change. He uses public funds for public purposes. That is what it means to bring government closer to the people.”
The group described Dr. Eleazu — who holds degrees in Politics, Philosophy, Economics and Public Administration from prestigious institutions including King’s College, University of Durham, and UCLA — as “a study in patriotism and a man whose life has been defined by service.”
It highlighted his post-war contributions to national development, his presidential bid during the Babangida transition era, and his later intellectual engagements, including his acclaimed book “Nigeria, As I See It: Reflections on the Challenge of Leadership.”
Quoting from the book, the statement recalled Dr. Eleazu’s warning that Nigeria was “like a vehicle going downhill with the driver and conductors fighting instead of applying the brakes.”
The group further noted that beyond national issues, Dr. Eleazu remains deeply concerned about Igbo renaissance and development, which inspired his role as founding chairman of the Board of Trustees of Anya-Ndi-Igbo, a non-partisan body devoted to peace, equity, justice and progress in Nigeria.
“It is no exaggeration to say that Elder Eleazu, from Asaga Ohafia in Abia State, is among the last of a vanishing breed of patriotic, compassionate Nigerians who still uphold the values of respect, integrity, and justice,” the group said.
Anya-Ndi-Igbo described Dr. Eleazu as “a national treasure, a mentor to generations, and a conscience of the nation,” while thanking God for his life and praying for continued good health.
The tribute was signed by leading Igbo personalities including Engr. Chris Okoye, President of Anya-Ndi-Igbo; Prof. Elo Amucheazi, President, Igbo Leaders of Thought; Prof. Chinedu Nebo, President, Nzuko Umunna; Bishop Obi Onubogu, Chairman, Alaigbo Development Foundation; Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, President, Igbo World Assembly; and Ikechukwu Amaechi, Chairman, Media & Strategic Communications Committee, Anya-Ndi-Igbo, among others.
