Unique Images Editor-in-Chief and the ESA of New England Host His Excellency, Senator Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwbodo.

                                                            Story by Dr. Ejike Eze

No Nigerian politician of our time has made as much impression on me as Chief Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, former Governor of the old Anambra State, former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, former presidential candidate and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Fresh out of high school, I had the privilege of working for Chief Nwbodo as a member of the now defunct Anambra State Road Safety Corps. My assignment was at the government house where I had the good fortune of seeing His Excellency, Chief Nwobodo on a daily basis. Though my tasks were mostly pedestrian and usually uneventful, there was a high point every day. That high point was always seeing Chief Nwobodo as he passed through my post and acknowledged my greeting. Those fleeting interactions did wonders to alleviate the drudgery of my Level 5 assignment.

Chief Nwobodo’s immaculate wardrobe, often the signature safari suit with bold frontal stripes, his flashy smile and unassuming, yet dignified character, endeared him to the entire staff at the Lion Building. He knew everyone by name. And though he had a million and one things to do as governor of a large state like Anambra, he always had the time to pause, flash a smile, shake hands, and on lucky days, share a joke or two with the staff.

Working for Chief Nwobodo was as inspiring experience for a starry-eyed high school grad such as I was at the time. Though my job was not the greatest in the world, I missed it when I left the government house to pursue further education.

In subsequent years, I followed, with great interest, the successes as well as the trials and travails of Chief Nwobodo. Till date, I marvel at how much he accomplished in the first few years of his administration. In my opinion, the construction of the Anambra State University of Technology and the subsequent return of Prof. Kenneth Dike to head the institution must go down in history as some of Jim’s greatest gifts to the people of the old Anambra State.

Twenty-six years after I first met Chief Nwobodo, it was my renewed pleasure to be re-united with this icon of Nigerian politics by hosting a reception in his honor alongside with the people of Enugu State Association of New England. Though Jim is no longer my boss, he remains a source of inspiration to me and many others. His life testimony at the International Assemblies of God’s Church in Randolph, Massachusetts after the reception was a moving reminder of how God uses ordinary men to do extraordinary things to His glory.

Speaking afterwards while attending the meeting of the Igbo organization of New England, Chief Nwobodo called for unity among ndiigbo. He reminded everyone that the God has plans for each one of us and that one will inevitably become what God wants him to be. There is therefore no need for the constant power tussles that characterize Igbo organizations everywhere.

Among the dignitaries that received Chief Nwobodo in Boston were Rev. Chuks Ezewuzie, Chief Godson Anosike, Esq. President of Igbo Organization of New England, Attorney Ken Onyema, President of Enugu State Association of New England, Rev. Godwin Kalu, Senior Pastor, International Assemblies of God Church, Randolph, and Emmanuel Okonkwo, President of the African Christian Fellowship. A surprise special guest at the occasion was Rev. and Mrs. Greg Wheaton, former Senior Pastors of the Glad Tidings Church, Quincy. The Wheaton’s who are immensely popular in the Nigerian community are special friends of the Eze’s.