As I read on the news, the recent win by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State which came from the National Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), I have never stopped pondering on the wave of wins by this indefatigable leader of the people who could at best be described as “Mr. Race Runner”
There is no denying the fact that Lawrence Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi and the Executive Governor of Enugu State is a man who did not chance on leadership but on the contrary. When he assumed the leadership of Enugu State, he did so with the mindset of one who is entering a race and one who must complete same race with the combined energy and grace of God. Perhaps, what Ugwuanyi did not envision is the wave of acceptance and accolades from the people who providence entrusted him to lead. Yet he knew that governing a people is not a walk in the park and he must finish the race he entered or “die”.
Take it or leave it. Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is doing his modest best as one who is in charge of governing a people. This has been evident in the flurry of wins, awards and accolades from people of diverse interests and purely devoid of political ego massaging. Governor Ugwuanyi has scored many firsts in many fronts and has continued to do so with an uncommon audacity and humility. Despite the impact of oppositional elements, he has trudged on like a true Trojan on a mission. One expert must have had Ugwuanyi in mind when he declared that “Smart leaders believe only half of they hear but a smart leader with a heart of discernment will determine which half of what they see or hear to believe. Governor Ugwuanyi is both smart and discerning. That is why he has largely remained the most sought after leader of the South East extraction.
Talking about his many firsts which only an encyclopedia of note can document, it is important to mention few of these for emphasis…
As a leader of his political party in the entire South East Geopolitical Zone, governor Ugwuanyi has ensured an equilibrium of sort and steadied the boat of the Peoples Democratic Party so much so that he was lapped up by the party hierarchy in Abuja to midwife the zoning of National offices of the party among the six Geopolitical zones which assignment he not only undertook creditably but went on to assist in the organization of the first ever most rancor free convention of the party in recent years.
Governor Ugwuanyi is the first to host the Southern Governor’s forum in Enugu and among the top 4 from among the lot to implement the recommendations of their communique issued at the second edition of their summit.
Governor Ugwuanyi is the first among the South East Geopolitical Zone to send select women of repute to attend a conference of women in leadership in Kigali, Rwandan capital.
Today, Enugu has been adjudged the most peaceful state in Nigeria which has been evidenced by the infux of people into the state. This feat could not escape the discerning minds of Nigerians living in far away Turkey who promptly awarded him with the most peaceful Governor of the year 2021.
Again, governor Ugwuanyi is the first since the turn of the current democratic experience to send members of the legislative arm of government to a UK Institute to upgrade their legislative capacities.
And to cap off 2021 in the most grandest win, the National Christian Pilgrims Commission led by its head, Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam awarded him with the “Best Pilgrimage Governor in South East Nigeria” and went on to state reasons for singling him out for the important award. Governor Ugwuanyi was indeed reputed to have consistently committed enormous resources towards the growth and sustenance of Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria.
Perhaps, another important angle to this assertion which I have taken time highlight in my previous articles is that of Ugwuanyi’s belief in doing that which is considered needful and important to the generality of the citizens without minding the cost implications and despite scarce resources at his administration’s disposal. For Ugwuanyi, whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.
May God gift Ndi Enugu with another personae in the mould of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi come 2023. So help us God, Amen.
May Enugu continue to be in the hands of God and forever.
Bibian Anekwe news added; “A life of significance is about serving those who need your gifts, your leadership and your purpose.”
Written by
Austin Okechukwu Chijioke.
APublic Affairs Commentator.
Media Team Member of ENUGU DI N’AKACHUKWU MOVEMENT
