The Abia State Government has celebrated the 108th posthumous birthday of the first indigenous Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives and the country’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs, the late Senator Dr. Jaja Anucha Wachuku.
As part of activities marking the occasion, Governor Alex Otti unveiled the newly renovated residence, library, and the restored tomb of the late statesman and his wife at the Anglican Grammar School, Mbawsi, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti described Wachuku as a “brilliant lawyer, great icon, and exceptional human being,” noting that his outstanding contributions to Nigeria deserved greater recognition.
He revealed that after studying more about Wachuku in 2023, he realised the state had not done enough to honour him.
> “We are celebrating him not on the day he died but on the day he was born because any society that fails to honour its heroes is bound to fade away,” the Governor stated.
“We intend to immortalise him by naming something great after him.”
Governor Otti expressed pride in Wachuku’s achievements and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to celebrating deserving personalities who contributed immensely to national development.
In their separate remarks, Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Nkechi Nworgu, Bob Nwanunu, Darlington Nwokocha, and Hon. Ginger Onwusibe praised the Governor for honouring Wachuku and called for his permanent immortalisation.
Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, described Wachuku as an icon cherished by the Ngwa people and Nigerians, commending the Governor for rebuilding his house and ensuring his legacy is preserved.
Also speaking, Ngwa leader Chief Theo Nkire, President of Oha Nsulu Unity Forum Chief Eric Opah, and Professor Paul Ananaba (SAN) applauded the initiative, describing it as a historic and unprecedented honour to the Ngwa nation.
The ceremony featured the laying of wreaths by Governor Otti and his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, while dignitaries, government officials, and prominent sons and daughters of Ngwa land graced the event.
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