Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced plans to immortalize Nigeria’s first Speaker of the House of Representatives, the late Dr. Jaja Wachuku, warning that societies that fail to honour their heroes risk losing their sense of purpose and identity.

The Governor spoke at Anglican Grammar School, Mbawsi, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, during events marking the 108th posthumous birthday of the former Speaker, diplomat, and statesman, amid growing calls for the Abia State Government to name the state airport after him.

“Any society that does not recognise and celebrate its heroes will soon disappear. We are celebrating him because of the sacrifices he made,” Otti said.

He explained that the decision to honour Wachuku followed a deeper study of his life and achievements, which revealed that despite his immense national contributions as Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Aviation, he had not received commensurate recognition.

“I had always known about him, but sometime in 2023, I decided to read more about his life. By the time I finished, I felt that we had not done well enough. That was why I insisted that a documentary on his lifetime achievements must be produced,” the Governor stated.

Otti said the celebration was deliberately fixed on Wachuku’s birthday rather than the date of his death, describing him as a father, elder statesman, brilliant lawyer, and exceptional leader who made enormous sacrifices for Nigeria.

He disclosed that the state government had renovated Wachuku’s country home, preserved his renowned library, and rehabilitated the tombs of the late statesman and his wife. He added that the government was already considering naming a major public asset after Wachuku to further immortalise his legacy.

“We are looking at naming something great after him,” the Governor said in response to appeals by stakeholders.

In his remarks, the Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, described Wachuku as a national icon and father figure, recalling personal childhood encounters with him.

“What I saw and heard today has given me a new perspective on the man. It is our prayer that we too will be remembered positively when we leave this world,” Abaribe said.

Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Mr. Emmanuel Emeruwa, said Wachuku’s life of service, alongside Governor Otti’s leadership style, should inspire present and future generations.

Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, said the decision to renovate Wachuku’s home followed disturbing reports about its state of disrepair, noting that the Governor approved the funds immediately after a bill of quantities was submitted.

“This is not about politics. The Governor does not celebrate himself; he celebrates others,” Ajagba said.

President-General of Oha Nsulu Unity Forum, Chief Eric Opah, described the siting of the Abia Airport project in Nsulu land as symbolic, given Wachuku’s role in Nigeria’s aviation history, and appealed for improved infrastructure in the host communities.

Also speaking, the leader of the Ngwa people and former Attorney-General of Abia State, Chief Theo Nkire, described Wachuku as a man whose life was defined by national firsts, while President of the Ngwa Social Club, Prof. Paul Ananaba, noted that he was the first lawyer from the area and one of Nigeria’s finest legal minds.

Senator Bob Nwanunu described Wachuku as a legend and an exceptional orator, proposing that the Abia Airport be named after him, a call echoed by the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe.

Former Senator Nkechi Nworgu commended Governor Otti for reviving long-abandoned projects and for giving overdue recognition to the late statesman.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr Ndubuisi Jaja-Wachuku expressed gratitude to the Governor and the state government, describing the honour as an unexpected but pleasant surprise.

Born on January 1, 1918, Jaja Anucha Wachuku was a Pan-Africanist, lawyer, diplomat, and humanitarian.

He attended Trinity College, Dublin, where he became the first African medalist and laureate in Oratory. He died on November 7, 1996, at the age of 78.

The event featured the unveiling of Wachuku’s renovated residence and library, the rehabilitation of his tomb and that of his wife, the laying of wreaths, and the presentation of his walking stick by his son to the Governor in appreciation of his leadership and service to the state. (The Nation)

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