Socio-political and development-oriented organisation, Anya-Ndi-Igbo, has paid glowing tribute to elder statesman and scholar, Dr. Uma Oke Eleazu, during a grand reception hosted over the weekend in his honour by Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia.

In a tribute released on Monday, the group commended Governor Otti for fulfilling his promise to celebrate Dr. Eleazu in his home state.

“What we are witnessing here today is fidelity in its most elegant form,” the group said. “It is not often that political leaders keep faith to their promise, not when there is no risk of a consequential political injury if such a promise is observed in the breach. But Dr. Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, is a special breed of politician.”

The group noted that while Dr. Eleazu’s 95th birthday was celebrated in Lagos on June 14 with Governor Otti in attendance, the Umuahia reception was a fulfilment of the governor’s public promise to honour the statesman at home.

“Anya-Ndi-Igbo is grateful to our indefatigable governor for setting unprecedented standards in governance, part of which is honouring accomplished Abians such as Elder Eleazu for their lifelong service to humanity, a gesture which is in sync with acclaimed Igbo worldview of giving honour to whom it is due,” the tribute added.

Describing Otti as “a special breed of politician” and “a transcendental leader,” the group said both men share a common vision for good governance and public integrity. “Both men are kindred spirits. Even when some Abians were not yet convinced about candidate Alex Otti, Elder Eleazu was one of those who were unwavering in their support,” it stated.

It further observed that the governor’s performance in less than three years has “vindicated the grand old man,” adding that “Abia has witnessed more development in the less than three years of Otti’s stewardship than in the 24 years that preceded his governorship.”

Quoting from an interview Dr. Eleazu granted TheNiche in June 2025, the tribute recalled his commendation of Otti’s leadership: “Since Dr. Alex Otti became governor of Abia State, I have started having hope that things can change. What has changed under Governor Otti? It is simply somebody who takes his policies from what is written in the constitution. Someone who recognises that public funds will be used for public purposes. Simple! Whatever money they have given him from the federation account, he husbands it well and uses it in making sure that the people enjoy the benefit of having a government.”

Anya-Ndi-Igbo praised Dr. Eleazu’s lifelong record of integrity, patriotism and humility, describing him as “an oasis of moral rectitude, a shining example of character and decency, in an otherwise ocean of moral turpitude.”

The group also celebrated his humility and intellectual brilliance, noting that “he has used every single day of his 95 years to pursue full-heartedly what he desired to experience, feel, learn, and do.”

Tracing his journey from a Methodist catechist’s son to a globally accomplished scholar, Anya-Ndi-Igbo recalled that Dr. Eleazu earned degrees from Kings College, University of Durham; the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA); and a PhD in Public Administration in 1968.

“His life is defined by service,” the tribute read, recounting his post-war contributions to Nigeria in the public and private sectors, as well as his efforts to mentor future leaders through writing and civic engagement.

In his reflective writings, including his 90th birthday book “Nigeria, As I See It: Reflections on the Challenge of Leadership,” Dr. Eleazu warned about the nation’s direction, saying: “It looks as if we are in a vehicle that is going downhill, and the driver and the conductors are fighting so that they cannot even apply the brakes and they don’t even know that they are not just drifting downhill, but there is a precipice, which they are going to fall into. The state of the nation is very precarious.”

Beyond national concerns, the elder statesman also remains deeply committed to the development of Alaigbo. “He joined hands with like-minded patriots to found the non-partisan, socio-political and economic development-oriented organisation, committed to equity, peace, unity, justice and progress of Nigeria – Anya Ndi Igbo,” the tribute said.

Describing him as “among the last of a vanishing breed of patriotic, honest, compassionate Nigerians,” the tribute hailed Dr. Eleazu as “a national treasure, an encyclopaedia of sorts and conscience of the nation.”

Concluding, Anya-Ndi-Igbo said: “On a day like this, Anya-Ndi-Igbo felicitates with our chairman, Dr. Uma Oke Eleazu – economist, policy scientist, administrator, primary school teacher, labour officer, lecturer, author, editor and Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). While thanking God, who in His infinite goodness has preserved him thus far, we pray for his continued sustenance in good health.”