By CHIEDU UCHE OKOYE

One-time Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka (Ike Obosi), has described his town's man, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, as the pride of Nigerians.

He made the comment when he attended the re-christening of a portion of the old Enugu-Onitsha road, which stretches from the popular Nkpor road intersection to the St. Borromeo's road axis.

The road formerly known as Limca road was renamed after an icon of international diplomacy and relations, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, on March 18, 2026.

At the event, Chidoka said this about Chief Emeka Anyaoku: "Emeka Anyaoku is our pride. In Obosi, in Anambra, in Nigeria, we take pride in his lofty achievements.

"We glory in his achievements because no other sons of our land have equalled his achievements. In Nigeria, he was given GCON; in Britain, GCVR.

"So we are proud of him. And we shall work hard to ensure that the next Emeka Anyaoku comes out of this location," Chidoka said.

Speaking further, Osita Chidoka, who holds the traditional title of Ike Obosi, stated that Igbo land should not be defined by criminality and the get-rich-quick syndrome.

"Igbo land should not be defined by criminality and the get-rich-quick syndrome.

"Rather, it will be defined by people, who work hard; people, who are educated; and by people, who go to civil service and serve with dignity," Chidoka said.

Chief Emeka Anyaoku, a former commonwealth secretary general, was represented at the event by the President General of the Obosi Development Union (ODU), Barr. Chimezie Obi (Chinechendo Ugonabo).

The renaming event was attended by Chief Stanley Nkwoka, the mayor of Idemili North LGA; Hon. Obichukwu Anyafulu, the councillor representing Obosi ward; Chief Ikenna Ogbogu (Obi Oba Obosi), who represented Igwe Chidubem Iweka at the event; Tony Oneweek Muonagor, the master of ceremonies at the event; Lady Phina Onwuachu; APGA members; members of the Igwe Chidubem Iweka's ruling cabinet; and others.

•Okoye is a poet and civil servant.