The history of Nigeria would be incomplete without mentioning commitments of great Igbo nationalists like Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Chief Mbonu Ojike, Dr. Akanu Ibiam, Dr. Sam Ikoku, Dr. Kingsley Mbadiwe and many others. They were Pan-Africanist leaders who conquered different challenges in their early lives, translated their education, exposure and experience into serving the common interest of the Igbos.

Today, our people are the best in most spheres of human endeavor, excelling in every part of the world. Like these great men, Dr. Godwin Maduka didn’t just wake up and turned into “Lion of Africa”. His consistent commitment to outlive the hardship and poverty he faced in his childhood days, lunched him into doing exploits. Today, he is not only known globally as a renowned medical practitioner, but, as one who has successfully translated his rich academic profile and success in professional practice, in to solutions for challenges the common man faces. Okosisi Orumba believes that, a man can only perform optimally in discovering his potentials, in the “right atmosphere” and “mindset”.

It is not out of place to describe Zik as the torch bearer of the Igbo firmament, Ojukwu as the finest specimen of a complete Igbo man and Achebe as a literal political pathfinder. One common attribute of men who achieve excellence is that, they are undeterred in taking steps that may seem unpopular at the time but, ultimately serves the interest of the people.

As we celebrate the 115th and 89th posthumous birthdays of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (Owelle Onitsha) and Prof. Chinua Achebe (father of African literature) respectively, we should reflect passionately on the development of the Igbo race; Economic re-invention, social re-orientation and political re-invigoration. If we must move forward as a people, we must then build on the evidence of history and not sentiments or emotions that will plunge us into another hazardous adventure. We must keep this flag flying and the light burning.

#HealThePain

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https://greaterorumba.com/we-are-a-unique-people-legacies-of-zik-achebe-okadigbo-and-others-live-forever/