President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe, as the revered monarch marks his 85th birthday, praising his enduring contributions to national development and leadership.
The President’s goodwill message was contained in a statement released on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
In the statement, Tinubu celebrated the Onitsha monarch’s achievements in traditional leadership, corporate governance, and the oil and gas industry, describing him as an exemplary figure whose influence has transcended various sectors.
“President Bola Tinubu congratulates the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe (Agbogidi), on his 85th birthday.
President Tinubu salutes the foremost traditional ruler in the South-East, corporate leader, oil and gas expert, and boardroom guru, describing him as a symbol of unity, grace, and integrity,” The statement partly read.
The President noted that before ascending the throne, Igwe Achebe built an impressive career in the corporate world.
He served as a director of Shell Petroleum Company in Nigeria and held positions across several Shell subsidiaries in countries including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Liberia, and Angola.
Tinubu also acknowledged the monarch’s efforts in promoting peace, empowering young people, and advancing development initiatives within and beyond his domain.
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“Igwe Achebe had served as a director in Shell Petroleum Company in Nigeria, as well as in other Shell companies in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Ghana, Sierra Leone, the Gambia, Liberia, and Angola, before ascending the throne of his forebears.
“The President commends His Majesty for his peace-building efforts, youth empowerment schemes, and socio-economic development programmes in his domain and beyond”, the statement continued.
The President further highlighted the traditional ruler’s role in strengthening national unity and fostering cooperation between communities and government institutions.
He also recognised Igwe Achebe’s longstanding service in leadership, governance, and enterprise.
“President Tinubu particularly lauds Igwe Achebe’s contributions to deepening national cohesion and serving as a critical bridge between grassroots communities and the government.
“The President also acknowledges the respected traditional ruler’s decades of service to the nation in corporate leadership, enterprise, and governance,” the President added.
Tinubu joined members of the royal family, the people of Onitsha, and residents of Anambra State in celebrating the monarch’s milestone birthday.
He also wished the traditional ruler continued good health and strength in service to his community and the nation.
“President Tinubu joins the royal family, the people of Onitsha and Anambra State, in wishing Igwe Achebe many more years of good health and strength as he continues to provide leadership for his community, state, and nation,” the statement concluded.