AANI Celebrates Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, at 85
The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) has celebrated the 85th birthday anniversary of the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, describing him as a symbol of wisdom, statesmanship and transformational leadership.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the National Publicity Secretary of AANI, Engr. Ifeanyi Jude Ngama, the association praised the monarch’s enduring contributions to national development, culture and leadership.
President of AANI, Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, speaking on behalf of the National Executive Committee and members of the association, described the revered monarch as “a towering symbol of wisdom, statesmanship, cultural pride, and transformational leadership.”
The association noted that Igwe Achebe holds a special place in the history of the National Institute, having participated in the maiden Senior Executive Course (SEC 1) in 1979, a pioneering class regarded as foundational to strategic leadership development and policy discourse in Nigeria.
AANI also highlighted the monarch’s distinguished professional career with Shell Petroleum Development Company and Shell International, London, where he rose to the position of Senior Corporate Adviser and earned global recognition for his diplomacy, intellect and strategic insight.
According to the statement, since ascending the throne as the 21st Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Achebe has remained committed to the promotion of culture and tradition while advocating education, peace, youth development, responsible leadership and national unity.
“AANI celebrates not only a royal father of global repute, but also a mentor, bridge-builder, patriot, and elder statesman whose influence transcends generations and borders,” the statement said.
The association further described the monarch’s life at 85 as a remarkable legacy of integrity, excellence, service and humanity, adding that his leadership continues to inspire admiration within and outside Nigeria.
AANI prayed for God to grant the monarch continued good health, wisdom, peace and many more years of impactful service to humanity.
