Prominent sons of Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, gathered in a serene and dignified atmosphere of the country home of the Chairman, Asa Think Tank, Hon. Ezedinachi Kanu at Ikpokwu, Asa, on Sunday, to celebrate his 71st birthday.
Asa Think Tank is a strategic body inaugurated by the Asa Development Union (ADU), the apex socio-cultural organisation in Ukwa West LGA. The group is saddled with the responsibility of working towards the emergence of an Asa indigene into the House of Representatives in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Okey Kanu, described Hon. Ezedinachi Kanu as a worthy successor to his late father, Chief A.A. Kanu, whom he said was known for discipline, integrity, and straightforwardness.
Chief Okey Kanu, a former Executive Chairman of Ukwa West Local Government Area, noted that he learned about the late Chief A.A. Kanu from his own late father, who was also a prominent Asa son. He emphasized that the celebrant had clearly stepped into his father’s shoes, demonstrating integrity, loyalty, and commitment to Asa land.
The Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, commended Hon. Kanu for living a life of quality and purpose, urging others to emulate his integrity, discipline, and hard work. He stressed that divisive politics among brothers and sisters should be discouraged in favour of unity and development.
In his remarks, the premier Mayor of Ukwa West Local Government Council, Mr. Newman Azu, praised the character of the celebrant, stating:
“I came to pay homage to your character. In the short time I have been at home, people like you are few in our area. This challenges us to project men of integrity like you as models and inspiration for others.”
The former President, Ukwa Council of Knights, Sir Bright Agu recalled an incident where Hon. Ezedinachi Kanu turned down a lucrative offer out of loyalty to a close friend who was interested in the same position. Also speaking, the Chairman of Lenzor Group of Hotels, Chief Laz Enwereuzor, alongside a chieftain of the Labour Party, Engr. Chief Adinigwe Ugochukwu Nwoke, and All Progressives Congress chieftain, Chief David Nwogu (aka Chiwowo) extolled the virtues of the celebrant and thanked God for his exemplary lifestyle.
In his response, Hon. Ezedinachi Kanu expressed profound gratitude to God Almighty for His grace and faithfulness in his life. He thanked all guests who honoured his impromptu invitation, as well as those who sent goodwill messages and tributes, praying that God would bless them and meet them at their points of need.
The celebration, which was elegantly compeired by the Secretary General of ADU, climaxed with the cutting of the birthday cake, performed by the celebrant and flanked by his amiable wife, with assistance from some of the distinguished guests in attendance.
The event attracted respected leaders, political stakeholders, and community figures from across Asa land, who came together to honour a man widely described as disciplined, principled, and committed to the development of his people. Former Chairman of the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC), Chief Sam Nwogu sent a delegation led by Comrade Kenneth Alozie to represent him at the event.
