Mbawsi, Isialangwa North — The Abia State Government on Saturday honoured the memory of the state’s distinguished son, the late Senator Dr. Jaja Anucha Wachuku (Ugo Ngwa), marking what would have been his 108th birthday with the unveiling of his newly renovated house, library and the tomb shared with his wife.
Governor Alex Otti, OFR, who presided over the ceremony at Anglican Grammar School, Mbawsi, described the first indigenous Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives and the country’s inaugural Minister of Foreign Affairs as “a brilliant lawyer, a great icon and an exceptional human being.” The governor said deeper study of Wachuku’s life in 2023 moved him to ensure the elder statesman’s legacy receives fuller recognition.
“I thought we had not done well,” Governor Otti said, explaining his decision to commission a documentary and stage a birthday commemoration rather than mark the anniversary of the statesman’s passing. “Any society that does not recognise and celebrate its heroes will soon disappear. We are celebrating him because of the sacrifices he made.”
The governor further signalled plans to enshrine Wachuku’s memory in perpetuity, indicating that his administration intends to name a major project or institution after the late senator. “The more I read about him, the more proud I am,” he told the gathering.
Several prominent figures paid tribute to Wachuku’s enduring contribution to the nation. Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Nkechi Nworgu, Bob Nwanunu and Darlington Nwokocha, together with Honourable Ginger Onwusibe, lauded the governor’s initiative to restore the senator’s residence and library and appealed for additional measures to immortalise his legacy.
Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D., the governor’s chief of staff and a son of the soil, noted that Wachuku remained deeply revered by the Ngwa people and Nigerians broadly, but expressed regret that formal recognition had taken so long. He commended Governor Otti for rebuilding the late statesman’s house and emphasised that the gesture was not driven by political considerations.
Goodwill messages from traditional and civic leaders echoed the praise. Chief Theo Nkire, leader of the Ngwa Nation; Chief Eric Opah, president of the Oha Nsulu Unity Forum; and Professor Paul Ananaba, SAN, described the renovation and commemoration as an unprecedented honour for the Ngwa community.
The ceremony concluded with a wreath-laying at the tombs of Senator Jaja Wachuku and his wife by Governor Otti and his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Otti. The event drew a large assembly of Ngwa “crème de la crème,” government appointees and aides, who joined in paying respects to one of Abia’s most celebrated sons.