From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
A minister of God and a former Minister of Power, Professor Ositadinma Chinedu Nebo, is among the few Nigerians who have gained global recognition through dedicated services to God and humanity, in the past four decades or thereabout.
Comparatively, Nebo is a rare name in Igbo land and it sounds Jewish and there exists Mount Nebo in Northern Jordan, from where Jehovah God Aimighty showed Prophet Moses, the promised land of Canaan for the Israelites, as written in the Christian Holy Bible, ‘Deuteronomy 34 verses 1-4 and Numbers 27 verse 12-13.
The mystery of a Jewish name ‘Nebo’with same spelling in the ancient town of Udi is better reserved for archaeologists to come up with a burden of proof.
By destiny, a male child named Ositadinma Chinedu was born into the Nebo Udi local government area of Enugu state.
From the cradles Ositadinma Chinedu through dint of hardwork and utmost faith in God excelled in his academic carrier to the height of a Professor.
His intimidating credentials comprises of a Bachelor of Science degree (BSC,) in Mining Engineering from University of South Dakota,with first class honours.He was also honoured as the best Outstanding student of the Institution. For his Masters degree,he majored on Metallurgical Engineering and studied Materials Engineering and Science for his PhD..
He criss-crossed from University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN to Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT as a lecturer and came back to UNN as its Vice Chancellor.
He is currently the pioneer Vice Chancellor, University on the Niger:,Umunya, Anambra state. Professor Nebo attained his carrier in public service with his appointment as the Nigeria’s Minister of Power, partly under ex-President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan administration. Amidst his commitment and dedicated services at each point in time in public service,Professor Chinedu Nebo remains a die hard minister of God,holding various official and unofficial positions outside priesthood in Church of Nigeria,Anglican Communion,from Enugu diocese to Nike diocese,vUdi diocese and more.
Therefore, it was not a surprise that his embroidened ancestral lineage of Agbaja clan considered him fit among it’s ‘ Distinguished Leaders Award’, held on Wednesday, November 26th at Amadeo event center.
Agbaja clan comprises of all communities in the present Udi local government area, Ezeagu local area and parts of Enugu North and Enugu South local government areas.
They share common cultural affinity, dialect and diet to a large extent.
Number six citizen of Nigeria in the current civilian administration who is also a son of Agbaja clan,Senator Osita Ngwu,was on ground to relay the honour to him,before illustrious sons and daughters of Agbaja clan and their friends,who graced the glamorous event.
The Senate deputy Chief whip,Senator Osita Ngwu,spent time to present awards to some other Distinguished Leaders of Agbaja clan on behalf of the organizers.
Others who were nominated for ‘Distinguished Leaders Award’ category were Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzu, Dr Tony Eze, Her Excellency,Barr.Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo, the immediate past deputy Governor of Enugu state, Prince Victor Ogakwu,His Royal Majesty,Igwe Augustine Otiji and Surveyor Ugo Chime..
Unknown to many, the wife of the Senate President,Senator Godswill Akpabio,Dr Message Uloma Akpabio is from Agbaja clan. She was nominated among ‘Ada Agbaja Award(Daughters of Agbaja clan) based on her exceptional humanitarian character and unwavering devotion to Community development
The Agbaja Summit 2025 Committee said of her,” Her philanthropy and hands on advocacy has strengthened structures of support for women,youth and vulnerable groups both in her home community and across Agbaja land”.
The organizers of the 2025 Agbaja Summit also bestowed posthumous awards on reverred fallen heroes from the clan.The likes of late Chief.C.C.Onoh, Chief Onyeama Onwusi and late Justice Eze Ozobu,among others were nominated.
