From Isaac Ojo Awka
Anambra State governor, Prof. Charles Soludo has paid a glowing tributes to the late former governor of the State, Dr. Chinwoke Clement Mbadinuju (Odera), who passed away at the age of 77.
Speaking during the lying in state of the former governor at Government House, Awka, Gov Soludo described Dr. Mbadinuju as a man who devoted his life to serving the people of the state.
“Odera came in as Governor 24 years ago, and he left office 20 years ago. It is only fitting as a people, he devoted four good years of his life which he put on the line. We have gathered as a people to say goodbye,” Gov Soludo said.
Prof Soludo also noted that Dr. Mbadinuju laid the foundation for the modern-day Anambra State.
“Odera founded Anambra State University, now called Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University. He built Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square and the Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Center.
“He did his best in infrastructural development. History will be kind to Odera, that he laid the foundation of a new Anambra of today,” Governor Soludo stated.
Earlier in his sermon, the Archbishop of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, while consoling the wife and family of late Mbadinuju, stressed that Odera tried his best as Governor of Anambra State.
While enumerating the three kinds of death as physical death, spiritual death and eternal death, the Archbishop reminded every politician, religious and spiritual leaders that the day of reckoning is imminent and urged them to live an upright life.
Meanwhile, a service of song in honour of the former governor on Thursday held at International Conference Center (ICC) Awka.
The former governor would be laid to rest in his compound on Friday in his compound in Uli, Ihiala LGA of the state.
Late Dr. Chinwoke Clement Mbadinuju served as governor of Anambra State from 1999 to 2003.
Gov Soludo extols former Governor Mbadinuju
