Another year around the sun is always a milestone to celebrate. And when an outstanding personality, a unique leader, completes this existential course, there is even more reason to revel and give thanks to the Almighty Father. Incidentally, a personality who cares little for mundane revelry achieved this milestone today.

He is unassuming. Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi, the immediate past governor of Enugu State, born on March 20, 1964, clocks 61 today.

Your Excellency, as governor, you were intentional in your sheer dexterity and vision to positively touch the lives of the people and give them a sense of belonging.

These folks were mostly the ordinary citizens in the rural areas, the long-neglected and underprivileged, who you describe as the true heroes of democracy.

They came out en masse and stood patiently under the sun and in the rain to cast their votes for your overwhelming election and re-election in 2015 and 2019, respectively.

In actualising this vision, you were focused, strategic and radical in deploying government services towards creating fair and equal opportunity for every willing citizen to make a living and create wealth, educate our children, and enjoy life in a peaceful and secure environment.

You were also intentional, bold, and resolute in your declaratory inaugural address in 2015. You made it clear that Enugu State, under your watch, will pay special attention to rural development. You justified your stance on the glaring fact that “the majority of our people live in the rural areas.” The driving force was all about your passion for the people’s wellbeing.

As a grassroots/people-oriented leader with milk of human kindness, you never deviated from your vision to alleviate the sufferings of the people and bring democracy dividends to their doorsteps, irrespective of their social status or remote locations.

Riding on unswerving integrity, you gave Enugu State peace, security, and good governance, notwithstanding the avalanche of challenges your administration encountered.

The fact remains that you stepped into the big shoes of leadership at the wrong time. You became governor of Enugu State in 2015 when Enugu’s purse grew leaner and Nigeria’s economy was in recession as federal allocations dwindled to an all-time low.




https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/tribute-61-garlands-for-ugwuanyi-a-unique-leader/