The apex socio-cultural igbo group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide celebrates Chief Chekwas Okorie (Ojeozi Ndigbo) as he clocks 69 on Saturday March 19, 2022.

The group who made known their well wishes in a press statement which they made available to the press through Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, stated that “Chekwas, as he is fondly called, is a poster personality whose life trajectory serves as an inspiration to both the present day youths and the elderly. While many of his age-mates and peers floundered for innovative life paths, Chekwas had flourished with a clear vision and mission.

“In the 80s, he founded the popular Nzuko Imo Na Abia in Enugu and served as the President- General. He was the founder and National Leader of Igboezue Cultural Association which drew membership from all the nooks and crannies of Igbo Land; Founder and Secretary-General, Peoples Democratic Congress (1996); Founder and National Leader of All Peoples Grand Alliance (APGA); Founder and National Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP). Founder and Chairman, Chel Water Nigeria Ltd; among others. Professor Chinua Achebe in the Things Apart states that when a child washes clean his hands, he can dine with elders.

“Thus Chekwas was the youngest to be admitted into the Ime-Obi Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide; and in 1992, he was the youngest Member of the Governing Council, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State.

“Today we celebrate the Chekwas profile in frontier spirit, resourcefulness, vibrancy, exceptional vision, creative thinking, organizational acumen, resilience, character comeliness, generosity and integrity. One of the most outstanding of the Chekwas mystique is his charismatic inter-ethnic appeal with an unwavering steadfastness on Igbo cause.

“The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ambassador Professor George Obiozor is enthused that Chekwas is climbing to higher glorious age with enormous public goodwill.  Obiozor recalls with freshness the enormous sacrifice that Chief Chekwas Okorie has made for Ndigbo. On behalf of all the organs of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and indeed all the sons and daughters of Igbo, I most heartily wish Chekwas many more fruitful years in good health, high spirit and prosperity”, he stated.