Commentary – Obiano’s Intervention In The Lives Of Our Heroes

It was a huge relief to hear recently that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has reacted quickly to the story of Christian Chukwu’s ill health and has promptly picked up his medical bills. Many people had felt heartbroken to read that the former Green Eagles Captain, who took Nigeria to her first African Cup of Nations trophy in 1980, had been abandoned in his hour of need. It is gratifying to see from Governor Ugwuanyi’s action that our political leaders are fully aware of their responsibility to protect and preserve our heroes.

Happily, that is exactly what Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has been doing since he assumed office in 2014. And the records are there. For instance, shortly after he was sworn-in, the issue of designing and implementing a special welfare package for the first generation of players of Rangers International Football Club of Enugu was tabled before him.

These were the players whose rugged performance on the field of play had helped to restore the pride of a bruised people still smarting from the Biafran War. Akpokuedike was deeply touched by their plight that he requested for the list of the players. In requesting for the list, Obiano directed that it must be comprehensive of all the players, irrespective of their state of origin as, according to him, ‘Rangers is Rangers, no matter which state the player is from’.

Thus, the list was compiled, comprising all the people who formed the first generation of Rangers players such as Emmanuel Okala, former Rangers and Green Eagles goalkeeper, who is also Senior Special Assistant to the Governor. Fifty-eight players were compiled and Governor Obiano authorized the monthly payment of welfare package to the former players. 

From 2014 till date, Anambra state government has been administering that welfare package every month without fail. Doubting Thomases may choose to find out. The ex-Rangers meet every last Tuesday of every month at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

It must be admitted that Obiano is usually touched by anything that has to do with people who used their talents and gifts to help Ndigbo stage a speedy recovery from the War. For instance, when, last year, Governor Obiano got wind of the appalling living condition of Chukwuma Igweonu, a first generation Rangers player, Obiano quickly released one point five million naira to help renovate his house at Enugwu-Agidi.

Recall too that, in 2017, Anambra had organized a concert that was tagged “A Night of Nostalgia”where all the pop stars of the seventies performed. The musical talents, whose songs served as a balm on the ache of the people after the war, were given a big stage for what was like a farewell performance to most of them. Obiano handed them one million naira in a show of appreciation. 

Those who attended the show felt deeply touched on that night when they saw Pal Akaronu, who was reputed to be the Quincy Jones of that era, producing songs that endure to this day. Also, on the stage was Chief Zebrudaya (Chika Okpala) whose sublime jokes helped wipe the tears away from many cheeks. Bands like sweet Breeze, Semi Colon, Wings, Funkees, Wrinkars Experience, Aktion, the Apostles, Sokay Ohale, One World and Founders 15 also performed.

So, we do not abandon our heroes in these parts. Of course they need more support. Therefore, government ought to do more. But it is certainly not a case of abandonment. In fact, Governor Obiano has an impressive record in preserving these memories. That is why to date, there is no higher tribute to the memory of the Biafra War than Ozoemezina; the memorial Gov Obiano organized in 2015.

It is still available on YouTube. In the entire Igbo land, no one, past and present, was courageous enough to bid such farewell to our fallen heroes and heroines, forty-five years after the Nigeria-Biafra war wherein about three million people were massacred. However, Akpokuedike did it, not minding whose ox was gored. Today, the souls of those fallen defunct Biafrans are resting in peace, according to Igbo Custom and tradition, thanks to Akpokuedike.