Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, spoke at the three-year remembrance event of His Majesty Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike, a novelist and former traditional leader of Ndikelionwu, organized by the Nigerian Book Foundation.
During his speech, Obi advised Nigerian students to take their education more seriously, as good education combined with the right attitude and behaviour will open many doors of opportunity in life.
He shared his own experience and how he met great champions of education, like Late Igbo leader Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, former President Yakubu Gowon, and Nigerian Cardinal of the Catholic Church, Francis Cardinal Arinze, during his education.
He also highlighted that education remains the best inheritance he received from his parents, and it helped him climb up the ladder of success.
The co-President of the Nigerian Book Foundation, Prof. Stella Okunna, welcomed and appreciated Obi for addressing the students, describing him as a great lover of education.
Okunna also recalled how Anambra State moved from 26th to the first position in WAEC and NECO under Obi’s administration, and how he instituted the Nigerian Book Foundation to help young students.
The traditional ruler of the Obosi community and co-host of the event, His Majesty Igwe Chidubem Iweka III, explained that Obi’s presence at the event was due to his love for education. The event was held at the Kenneth Dike State Library, which was built by Obi.