Chimaroke Nnamani at 60

Chimaroke Nnamani, Father. Visionary. Leader. Mentor. Biologist. Researcher. Medical Doctor. Maternal Fetal Surgeon. Fellow of the American College of Gynecologists. Historian. Philosopher. Teacher. Thought Leader. Critical Thinker. Mobilizer. Political Disruptor. Servant of the people. Father of modern politics of Enugu. Believer in the youth. Governor of Enugu State, 1999-2007. Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2007-2011; 2019-date.

An erudite gentleman, with the vision and commitment of mentoring a new generation of young leaders. An inclusive leader who extended his stewardship to all demographics and across socio- economic strata – women, children, people living with disabilities etc. A committed believer in the rights, agency and dignity of women. A progressive boss and loyal friend. A man of great courage. A man of keen intellect. A counsellor. A man of expansive generosity and nobility of spirit.

A charismatic leader who embraced different perspectives, independent thinking, dissent, and ideas, regardless of the age difference between him and his mentees and/or team. A humble and accessible intellectual who constantly sought feedback and committed to course-correcting and improving his human flaws.

He was elected Governor in 1999 at the age of 38, turning 46 years by the end of his second tenure in 2007.

This is the man who not only invited me to government in 1999 as a young man, green between the ears, he trained and mentored me, eventually appointing me his Chief of Staff and ultimately ‘donated’ me to Nigeria by nominating me for appointment as Minister of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria.

We, his mentees, are where we are today, simply because he believed in us and offered us the platforms to develop our skills & hone our talents, and serve our society.

He continues to nurture an entire generation of Politicians in Enugu who have held sway at all levels, state and federal, from 1999 to date. It would be rare to find any number of politicians in Enugu who did not emerge either directly or indirectly via people who were nurtured and mentored by Senator Nnamani.

We are indebted to him for his mentorship. A life time is not enough to thank him for his faith in us, young and the political greenhorns that we were.

As he turns a hearty 60 years old today, May 30, 2020, it is with great honour and gratitude to God for his life, that I share with the world, that this is my Boss and Mentor, Founder of the Ebeano Political Ideological Family.

Kindly join me and indeed all his mentees- Governors, Senators, Ministers, Ambassadors Representatives, Directors of Federal Parastatals, Commissioners, Local Government Chairmen, Advisers and Assistants, in praying for God’s blessings, good health, favour and protection upon his life.

With best wishes for many more years in the service of mankind. To God be the glory.

Nweke II was chief of staff to Governor Chimaroke Nnamani, 2001-2003, and member of Nigeria’s federal cabinet, 2003-2007.