Awka, the capital of Anambra State, came alive with regal splendor on Friday as His Royal Majesty Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, led a delegation of Niger Delta traditional rulers to the International Conference Centre for the public launch of “The Audacity to Transform: A Front Row Testimony on the Ongoing Development in Anambra”, authored by Dr. Anselm Onuorah.
The Gbaramatu monarch, who was honored as the Royal Father of the Day, brought warm greetings from his kingdom and spoke about the importance of courageous, transformative leadership. “We bring greetings from our kingdom Gbaramatu to the good people of Anambra State. It is a thing of joy being in Anambra to witness and take part in today’s book launch,” he said, setting the tone for an event that celebrated bold leadership and progress.
Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, the principal guest, was lauded for his visionary developmental initiatives across the state, which the book captures in vivid detail. His projects, ranging from infrastructure revamps to governance reforms, were recognized by the attending dignitaries as setting a new benchmark for leadership in Nigeria.
The Pere of Gbaramatu’s entourage included HRM Barr. Shedrack Peremobowei Erebulu, Aduo III, Pere of Kabowei Kingdom; HRM Alagbabunafa III, Pere of Olodiama Kingdom; HRM Oguruyeke, Okrimini I, Pere of Tubotoru Kingdom; HRM Egbesuwei, Gbauran X, Pere of Gbanraun Kingdom; HRM Perekere VII, Pere of Oporomo Kingdom; H.R.M. Igwe, Engr. Augustine Emelobe, Eze Okpoko II of Oba, alongside his council of chiefs from Gbaramatu kingdom.
Other notable attendees included former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR; former Bauchi State Governor Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu; business mogul Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana; Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, OON, MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc; and Lady Ada Chukwudozie, Chairman of Keystone Bank Limited. The gathering of leaders, scholars, and business icons reflected the wide-reaching impact of the Governor’s developmental vision.
In a moment of reflection, the Pere of Gbaramatu shared a personal story that captured the essence of the book’s theme. “Pondering on the title ‘The Audacity of Transformation,’ I called on my grandson of about eight years and asked him what he understood by the word ‘audacity.’ He stirred into the air for some seconds and then turned to me and said, ‘HOW DARE YOU?’ and walked away. I was confused and angry at his temerity. How dare you, Prof. Soludo, to transform Anambra State… my grandson is asking. In a nation where every nook and cranny suffers decayed infrastructure, underdevelopment, bad roads, and insecurity, one man chooses to stand out with transformative development policies and agenda. How dare you, in a time where leaders are blinded by corruption, greed, nepotism, and personal enrichment, you are making a difference with boldness. Da-alu! Ji-si-ike!”
He continued, highlighting the Governor’s ability to balance vision with pragmatism. “In his book ‘Audacity of Hope,’ former President Barack Obama said that ‘finding the right balance between competing values is difficult in a complex and contradictory world.’ I see you balancing idealism and realism. May the God of the land reward your efforts and take you higher. A songwriter said, ‘we would be remembered for what we have done, either good or bad.’ Imela, thank you and remain blessed.”
The launch also featured tangible support from the Niger Delta monarchs. The Pere of Gbaramatu contributed $30,000 toward the book, while the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom announced $20,000 on behalf of the attending Niger Delta traditional rulers. The book was reviewed by Barr. Osita Chidoka, Chancellor of the Anthena Centre for Policy & Leadership.
After the ceremony, Governor Soludo hosted the Pere of Gbaramatu and his delegation to dinner at the Government House, a gesture that strengthened cultural ties and fostered dialogue between the Niger Delta and Anambra regions.
The visit reinforced the Pere of Gbaramatu’s role as a leading voice for the Niger Delta on national platforms, highlighting the importance of collaboration, visionary leadership, and community-focused development.
