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There are people whose lives are measured not merely by the offices they have occupied, but by the countless lives they have touched, the institutions they have strengthened, and the enduring values they have left behind. Prof. Alphonsus Bosah Chukwurah (A.B.C.) Nwosu, Osighere Mkpume Nnewi, undoubtedly belongs to this rare class of distinguished Nigerians.
As Prof. A.B.C. Nwosu marks his 82nd birthday today, I join his family, friends, associates, admirers, and the entire people of Anambra State and Nigeria in celebrating an exceptional scholar, administrator, elder statesman, patriot, and one of the finest political minds our generation has produced.
Like many young Nigerians of my generation, I first knew Prof. A.B.C. Nwosu by reputation. During his distinguished years as Commissioner in the old Anambra State, his name had already become synonymous with excellence, discipline, and purposeful public service.
His remarkable performance naturally elevated him to become the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the historic 1998 political transition. Sadly, circumstances beyond merit and competence—widely believed to have been influenced by religious considerations—altered that course.
Yet, as history has consistently shown, destiny delayed is not destiny denied.
Prof. Nwosu subsequently went on to serve Nigeria with distinction as Special Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo before his appointment as Honourable Minister of Health, where he brought the same intellect, integrity, and vision that had characterised every stage of his public service.
However, my greatest privilege was not knowing his public achievements; it was knowing the man behind the accolades.
Providence brought our paths together around 2016 during the formation of the Anambra Union in Abuja. At the inaugural meeting held in his residence within the Aso Villa neighbourhood, Prof. Nwosu served as the Convener and Leader of the Union.
To my greatest surprise and everlasting gratitude, the distinguished sons and daughters of Anambra State in attendance unanimously adopted me as the Secretary of the Union while Prof. Nwosu remained our leader.
That singular decision changed the course of my life.
What began as a working relationship quickly blossomed into something far deeper. He became not merely a mentor but a father. I found myself almost on a daily basis in his home, assisting him in numerous capacities until I gradually became, unofficially, his personal and private secretary.
Those years afforded me a front-row seat to witness qualities that the public rarely sees—his humility, simplicity, discipline, remarkable intellect, attention to detail, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice and fairness.
I learned that true leadership is not exercised through authority alone but through character, sacrifice, patience, and the ability to inspire others.
As preparations for the 2017 Anambra State governorship election intensified, the Peoples Democratic Party, eager to reposition itself for victory, prevailed upon Prof. Nwosu to accept the challenging responsibility of serving as Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Anambra State.
Before accepting that assignment, Prof. Nwosu invited me for a private discussion. In his characteristic calm and fatherly manner, he informed me that his acceptance of the appointment would be conditional upon my willingness to accompany him throughout the assignment.
It was his polite way of saying, “Come and work with me.” Without hesitation, I accepted.
Upon his appointment, we relocated to Awka, where JoGold Hotel became our operational headquarters and official residence for nearly three months. Those months remain one of the most significant learning experiences of my life.
Working closely with Prof. Nwosu, I was privileged to play a central coordinating role throughout the entire process. The experience exposed me to practical political organisation, strategic leadership, crisis management, negotiation, and public administration at the highest level.
Indeed, almost everyone involved in Anambra politics during that period knew me simply as *”Obum Prof. A.B.C. Nwosu.” I wore that identity with pride because it represented not merely proximity to a great man but an opportunity to learn from one of Nigeria’s finest minds.
Prof. Nwosu’s influence on my personal and professional development cannot be quantified. His counsel has shaped many of my decisions. His example continues to remind me that public office is fundamentally about service, integrity, and leaving society better than one met it.
As he celebrates his 82nd birthday today, my prayer is simple but heartfelt. May Almighty God continue to strengthen him with sound health, divine wisdom, peace of mind, and many more fruitful years.
May God continue to grant him the grace to witness the harvest of the countless seeds of excellence, patriotism, and mentorship he has sown over several decades.
I also wish to use this occasion to make a passionate appeal to Ndi Igbo, scholars, historians, and all lovers of truth to rally around Prof. A.B.C. Nwosu and his family to ensure the completion and publication of the important book on the Nigerian Civil War and Biafra, a project he began with the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Ikemba Nnewi.
Working closely with Osighere Mkpume Nnewi exposed me to the enormous historical value of that project. I came to appreciate that the proposed publication is not merely another book about the Civil War.
It represents a vital historical account that has the potential to illuminate many events, decisions, and perspectives that remain insufficiently understood.
Completing that work would be an invaluable contribution not only to Ndi Igbo but also to Nigeria, Africa, and future generations seeking to understand one of the defining periods of our history.
History deserves to be preserved by those who lived it.
On this special day, I therefore call upon all those who cherish knowledge, history, and truth to support every effort that will ensure this important intellectual legacy is completed and preserved.
Happy 82nd Birthday, Prof. A.B.C. Nwosu.
May your wisdom continue to guide generations.
May your life continue to inspire countless young leaders.
May your legacy endure forever.
Happy Birthday, my Boss.
Happy Birthday, my Mentor.
Happy Birthday, my Father.
With profound respect and gratitude,
Obunike Ohaegbu (Nwa Miss), Ezesinachi Ukpor, writing from my village in Anambra State.
