By Harry Awurumibe, Head, ABUJA BUREAU
In a bid to immortalise the memory of one of Africa’s greatest statesmen, Dr. Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe, the Anambra state Executive Governor, Willie Obiano has declared Monday, November 18, a state-wide Public Holiday to mark the birthday of the political icon.
The announcement of the public holiday was made Saturday in Awka by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke who represented Obiano at the on-going Zik Annual Lecture at the auditorium of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik), Awka, Anambra state.
According to the Governor, all government offices including schools and markets across the state will remain closed on Monday to mark the birthday of the Great Zik of Africa who was the 1st Governor-General and later President of independent Nigeria.
“From this year, the Executive Governor of Anambra state Chief Willie Obiano has directed that Anambra state will observe November 16 as public holiday to mark the birthday of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. All government offices and markets will not be opened. Schools be closed. Vice Chancellor, I hope you are aware that there will not be lecture. I, myself will be in my house. There is no work on Monday”, said the Deputy Governor.
The event has in attendance the former President of Sierra Leone, Bai Koromah, the Obi of Onitsha, HRM Agbogidi, Igwe Alfred Achebe; ex- Governor of Imo State, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim; former Governor of old Anambra state, Chief Jim Nwobodo and ex- Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode and Senator Ben Ndii Obi as well as renowned Poet, Dike Uche- Chukwmereije.
