As Man of the people, Prince Ikedi clocks 60
The arrival of a bouncing Baby Boy named Ikedichi into the family of G. I . Ezekwesiri of Umuelem Isuochi in the present day Umunneochi Local Government Area on the 10th day of July, 1964 was not only a Joy because the beautiful mother, Chima B. Ezekwesiri had safely given birth but was more significant as it was the womb and door opener for the young amazing family.
Arriving into a family with Royal blood, the young Ikedi and his siblings metamorphosed from being on the fringes of Royalty to becoming part of history when their father, G. I. Ezekwesiri was unanimously and popularly chosen in the 70s as the Ochi …. of Isuochi bestowing the indelible Princeship on them.
Prince Ikedi Ezekwesiri began his educational career at Mbato central School Isuochi and graduated in 1978 before proceeding to Isuochi secondary school where he also graduated in 1984.
Prince Ikedi Ezekwesiri never relaxed as was common during this period but sought higher education and secured admission into the prestigious Abia State University Uturu where he graduated in 1990 with a Bachelor of Laws degree.
On graduation, Prince Ikedi as one who believes in venturing engaged in different life endeavors to ensure he stands independently, despite his background.
However, the popular Isuochi Prince came to the public sphere during the administration of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu as the Governor of Abia State when he was appointed a member, Board of Abia State Housing Corporation.
Prince Ezekwesiri also served as a special Assistant to the Governor before duty and the entire people of Umunneochi summoned him to move to the Abia State House of Assembly in 2011.
At the Abia House of Assembly, Prince Ikedi Ezekwesiri endeared himself to his colleagues, his constituents – the people of Umunneochi state constituency and Abians in general as he aggressively pursued the interest of his Umunneochi people and Abians through sponsorship of bills and motions.
As a leader who believes like Peter Drucker that ” if you want something new, you have to stop doing something old”, Prince Ikedi Ezekwesiri changed the face of representation in Umunneochi as different parts of the constituency were made to feel the positive impacts of their representative.
His period saw the realization of Eke Isuochi – Achara – Ngada; Orie Ngodo – Umudim – Lomara, Ubahu Nneato- Aku Ihube and the Imo Onuaga bridge – Nneato roads as well as the reclaiming of the Nkwoagu Isuochi erosion site .
Ultra modern computer training centers were built for Nneato secondary school and immaculate conception secondary school Lokpaukwu; scholarship for 137 students in federal government colleges were offered while 137 youths were assisted to be empowered with between 300,000 and 500,000 naira via ministry of Niger Delta.
The development galore also recorded the construction of Amorji Lekwesi and Afor Umuelem market stalls, establishment of NECO centre at Isuochi secondary school, securing of employment for hundreds of youths at Local government, state and federal levels and annual visitations to hospitals and clinics in the area for the payment of bills and other forms of assistance.
Apart from these, the tenure of Ikedi Ezekwesiri witnessed the construction of houses for seven indigent persons and the Methodist Church Umudim, provision of building materials to people, provision of relief materials to Umuaku flood victims, financial assistance to 250 artisans, renovation of 17 classroom blocks, enlisting of Amuda cooperative for N30 million Empowerment, the training of ten youths at the skills acquisition centre at the women development centre, Umuahia among many others.
The exemplary representation offered by Prince Ikedi known all over Umunneochi as Omekaodinma as a result of his philanthropic lifestyle was indeed instrumental to his reelection in 2015 .
Even out of public office, this Royal Prince who believes that the hand of the giver is always on top has never stopped giving and the mercy of the Almighty has continued to shield him from al evil.
So at sixty , the Crown Prince of the Isuochi ancient kingdom, Ikedichi Ezekwesiri who is married and blessed with lovely children and sometime ago survived the gunshots of dare devil Kidnappers is singing high praises unto the Lord who is the giver of life for preserving him for six decades.
Happy birthday, the Crown Prince, happy birthday omekaodinma, happy birthday man of the people.