By Beloved-Dan Anike 

Today marks another milestone in the life of a colossus - a man of the people, a silent achiever, an administrator and a leader per excellence, Chief Senator Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo. 

Known as an enigma and political figure with uncompromised principle, Pa Jim Nwobodo celebrates his eighty-fifth birthday, with people from different walks of life celebrating this proverbial Iroko whom they fondly call Anyanwu n'awaru oha, meaning "the sun that shines for the benefit of all”. 

It’s equally a solemn moment for heartfelt gratitude to God for Chief Jim Nwobodo’s life and his continued role in promoting national cohesion and direction.

This special day for this revered elder statesman and man of the people equally calls for a moment of national reflection on the ideals espoused by him as a servant-leader. 

We lift our hearts in thanksgiving to Almighty God, for His unwavering grace, for the gift of long life, and for preserving Chief Nwobodo as a steady voice of reason and direction in our nation’s journey toward genuine unity and progress. 

Born on May 9, 1940, in Amaigbo, Chief Nwobodo's story is one that resonates resilience, vision, and purpose. His early years were rooted in faith, discipline, and hard work.

At the University of Ibadan, he emerged not just as a scholar, but a voice for the people, for justice, and for service to humanity.

In 1979, during Nigeria’s return to civil rule, he became the first Executive Governor of old Anambra State. 

His tenure was bold and people-focused. It was a commitment to vision enshrined in the pursuit for the greater good of the people. 

He birthed the Anambra State University of Technology (ASUTECH), a legacy of education and innovation where great minds were incubated and nurtured to renowned inventors, entrepreneurs and leaders. 
 
He revitalized Rangers International FC, Enugu, turning it into a symbol of Igbo dignity, pride and post-war healing.

He built roads, hospitals, industries, information, communications and media networks, wate reticulation, top notch hotels, infrastructure  and most importantly, he rebuilt the confidence of people in government and reawakened a generation’s sense of pride.

Chief Nwobodo’s leadership was guided by a simple but powerful principle: “A leader must be visible, visionary, and valuable.” 

He saw leadership not as a privilege, but as a responsibility to serve the people and uplift the next generation. 

Through education, sports, and civic action, he empowered thousands of youths and inspired millions more to rediscover and recreate an environment where their lofty dreams were realised. 

Even beyond political office, he remained a good elder, contributing meaningfully to national discourse, offering wise counsel, and standing firm in moments that called for clarity and courage.

Today, we celebrate him in his lifetime - a worthy celebration indeed. We’ll continue to celebrate his accomplishments. 

 He stood in the likes of Dr. Michael Okpara, whose vision of regional planning, education, and inclusion laid the foundation for then  Eastern Nigeria’s greatness.

And now, in Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, we see the spirit of Jim Nwobodo reborn, through tech-driven governance, multi-sectoral innovation, smart infrastructure, and youth-centered policies. 

It is a sustenance of visionary leadership, from Okpara, to Nwobodo, now  to Mbah.

So today, as a nation, we celebrate not just a birthday, but a life of impact, a legacy and a future still being shaped.

May God continue to grant the great Jim good health, wisdom, and sound mind as  a father figure and moral compass in Nigeria’s unfolding story.

And to the youth, let this moment teach us that it is possible to serve with dignity, to lead with vision, and to live with purpose.

No doubt the values of faith, discipline, family and community service, Jim Nwobodo received as a child and then youth prepared him adequately for State and National Service.

The biography of this living legend and elder statesman would not be complete without mentioning his ambition to occupy the number one position in the country as one of presidential aspirant of PDP in 1999, electoral process that birthed the return to democracy, after years of military rule and his service nearer home to the good people of Enugu East Senatorial Zone as the Senator representing them at National Assembly. 

Worthy of mention is Jim's  philosophy, carriage and simplicity, living among his people; no wonder long after he left political office, his voice still resonates relevance among his people and in public space. 

He reminds us that greatness is not measured by tenures and public offices, but by impact. Not by noise, but by clarity of purpose. Not by brute power, but by service.

As we celebrate 85 years of  Jim's life, we are most grateful to God Almighty, who has preserved him in strength and wisdom 

To our dear young people, let this be a reminder that it’s trust over wealth. That it is possible to lead with character, to serve with vision, and to leave a legacy that time cannot erase.

Happy 85th Birthday, Chief Jim Nwobodo.

Happy birthday elder  statesman and trailblazer, 
May your light continue to shine more and more to inspire generations. Congratulations, Jiiimmm!