By Samson Ezea

Former Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi popularly known as Gburugburu, left office as two-term governor of Enugu State at 59 years. Last year, he climbed the sixth floor of life with his usual low-key celebrations. 

Today, Gburugburu is one step in the sixth floor of life as he attains 61 years. Quite interesting and of note is the fact that at 61 Gburugburu remains Gburugburu, very articulate, receptive, humane, accessible, humorous, generous, peaceful and humble.

He is always ready to lend his shoulders especially for the downtrodden and poor.

Just like when he was in the office as House of Representatives member for twelve years and Governor for eight years and never allowed the perks and paraphernalia of office to carry him away, nothing has changed now.  This was even attested to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his presidential visit to Enugu State on January 4th, 2025 to see and commission many completed and ongoing developmental projects by Governor Peter Mbah. 

During his speech, Tinubu profusely eulogized and commended Gburugburu for his goodness, humility, calmness and support to his government and that of Governor Mbah. It is very obvious that at 61, Gburugburu has indeed remained himself, a very unique personality with unblemished record and outstanding selfless service to humanity and mankind.

He is still disarming, amiable and awesome. He is an ex-governor whose political attainments in the murky waters of Nigerian politics and other human endeavours have been impressive, divine, quiet, smooth and seamless. He is not the typical Nigerian politician, but a leader with many positive, exemplary, enigmatic and phenomenal parts. 

He is indeed a living school for leadership and followership. Relating with him at any level leaves one with good knowledge, pleasant experiences, practical lessons and testimonies to give about his person.

Ugwuanyi, who is 61 years today, has never seen political office and politics as a do-or-die affair. To him, it should be a peaceful, rancour-free and communal exercise. 

This is not far from the reason he is often called priest in politics by many. Meanwhile, I can vividly recall that as a young man who was desirous of making a name in journalism practice for almost two decades ago, I was fortunate and privileged to commence practice of the noble profession on the politics desk.

Writing and covering politics, politicians and their activities exposed me to many things and brought me in contact with many politicians and critical stakeholders across the country, of which Ugwuanyi is one of them.

Since then, I have meticulously followed Ugwuanyi’s political trajectory and leadership exploits, just like other colleagues of his who are political players.

Without mincing words or sounding hyperbolic, I can confidently and unequivocally say that Ugwuanyi, is not a typical Nigerian politician, who often politicises and sees everything from the prism of partisanship, even after elections. This is the attitude that has been the bane of good governance, peace, development and security in Nigeria since the return of democracy in 1999.

To Ugwuanyi, partisan politics is secondary, while good governance associated with the general wellbeing of the people and peaceful co-existence is primary. Politics to him starts and ends before, during and after elections. Immediately after that, good governance takes the centre stage. The overall interest, welfare and wellbeing of the people irrespective of party affiliation, religion, tribe or status take precedence over any other interest. This has been his leadership style before and since 2015 he became Governor of Enugu State, amidst daunting and obvious challenges. He is neither pretentious nor hypocritical about it.

As could be seen and experienced, while he was in office as Governor, his government’s policies and programmes had always been fashioned in that direction. It is not in doubt that it is in his nature to care and cater for others. He places so more premium on it than any other thing. He has been passionate and consistent about it and derives joy in doing it. No wonder, he has been often described as a compassionate leader, rare humanist, welfarist, pacifist, priest in politics and humility personified.

Ugwuanyi is a man who is at peace with his people and God. He can sacrifice anything to ensure that peace reigns. He was never carried away by the paraphernalia of his office and exalted position of governor. He rather demystified and commonalised the myth surrounding political office, by making it accessible and available to the people. He used his then position and power as Governor to unite and develop the state. Very unassuming and urbane, he is a listening leader, who loves details, people around him and good results.

He was born into the modest and cultured family of Mr David and Mrs Veronica Ugwuanyi, of Ohom Orba in the present Udenu Local Council Area of Enugu State during the Lenten period. He was christened Lawrence and was also given Igbo name-Ifeanyichukwu, meaning “nothing is impossible with God." A name that is meaningful, philosophical, symbolic and spiritual in all ramifications. His name has continued to manifest in all his endeavours.

Ugwuanyi, just like his siblings, was brought up under strict Christian precepts. This has in addition to nature and nurture clothed him with humility, taciturnity, intelligence, honesty and diligence. These virtues remain his greatest assets and strengths. 

Growing among his peers, he shone like a star both in academic and extra-curricular activities during his primary, secondary and tertiary education pursuit. His exemplary leadership quality began to manifest early in his life as a secondary school student at the prestigious St. Theresa College, Nsukka, where he was outstanding in character and learning.  

After his secondary education, he secured admission into the Nigeria’s foremost university, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance and M.Sc degree in Marketing, majoring in Public Relations. In his quest for deep and wider knowledge, he moved further to acquire MBA degree in Finance and Accountancy from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). 

While his colleagues scrambled for white collar jobs, within and outside the country upon graduation, Ugwuanyi, who has always believed and preferred working for and with his people for the common good of all, picked a job at Premier Brokers Limited, a prime insurance broking firm in the Southeast zone owned by the five states of the zone and the defunct African Continental Bank (ACB).

After many years of excellent performance, he rose to become the Chief Executive Officer of the Premier Broking Firm. In 2002, he became the 16th President of the Rotary Club of Emene, Enugu. It was at this point that his leadership qualities and exceptional philanthropy, especially to the downtrodden and the less privileged in the society came to public fore.

Without hesitation and in appreciation of his rare philanthropy, the people of his town, Orba, in an elaborate traditional ceremony conferred on him the title of Dunukenyi Gburugburu 1 of Orba, meaning the man of the people. Satisfied with his exploits and track record in public and community service, Ugwuanyi’s people beckoned on him to offer himself for political office. His foray into Nigerian politics commenced with his quest to serve as chairman of his local council area, Udenu.     

Despite losing the opportunity due to political intrigues and backbiting, Ugwuanyi remained undaunted and focused in his political pursuits, banking on God, his people’s support and prayers.     

In 2003, true to Ugwuanyi’s belief, expectation and hope, the political opportunity came calling. He won the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to contest for Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency seat. He overwhelmingly won the election and his constituents enjoyed his quality representation. He was rewarded and appreciated by his people with reelection in 2007 and 2011, making him the longest serving House of Representatives member in Enugu State before 2015 general elections.

While in the House of Representatives, he moved so many motions and initiated some people-oriented bills. He also chaired and co-chaired so many committees, including Marine Transport committee, which he chaired for eight consecutive years. He built bridges across party lines and the divide. Following his philanthropy, performance and antecedent, while in the House of Representatives for more than a decade, Ugwuanyi’s desire to contest for Enugu State governorship seat on PDP platform in 2015 received massive support and accolades across the state. He won the PDP governorship ticket, contested and won again the governorship election in Enugu State in 2019.

Meanwhile, while it is expected that his family members, friends and well-wishers will roll out drums today to celebrate him amidst fanfare and razzmatazz, Ugwuanyi will in his usual manner, philanthropy and religious belief celebrate his birthday in a low-key at the orphanage homes and homes of the elderly and the less privileged in Enugu. 

His Excellency, birthday is a new start, a fresh beginning and a time to pursue new endeavours with new goals. Trudge on with confidence and trust in God, you are a very special and good person.  May today and all your days be amazing, prosperous and fulfilling as you sincerely and selflessly serve humanity. True to your name Ifeanyichukwu, Nothing will surpass God in your life.

Ezea writes from Lagos