Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, at the weekend, joined the management and board of Vanguard Media Limited, publishers of Vanguard Newspapers, in honouring elder statesman and former Second Republic governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, describing him as a man who stood out in service to his people.
Mr Mbah recalled that decades after his time as governor, Nwobodo’s legacies still loomed large across the present Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi States.
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The governor spoke at the 2025 Vanguard Personality of the Year Award ceremony in Lagos, where the octogenarian received the Vanguard Lifetime Achievement Award.
“This is a fitting tribute to your life of service to the nation and humanity in various capacities, as well as your towering legacies that have continued to stand the test of time,” he said.
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Presenting the award to Nwobodo on behalf of Vanguard Media Limited, Governor Mbah added, “First, I would like to thank the management and board of Vanguard for this recognition and for allowing me the privilege to present this award to our selfless elder statesman.”
He noted the former governor’s exploits as Chairman of Rangers International, as well as Minister of Youth and Sports, during which Nigeria excelled at the Olympics and the African Cup of Nations (AFCON ’94) in Tunisia.
“Jim, as we fondly call him, represents a whole lot for us. As governor, at just 39, he left bold legacies virtually across what we refer to today as the South East. He was the governor of three states – Anambra State, Enugu State, and part of Ebonyi State.
“As a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, he epitomised courage and patriotism.
“So, it is with a deep sense of pride and profound honour that I present this Lifetime Achievement Award to a distinguished son of Enugu State and a patriotic Nigerian.
“On behalf of my family, the Government, and the good people of Enugu State, I convey our warm congratulations to you,” Mbah concluded.
Wife of the elder statesman, Dr Patricia Nwobodo, and other prominent Nigerians stood by the former governor as he received the award.
