By Alex Ibeh
As notable Nigerians continue to pour glowing encomiums on High Chief Mike Duru Ejiogu, the Traditional Prime Minister(Onowu) of Anara Ancient Kingdom in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, I write to rejoice with you on this auspicious day of your birth.
You are a rare gem, and in all standard, an achiever of high repute.
Unarguably, your birthday is a moment of celebration for your dexterity and commitment to human upliftment.
We celebrate the milestones which you ‘ve recorded, and for the great service you render to all.
Testimonies of your life touching initiatives cannot be overemphasized, as we witness your revolutionary impact on our clime.
Chief Michael Duru Ejiogu was born on 24th of February,1974 to the family of late Mathew Iwuoha Ejiogu of Anara Community as he rose from a humble background.
He began his Educational career in Makurdi, Benue State where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) from Holy Ghost Primary School, Makurdi between 1981 and 1987. He then proceeded to the Prestigious Government College, Makurdi and Amuwo Origin Boys Secondary School, the Institutions he obtained both his Juniour Secondary School Certificate and Senior Secondary School Certificate, and later went to University of Abuja, Nigeria and graduated as Bachelor of Science in Public Administration.
As an accomplished businessman, his interest in Real Estate, hospitality Industry and other ventures projected him to the limelight.
Some of the companies founded by him and their year of establishment include Western Travels &Tours Limited,1999; Snow Water Production Limited,2002; Vision & Strauss Nigeria Limited,2007; Mbano Royal Suits, 2014; Abuja Royal Suits 2017 and Citygate homes & Resort Limited,2018.
Prominent among them are Mbano and Abuja Royal Suits and Citygate homes & Resort Limited.
Citygate Homes is the estate development Company behind 3 Completed estates in Kukwaba, Kaura and Games village districts all in Abuja and on going construction of another 3 Estates in Abuja. The company’s latest project is the construction of a 24 floors luxery apartment called Citygate Lagoon Towers along Ozumba Mbadiwe Street Victoria Island, Lagos State.
He is married to his beautiful wife, Lolo Ijeoma Duru and God blessed them with Children
On 7th August,2021, the Ancient Town of Anara was agog as the creme de la creme and Traditional Rulers across Imo State and beyond with excitement rolled out to celebrate with the trailblazer and hero, High Chief Mike Duru Ejiogu, Fcicn, (Akaekpuchi Onwa) of Anara as he was officially installed as the Onowu(Tradional Prime Minister) of Anara Ancient Kingdom.
The youthful business magnate exudes uncommon attributes and leadership skills which include humility, discipline, forgiveness and tolerance. He abhors bigotry under any guise.
His passion for peace has distinguished him as Ambassadors of various Institutions both nationally and Internationally.
It is strongly believed that at 48, his philanthropic dispositions have similarities with those of the globally acclaimed humanitarian leaders such as Tony Robbins, who learned that “the key to fulfillment is not receiving, but giving”.
Onwa has been exploring all plausible avenues to address the prevailing unemployment rate among the youth. He has empowered great number of indigent women and youths both in the areas of scholarship awards and skills acquisition.
As a talent hunt enthusiast, he has sponsored many football competition both at the local level and state with a view of discovering youth for further competition.
Chief Mike as he is fondly called is an employer of labour as means of contributing to the economic wellbeing of the nation.
To some people, an ideal leader looks like a superhero-strong and brimming with confidence. But humility holds greater power, albeit silently.
Studies on humility in leadership have posited that humble leaders make the best leaders and easily disarm even their opponents.
One of the virtues you cannot take away from him is humility.
In spite of his stature, his sense of humility is not only attractive but infectious. He treats everyone with respect regardless of their position, role or title, making him a quintessential leader who gives his all to a course he believes in.
He has continued to demonstrate his affection for his people, task after task, no matter the cost.
In spite of the economic crunch in the country, his love for the downtrodden since his sojourn in life is evident. He has proven to be one of the few examples of leaders in Nigeria who can be relied upon to galvanize people to live in peace and Harmony despite their societal class.
While felicitating with this Philanthropic Personified on the occasion of his 48th birthday and wishing him many more years of selfless service to humanity, it goes without saying that this humble, visionary achiever, peace Ambassador, dependable Ally, compassionate personality and fearless intercessor is set for greater impact in the society in the years ahead. For remaining steadfast and relentless in the pursuit of happiness for the entire people of Isiala Mbano and Okigwe zone in general, he has demonstrated his love for the country capacity to devote his life for a better Nigeria.
As you deservedly celebrate this glorious day, may God Almighty who has richly prospered you and ordered your every step in the past years continue to bless you with good health, wisdom and knowledge to serve and fulfill the purpose for which you were created,Amen!
Alex Ibeh writes from Owerri, Imo State.
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