Chief Maja Umeh, a former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism in Anambra State and lifetime Patron of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has passed away at the age of 64.
He died on Wednesday, April 5, 2025, just four days after attending an APGA primary election.
Umeh reportedly passed away at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) in Amaku-Awka, the Anambra state capital.
“He died just a few hours ago at the hospital’s Emergency Ward. Family members and prominent state figures, including Prof. Ken Nwogu, husband of former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mrs. Uju Nwogu, gathered at the hospital to pay their respects,” a source told our correspondent
Born on October 7, 1960, in Enugu, Chief Umeh was the seventh of eight children in his family.
He began his early education at St. Mary’s Primary School, Uwani, Enugu, but completed it at St. Eugenia Primary School, Amichi, due to the Nigerian Civil War.
He later attended Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, where he obtained his secondary school certificate in 1977.
In 1979, he gained admission to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he studied Political Science and graduated with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the field.
Chief Umeh served as Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism in Anambra State during Governor Peter Obi’s administration.
He contributed significantly to the cultural and tourism development of the state, initiating the Mmechi Aro Anambra, a cultural homecoming event for Ndi Anambra.
He also championed the regional promotion of the New Yam Festival across the five Southeastern states and advocated the preservation and promotion of Igbo culture and language.
Aside from his role in government, Chief Umeh made remarkable contributions to his community.
He attracted a 22-kilometer road project that opened up Nnewi South and neighbouring communities, for which he was honoured with chieftaincy titles such as “Anya Amichi Ji Afụ Ụzọ” and “Omerụ Mma Akwaihedi.”
He also facilitated the construction of boreholes in medical centres and ensured that schools in his community benefited from government support.
Chief Umeh’s death is a huge loss to Anambra State, the APGA family, and the entire Amichi community.
He will be remembered for his legacy of public service, cultural promotion, and deep commitment to the wellbeing of his people.
He maintained close relationships with key political figures, including former Governor Peter Obi and the current Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo.
