Tributes Pour in as Ghanaian Diplomat Delivers 13th Zik Annual Lecture, Wife Overwhelmed
By Tony Okafor, Awka
The 13th Annual Zik Lecture Series, held on Saturday at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, brought together esteemed individuals to celebrate Zik’s life and legacy, including Ghanaian lawyer, diplomat, politician, and academic, Mohamed Ibn Chambas.
Chambas last served as the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel and the former head of UNOWAS from April 2014 to April 2021.
Chambas is the second Ghanaian politician to deliver the Zik Annual Lecture series, following in the footsteps of Ghana’s former President, Jerry Rawlings, who made history as the first Ghanaian to do so in 2013.
This special day commemorated the birthday of the late Dr. Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first president of Nigeria, born on November 16, 1904.
Prof. Uche Azikiwe, Zik’s wife, was visibly moved by the numerous praises showered on her husband.
She expressed gratitude to Nigerians for keeping Zik’s memories alive, noting that November 16 holds a significant place in their hearts.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State delivered a poignant speech, emphasizing the importance of reviving Zik’s ideals of broadmindedness, inclusivity, pan-Africanism, and selflessness.
He cautioned that Africa’s youth bulge, projected to reach 830-850 million by 2050, could be a blessing or a curse, depending on how leaders invest in youth development and job creation.
Mbah highlighted Zik’s remarkable leadership, citing his support for non-Easterners in elected positions and his advocacy for a united, integrated Africa.
He lamented the erosion of these values and the slow pace of regional integration.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Benard Odoh, described Zik as an implacable Pan-African whose political sagacity envisaged the development of nationalism and Pan-Africanism that birthed the unification of Africa into the United States of Africa.
Odoh noted that the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was not only a Nigerian who led the vanguard for Nigeria’s independence but would forever be remembered for his political philosophy known as Zikism, which centered on Africa, hence his appellation as ‘Zik of Africa.’
The Vice-Chancellor lauded High Chief Senator Ben Ndi Obi for endowing the Zik Lecture Series in perpetuity and commended the Faculty of Social Sciences for sustaining the Lecture Series.
Delivering the 13th Lecture Series, the Guest Lecturer, Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, praised the philosophy and vision of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, stating that Africa of today would benefit greatly by working to realize the pan-African ideals of Zik.
Chambas identified political and economic integration of the continent, as envisioned by Zik, as Africa’s path to greatness.
He called for cooperation from all African nations towards the realization of the proposed Africa Free Trade Zone (FTZ) and a common currency for the region as a way of catalyzing development of the continent.
The event was attended by notable figures, including Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim; and Senator Ben Obi, benefactor of the university.
This annual lecture series is an initiative of High Chief Sen. Ben Ndi Obi, conveyed through the Faculty of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka ¹. Past notable guest lecturers have included H.E. J.J. Rawlings of Ghana, H.E. former President of Tanzania Benjamin Mkapa, and H.E. Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya .
