*As Chief Mendu Celebrates 70 years
By Alphonsus Nweze
The traditional ruler of Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Alex Onyido, has thrown his weight behind the aspiration of Presidential candidate of Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi.
Fielding questions from newsmen at the country home of Chief Sam Mendu, Onwa Ogidi during his 70th birthday, Igwe Onyido said if Nigerians want equity, justice and fairness, the South East geo-political zone should be allowed to produce the next President of Nigeria.
He called on the Ndigbo both at home and in diaspora to throw their weight behind the ambition of Obi to become Nigeria President, so that he can win.
The traditional ruler was optimistic that if Ndigbo give Obi their support, he will win the presidency.
Igwe Onyido who is a Pharmacist by profession lauded the sterling qualities of Chief Mendu, who he said is one of his greatest supporters in Ogidi.
“He is a man of the people. He is supposed to be the traditional ruler of Ogidi but God makes king. I see him as a mentor. He is a good person. He has a large heart,” said the traditional ruler.
He said that it is not easy to attain 70 years of age and still going strong.
“My prayer is that he gets to 80, 100 and even 120 years.”
Igwe Onyido revealed the secret of longevity, which he said is the fear of God.
“You should do things with the fear of God. You should live as if the world is not our place,” he admonished.
On Chief Mendu’s part, he expressed his gratitude to God for the blessings of keeping him till the age of 70 years as well as blessed him with seven children and 12 grand children.
“All my seven children are graduates with my first daughter getting First Class in Computer Science.”
He however revealed that longevity runs in his family from both his father and mother’s sides.
“My father and mother lived over 100 years, while my elder brother was over 96 years.”
Chief Mendu who is the chairman of Board of Trustees (BoT) of Ogbaru Main Market stressed the need for discipline in order to live long.
He confessed that at a time, he was reckless but had to later change his lifestyle.
His advise to the younger generation is to fear God as well as emulate the life of discipline.
“They should emulate the older generation. They should live life of discipline and fear of God. They should also remember to care and respect their parents in old age,” he concluded.
