Udobodo Enugwu-Ukwu Na Umunri Bows Out

The news of the passing of the great Chief Charles Amilo (Udobodo Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri), former Commissioner for Information, Anambra State and Chairman, Enugwu-Ukwu Agriculture Commission, came to us all as a rude shock this new year-2022.

Udobodo was almost like an institution to many, having bestrode Enugwu-Ukwu, Anambra state, South East region, and national affairs for decades like a colossus. He was cerebral, and an outstanding ambassador of sustainable human development. He believed strongly in the Igbo dogma of ‘Biri ka’m mbiri’, – Live and let live.

Udobodo was a vibrant community leader and consummate politician. Though he was a staunch and loyal member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), but his political influence easily cut across all the major political parties in Nigeria where he built political alliances. Even in his retirement from active public service, Udobodo was a well sought-after public affairs analyst, and a seasoned communicator.

He never shied away from intervening strongly and weighing in with his views on critical and burning community, state, national and community issues. He was a regular guest on several radio and television programmes, especially on Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) platform, one of the parastatals he supervised during his service to Ndi Anambra in the Ministry of Information.

As Chairman of Enugwu-Ukwu Agriculture Commission, he led his team for several years to host the very successful annual Enugwu-Ukwu Agricultural Exhibition, attracting notable Enugwu-Ukwu and non- Enugwu-Ukwu personalities to the exhibition. The Commission also attracted cash and material gifts to Enugwu-Ukwu farmers who excelled in the various agricultural competitions organised during the exhibition. In doing this, the Commission helped to reposition agriculture in Enugwu-Ukwu community, as farmers began to look forward to the annual exhibition and competitions.

Udobodo was a selfless human being, and a strong believer in pursuing the common good. He encouraged the youths a lot, many to whom he was a role model.

We will miss this great patriot of Enugwu-Ukwu, his wise counsel, friendship, candour and ‘Ibobo’.

May Udobodo’s soul rest in peace, Amen.

Chief Uche Nworah, Ph.D
MD/CEO, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS)
Ezeudo Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri