The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) has felicitated His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, CFR, mni, the Obi of Onitsha, as he marks his 85th birthday.
In a statement issued on Thursday, AANI described the monarch as “a towering symbol of wisdom, statesmanship, cultural pride, and transformational leadership.”
The tribute was issued by AANI President, Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, mni, on behalf of the National Executive Committee and members of the association.
The statement was signed by Engr Ifeanyi Jude Ngama, mni, National Publicity Secretary of AANI.
The association noted that Igwe Achebe was a member of the maiden Senior Executive Course (SEC 1) at the National Institute in 1979, a pioneering set that laid the foundation for strategic leadership and policy discourse in Nigeria.
AANI also highlighted the monarch’s distinguished career with Shell Petroleum Development Company and Shell International, London, where he rose to become Senior Corporate Adviser and earned international recognition for his intellect, diplomacy, and strategic insight.
Since ascending the throne as the 21st Obi of Onitsha, the association said, Igwe Achebe has remained a custodian of culture and tradition while championing education, peace, national unity, youth development, and responsible leadership.
“AANI celebrates not only a royal father of global repute, but also a mentor, bridge-builder, patriot, and elder statesman whose influence transcends generations and borders,” the statement read.
The association described his 85 years as “a remarkable legacy of integrity, excellence, service, and humanity,” and prayed for continued good health, peace, and wisdom for the monarch.
