Leaders, professionals, academics, and former colleagues, amongst others, have described Senator Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo as a leader who deserves immortalization.

 

The people who eulogized the former Governor of the old Anambra State over the weekend during the two-hour Freedom Square live radio programme anchored by Hon. Uchenna Cyril Anioke on Solid100.9 FM Enugu said he is a man of the people even as he celebrated his 85th birthday.

 

In his remarks, the pioneer chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Enugu State, Dr/Barr. COC Egumgbe narrated how his life instantly changed after his first encounter with Senator Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo as a student union leader at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

 

According to him, “I first met Senator Jim Nwobodo in 1980 during my time as the president,student union, UNN. That encounter was the beginning of a life-changing mentorship because I saw a man of wisdom and vision who took pride in developing young minds and creating opportunities for them as future leaders. Then, he was known respectfully among his protégés as “Master.” Jim Nwobodo became a symbol of economic and political empowerment for many youths in the Southeast region. After graduation, he allowed me to serve at the Enugu Government House as a Youth Corper, a position that gave me the rare opportunity to manage student affairs at the Government House. During that period, I witnessed how Jim Nwobodo focused on building leaders and trying to help shape a generation of young men who would go on to become influential political figures. I can tell you that among those groomed by him include former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani, Senator Ayogu Eze, Sen Sam Egwu, late Ferdy Agu, Osita Okechukwu, Ambassador Ozonnia Ojielo, Dr Uchenna Cyril Anioke, and myself. We were handpicked, mentored, and positioned under Nwobodo’s guidance in what became a grooming ground for Nigeria’s political future.

 

Jim is someone who not only built physical structures but also invested in relationships. He never made important decisions without consulting his team. He frequently consulted others when allocating political positions. Even during intra-party negotiations, he was known to invite input from rivals or opposing factions. His style was different from leaders like Obafemi Awolowo who dictated to their followers. Jim listened, he consulted and he valued peace.

 

Dr. Egumgbe also recounted a political episode that vividly explained Jim’s resilience and grace under pressure, referencing a misunderstanding between Jim Nwobodo and the late Vice President Dr. Alex Ekwueme.

 

“The misunderstanding arose after Jim chose to speak Hausa at a political event, a move intended to bridge linguistic gaps, but one that was misinterpreted and politicized. Despite the fallout, Jim never spoke ill of Ekwueme. Although the rift lasted many years—so much so that Ekwueme did not involve Jim in his later presidential campaign—the relationship was eventually reconciled. That shows his mature handling of the issue, as it reflected his ability to prioritize peace over pride.”

 

Dr Egumgbe also appreciated Jim’s numerous contributions to infrastructural and educational development.

 

The construction of Nike Lake Hotel Resort and ultra-modern, ultra-high-frequency Enugu Television (ETV) during Jim’s tenure. Then, there were lots of significant efforts by Jim to empower students in old Anambra State, including the establishment of a student centre at the University of Nigeria Nsukka. He encouraged students to run for offices within their institutions, offering both moral and financial support to ensure they pursued leadership positions without fear of suppression.

 

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Ingrace Group, Dr Chinedu Onu, narrated how Senator Nwobodo also transformed his life as a young man in the early 80s during his reelection campaign.

 

“During the 1982 campaign for Jim’s reelection, I often prayed to be part of the governor’s convoy one day; a prayer that inspired me to study law and political science. Eventually, by age 30, I rose to become the Commissioner for Environment in Enugu State. That role brought me face-to-face with high-profile individuals such as a former federal Minister for Water Resources, Barr. Muktar Shagari. It was Jim’s early influence and political legacy that made such a path possible.

 

Dr. Chinedu Onu also stated that Jim’s legacy should not be measured by the length of his tenure, but by the impact he made.

 

Jim arrived in government well-prepared with a clear vision rooted in human capital and massive infrastructural development of what is today Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu states. Under his leadership, the Anambra State University of Technology ASUTECH was conceived and established. That institution has eventually evolved into three distinct universities: the Enugu State University of Science and Technology ESUT, Nnamdi Azikiwe University UNIZIK, and Ebonyi State University EBSU. These institutions of higher learning stand today as monuments to Jim’s commitment and unshakeable belief in education as a tool for economic empowerment and societal transformation. Jim is a man who used sports as a vehicle for national unity. In the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War, he played a pivotal role in the sustainability of the Rangers International Football Club of Enugu and used it as a veritable vehicle for reintegrating the Igbos or Biafran youth into the national mainstream. The club benefitted so much from his funding and philanthropy to quickly become a source of pride and unity for the Southeasterners. His approach to leadership was grounded in meritocracy, not tribal, regional, or parochial sentiments. He strongly believed in capacity, not where one comes from and this ethos helped break down ethnic barriers and promote inclusiveness.

 

He also discussed some of the challenges Jim faced during his political journey.

 

“During one of Jim’s election contests, his popularity became a major source of worry as it attracted political jobbers and enemies who, out of desperation and pedantic reasons, rigged the 1983 Anambra State Governorship election results. It was open rigging—just to stop him from winning. That’s how powerful his popularity was. Yet, despite the political sabotage, he never resorted to bitterness or violence. Instead, he maintained his composure, emerging from the political storm with his dignity intact.”

 

In his own eulogy, Dr Maxwell Ngene, a veteran broadcaster and close relative of Jim Nwobodo, described Jim as a glamorous, noble, and highly articulate man who possessed a rare ability to navigate even the toughest challenges.

 

“He’s the kind of man who never believes a problem cannot be solved. Senator Nwobodo’s transformative impact on the broadcasting sector is exemplified by his visionary establishment of Anambra Television Channel 50. At the time, this bold initiative brought a much-needed regional television presence to Enugu, complementing the federal government-owned NTA Channel 8. Today, this pioneering effort has evolved into the Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS).

 

His leadership set high standards for ESBS, drawing top talent from the media industry. Personally, I owe a debt of gratitude to Senator Nwobodo, as his unique blend of charisma and intellect helped shape my own journalism career, earning him a reputation as both a regional icon and national figure.

 

Dr Ngene also praised Jim Nwobodo’s popularity during Nigeria’s military era which he said saw him appointed as the Minister of Youth and Sports.

 

“The appointment was a recognition of his appeal among the youth and his unique ability to unify people through sport. As minister, Jim successfully hosted the National Sports Festival, further cementing his role in fostering national unity. His influence helped dispel negative stereotypes about the people of Nkanu and southeastern Nigeria more broadly; that alone made people across the country start seeing Nkanu as respected Nigerians, not as local tribesmen.

 

Also speaking, the anchor of the radio show, Dr Uchenna Cyril Anioke, narrated how Jim made him who he is and also recalled a moment that captured Jim Nwobodo’s spirit of forgiveness.

 

“Even when individuals went against his wishes, Jim would let them be, choosing not to punish or ostracize them. He forgave people. He always moved forward without grudges. As a young person, our personal relationship with him was so close that he often wouldn’t eat without Egumgbe by his side—a clear show of the brotherly bond we all shared.”

 

Indeed, the eulogies from these men during the Freedom Square radio program made it clear that Jim Nwobodo’s legacy transcends politics but resides in the lives he touched, the institutions he built, and the values he upheld; which range from education to youth development, media to sports, politics to personal mentorship as his influence remains profound and far-reaching.

 

As Nigeria reflects on his 85 years, Jim Nwobodo is not merely celebrated for what he did but for what he inspired. A living legend, a man of peace, and a builder of men and institutions, Jim’s legacy continues to shine brightly across generations.