—– Says his father’s admonition “ be contented with what you have,” shaped his life and service as he never derailed from such virtue.
The renowned public servant and labour activist Anthony Okeke Udeh, popularly known as Dikeejiejemba 1 of Ihe ( Dike Na IHE ) for short, in an emotional and inspiring life story, made this known while featuring on “The Eagle,” a flagship personality programme on Freedom Square TV, anchored by Uchenna Cyril Anioke.
The interview, held on Thursday, February 12th, 2026, at his residence in Ihe community, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, highlighted the remarkable journey of a man who rose from humble rural beginnings to the peak of public service as a Permanent Secretary and currently serves as Chairman of the Joint Account Allocation Committee( JAAC) in the state.
Comrade Udeh revealed that his chieftaincy title was conferred on him by Igwe Ambassador G.N.Ekoh now late , in recognition of his service and contributions to community development.
Born on November 22, 1961, in Umuonyia village Ihe. Comrade Udeh lost his mother barely two years after birth, a loss that shaped his early life. He recounted how the village community collectively nurtured him, describing his upbringing as true “community parenting,” where every adult saw it as a duty to care for a child. “I never lacked motherly love because many women raised me,” he said, singling out Madam Margret Mgborie Nwafor Onuoha his father’s half-brother’s wife who became his second mother until her death at the age of 115 in 2025.
He fondly remembered village life — swimming in streams and ponds, hunting lizards and frogs, and using traditional green leaves and APC, a common drug tablet then in treating common illnesses. He spoke of age-grade cooperation known as Ohu olu and communal farming systems similar to Isusu, which fostered unity and hard work.
His father, a chief priest of Aniihe before his death in 2002, deeply influenced his values. “He taught me contentment and integrity. I never lobbied for any position in my life,” Udeh said proudly.
After completing primary education shortly after the Nigerian Civil War, he briefly lived in Onitsha with an uncle before returning home to attend Saint Patrick’s Secondary School Emene, graduating in 1981.
He recalled the discipline of post-war schools, fierce football rivalries, and the encouragement of dedicated teachers, including a Ghanaian English teacher Andrew Kwesi Teye and a history teacher, the late Mr Chukwuogo who constantly reminded students that their futures were in their own hands.
Although he initially dreamed of studying abroad and even secured admissions in the United States and Canada, fate led him into the civil service of the former Anambra State as a clerical officer.
While working, he gained university admission and was granted a rare paid study leave with pay, a privilege he described as life-changing. “For four years in the university, I lacked nothing. I even supported fellow students,” he said.
After national service in Nko community , Ugep Local Government Area Council of Cross River State, Udeh devoted himself fully to public service, rising steadily through merit and dedication until his appointment as Permanent Secretary. Under the administration of His Excellency Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, he was later appointed as the Chairman of the Joint Account Allocation Committee( JAAC), Enugu State.
Reflecting on his days as a labour leader during military rule, he recalled the struggles of workers in old Enugu State made up of new Enugu State and some parts of current Ebonyi state, particularly in 1994 during the Abacha era. “We fought to improve workers’ welfare under very harsh conditions. It was not easy, but it was necessary,” he said.
Comrade Anthony Okeke Udeh’s story, from a village boy raised by a community to a respected state leader stands as a powerful testimony to resilience, discipline, and the enduring impact of integrity in public life.