Although born with silver spoon, the Price of Isuochi land, Hon. Ikedi Ezekwesiri, ranks among the few kids of the elite who through dint of hardwork, enterprise and resilience, rose to prominence.
He never allowed his royalty to get into his head but has diligently pursued his career and efficiently discharged his responsibilities at every point.
Born to the family of HRM, Eze Sir (Dr) G. I. Ezekwesiri ( OCHI 1 of ISUOCHI), and Ugoeze Chima B. Ezekwesiri, on July 10, 1964, Prince Ikedi began the journey of life.
Driven by determination, he attended both primary and secondary schools and acquired his First School Leaving Certificate, and Senior School Certificate respectively before proceeding to the prestigious Abia State University Uturu, where he bagged a Bachelor of Laws degree.
As a progressive Prince who has distinguished himself in the private sector, Prince Ikedi was in 2011, overwhelming voted to represent the good people of Umunneochi state constituency at the Abia State House of Assembly.
Having creditably discharged his duties, his mandate was renewed by the people for a second tenure in 2015 as the reward for a good work is more work.
At the House, he emerged as the Minority Leader and distinguished himself as a vibrant Opposition Leader.
Despite being in the opposition, Hon. Ikedi chaired committees of the House namely: Justice and Judiciary, Public Petitions, Housing, Solid Minerals Development, Anti Corruption.
He was also a member of the Appropriation Committee, and Public Accounts among many others.
As a lawmaker he gave good account of himself in the critical areas of his engagement as member of the House of Assembly – representation, oversight and law making.
As the custodian of the people’s trust and authority of representation, Hon. Ikedi impacted on the people and community in so many positive ways.
Below are some of the legacies Prince Ikedi will be remembered for as a lawmaker who represented the good people of Umunneochi state constituency at the Abia House of Assembly:
1 Nkwogu Isuochi Erosion Control
- Eke Isuochi-‘Achara — Ngodo Road.
- Orie Ngodo — Umudim Lomara Road
4 Ubahu Nneato —Aku Ihube Road
- Imo Onuaga Bridge — Nneato
- Ultra modern Computer Training Center Nneato Secondary School .
- Ultra Modern Computer Training Centre College of Immaculate
Conception Lokpaukwu (6&7 are from National Communication Commission).
- Prosecution of the Lokpanta -Ishiagu War to secure our . boundary with Ebonyi.
- Afor Umuelem Market Stalls
- Amorji Lekwesi Market Stalls
- NECO Centre @ Isuochi Secondary School.
- 137 one year scholarship into Federal Government Colleges for Umunneochi Students.
- 37 youths empowered with N300,000 and NS00,000 each from Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
- Employment for youths both for Local Government, State Government and Federal Government including lectureship employment in Federal University.
- 108 sewing machines, fridges, generators, barbing equipments, 13 motorcycles, and two cars for free driving school.
- Seven 2- bedroom houses for seven indigent families.
- One 3-bedroom house for the Methodist Church, Umudim.
- Different types of building materials to families in Umuelem.
- Massive relief materials for Umuaku people during their worst flooding disaster.
- Economic empowerment to Amuda Cooperatives by NEWMAP — over N30m (Anchor – Armstrong Egbo).
- Enlisting of Umuogele – Mbala Road gully erosion into the ecological fund database, waiting for activation.
- Annual visitation to hospitals and clinics, and support and payment of bills.
- Built 17 classroom blocks in various Primary Schools in Umunneochi.
- Supported 250 artisans and petty traders with N10,000 each to help their businesses.
- Sent 10 Umunneochi Youths to the Abia State skills acquisition program at the skills acquisition centre near CBN, Umuahia, and each got equipment to start their own trade as trained.
Prince Ikedi has also variously served as Special Adviser (SA) to the Governor of Abia State; member, Board of the Abia State Housing Corporation, among others.
Prince Ikedi is an embodiment of humility and hardwork with burning passion for the people. His impactful leadership qualities and general lifestyle have been a source of inspiration to many.
Asked how he feels as he clocks 60, the threshold of eldership, Prince Ikedi said:
“It feels great to be 60! I am deeply grateful to God for the life He has given me and the enormous benefits He has accorded. To the ever faithful and merciful God be all thanks and praise forever.
He added:”I just want to sing and praise my God for his numerous benefits and goodness to him. I’m not throwing any party but will be indoors praising God who has been so good to me. But for his mercies, I wouldn’t have been alive by now. I return all the glory to Him”.
Prince Ikedi is happily married with children, and has related well with people of various classes at different strata of society.
He lives a simple lifestyle and does not discriminate against the low but takes the lead in championing their cause.
The Prince of Isuochi has equally patriotically advanced the cause of Isuochi ancient kingdom in particular and Umunneochi in general.
Yes, the Prince has every reason to celebrate his 60th birthday with gratitude to God who has preserved him these 60 years, particularly for saving him from the bullets of the bandits that wanted to send him to early grave two years ago near Lomara Junction.
As he celebrates his 60th birthday on Wednesday, July 10, his new age will yet provide a new opportunity for greater impacts.
Happy birthday to the Prince!
