The Amaechi Hall of Rockview Hotel, Owerri, was filled to capacity on Sunday, 30th November 2025, as friends, associates, and dignitaries from various walks of life gathered for the official unveiling of the Ezinwanne Leadership Foundation established by Hon. Chief Barr. COC Akaolisa, kSJI.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of a Leadership Award to the Executive Governor of Imo State, Dist. Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, GSSRS.
Governor Uzodimma was represented by his Deputy, Her Excellency Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, PhD, accompanied by her husband, Chief Chukwuma Ekomaru, SAN.
In her address, the deputy governor conveyed the governor’s appreciation to Chief Akaolisa’s network of friends and partners for the honour. She commended the keynote lecturer, Professor O.C. Eboh, describing his presentation on the achievements of the Uzodimma-led administration as excellent, and amazing.
Responding to the professor’s suggestion that Governor Uzodimma could be the reincarnation of the late Dee Sam Mbakwe, Mrs. Ekomaru reflected on her personal connection—her late father served as ADC to Mbakwe. Though she noted she does not subscribe heavily to reincarnation beliefs, she appreciated the symbolism of leadership continuity, saying she has “returned, not as an ADC, but as deputy governor” to Uzodimma.
She acknowledged the challenging circumstances the governor met on assumption of office—damages, insecurity, COVID-19, and the ENSARS crisis—but emphasized that preparation, diligence, and resilience enabled him to overcome the hurdles. According to her, Imo State has now entered a progressive rebuilding phase, one she described as “approaching auto-pilot” and increasingly admired by outsiders.
The deputy governor praised the Ezinwanne phenomenon as a testament to loyalty, sacrifice, and genuine friendship—values she said were evident among Akaolisa and the governor’s close associates. She lauded Akaolisa’s perceptive abilities, describing him as a man with the gift of discernment who has remained steadfast in championing Governor Uzodimma’s leadership vision.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Marcelinus Nlemigbo, extolled Akaolisa as a loyal and strategic partner to the governor and those around him. He highlighted Akaolisa’s work ethic—often staying awake past 2 a.m. to plan—as a reason for the progress associated with him.
Nlemigbo applauded the governor for surrounding himself with vibrant young minds such as Akaolisa, describing the latter as a “great thinker,” “fighter,” and a man of ideas who consistently pursues results.
In his welcome address, Chief Sir COC Akaolisa, KSJI, explained the theme of the event, “The Dream That Lived.”
He recounted that the Ezinwanne Foundation began in 1990 as a support network for widows in Orsu LGA. Over the years, its mission evolved from humanitarian assistance to leadership development, transforming into the Ezinwanne Leadership Foundation—a platform aimed at promoting good governance in Imo State, the South East, and Nigeria.
Akaolisa stated that the foundation will, provide mentorship for councillors, chairmen, and legislators, bring together scholars and experts to educate emerging leaders, build coalitions that rise above primordial interests, and promote sustainable development through credible leadership
He also clarified misconceptions about his relationship with Governor Uzodimma, describing it as a father–son bond, and reaffirmed his loyalty to the governor’s visionary leadership. Dignitaries who graced the occasion are; Hon. Deacon Chike Okafor, Member representing Okigwe South federal Constituency, Secretary to the State government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, Chief of Staff government House, Barr. Sir Nnamdi Anyahie, former State Chairman of the APC, Chief Marcelinus Nlemigbo, State Chairman of APC, Hon. Sir Ebere Macdonald, PhD, His Worship Justice Peter Okorie, President, Imo State customary court of Appeal, the Vice Chancellor of K.O Mbadiwe University, Prof. O.C Eboh, Chief Raph Nwosu, Hon. Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Chief Mrs Rubby Emele, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs, Hon. Barr Enyinnaya Onuegbu, Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Physical among many others.
Report By Fredrick Njoku