Madumere Tours God’s Own Country

It was all encomiums, ovations, accolades and awards galore. We went, we saw, we were pleased. It was a story of our trip to the land flowing with milk and honey, God's own countrythe last bus stop of the world. The part is Houston, Texas in particular. The purpose? To follow the best performing Deputy Governor East of the Niger to the diaspora to support Mbieri University project and for a few political talks about the state of Imo. While there, lo and behold, it was the D.Gov's birthday knocking at the door.

We saw Mbieri people rise to the occasion. They accorded this great son of theirs a befitting welcome and when he turned fifty while in their midst a rousing birthday celebration. Mbaike was not left out in the great completion to welcome their beloved son. The competition was keen but healthy, very healthy. It was a competition as to who would host the prince next. One by one they all did take their turns and hosted, peacefully, joyously and gleefully. We , in the Deputy Governor's entourage observed closely. Yes, we were with the man for support. Nine or ten in number. A Commissioner, a few aids and allies. Old time Houston friends and well wishers even the Deputy's professor joined the crowd of celebrators.

At the launching ceremony of the proposed Mbieri University Eze Madumere received a celebrity welcome. Mbieri people in Diaspora, some coming to Houston from as far as California and other distant places to welcome their ebullient son and celebrate with him. He was ushered into the launching hall like the prince that he is; treated with optimum respect and dignity and showed love as their beloved son in whom they were well-pleased.

As the guest speaker, the Deputy Governor spoke in dual capacities the son of Mbieri as well as their Deputy Governor. He methodically and thoroughly delivered the state of the state of Imo address wherein he showcased the unparalleled performance of Imo state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha in Imo State in the last three years. It was a laundry list of massive road construction connecting several cities, villages and even hamlets. It was an unprecedented account of educational development, healthcare provision, industrial reform, agricultural transformation, infrastructural enhancement, economic emancipation and social progress. It was a tale of poverty alleviation, freedom of thought and of the mind, liberation of the citizens from the chain of fear and insecurity etc, etc.

This well-articulated and delivered speech was not just the ordinary speech, it was a powerful messagea message from Imo state coming directly from the horse's mouthit was a message of concrete, observable and people-oriented projects, of peace and progress and above all, it was a message of hope, hope of a great future for Imo people. As the D. Gov spoke, hell was let loose with loud and standing ovations that punctuated it at irregular intervals. His captivated audience from time to time broke their avid attention to cheer and sieve a sigh of joy, of nostalgia, and of progress back home, the motherland.

The Deputy then talked about the launching of Mbieri University and held an in-house consulting on the University issue before retiring for the afternoon event. Then the Mbaike event in honor of their son, their rare gem came up in the night after the afternoon events. This was to celebrate a great son. Like in the afternoon event the ovation that punctuated the Deputy Governor's appearance and address was deafening. It was followed closely with an award for good stewardship, astute leadership and loyalty. This award was contemplated by the people of Mbaike as far back as when he was the Chief of staff. They have not had the opportunity to present to whim who the cap fits until today, in this glamorous occasion.

According to Mbaike people it was Eze Madumere who turned the office of the chief of staff into the power house of the present Imo state administration. They stated that under him, the office of the chief of staff became the essential clearing house for the government House. The office was transformed into an indispensable unit of the government operations. The people of Mbaike disclosed that the award they were giving him in this occasion was for his performance as the chief of staff. They revealed that they prepared it then but did not have the opportunity to present it personally to him.

Invitation from all walks of life for the Deputy to visit them came in their numbers. He did honor most of the invitations but tried without success to attend all. Of course, no one could honor all these invitations. One major feature that cut across all the events and occasions need be mentioned here before the conclusion of this report. As we moved from one occasion to the other testimonies and witnesses of this great man's humility, respect, dignity and decorum trailed his path.

As we gathered, many of the people present testified that Prince Madumere is level headed, cool and comfortable in his own skin. They called him unassuming and kind, they said he is loyal to a fault. Friends, relations, and onlookers alike testified that he is a philanthropist of the first class caliber, they identified the numerous citizens of Mbieri, of Mbaike and of Imo state that he has helped in one way or another. That he has touched the lives of many and changed them positively for good was a common feature in the testimonies. As we marched all over Houston with this man of the future, all seemed to be in agreement in testifying and asking: 'what manner of a man is this' To all the encomiums and ovations bestowed upon him Prince Ezeakonobi Madumere remained himself and just smiled and moved on in his businesslike manner without manifesting a bloated head.

For all of us who went with him it was a wholesome and awesome experience. When we left the shores of Nigeria with the Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere we were not sure what to see or what to confront in this foreign land, as is natural with human beings. But upon arrival in America we found ourselves following a Deputy Governor with a difference. We were following a man of royalty and the celebrity of his people. As for us, his entourage, we could not help basking in the warmth, grace and dignity of it all. What a trip! And to the people we left behind while returning to Nigeria our fatherland may I say, what's up America?

REPORTED BY:
Dr. IFEANYI EKENASI
A PUBLIC AFFAIRS ANALYST
AND ADVISER TO THE D.GOV. ON PUBLIC AFFAIRS.