Former Governor of Anambra State, Senator and immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chis Nwabueze Ngige is 71 today.
Born in 1952, Ngige studied medicine at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka graduating in 1979.
A glorius career in the federal civil service saw him serving in the National Assembly, State House, Federal Ministry of Health and several other high profile and sensitive postings and voluntarily retiring in 1998 as a Deputy Director.
Ngige was elected Governor of Anambra State in 2003, an election that changed the development narrative of the state and “liberated” the people of Anambra State from the apron strings of political godfatherism.
Ngige is continually celebrated as the engineer of a new Anambra State, for initiating true infrastructural development and introducing practical democratic dividends in a perpetually exploited and pillaged Anambra State.
Twenty years after he left office as governor, his enduring projects especially the famous “Ngige Roads” are still standing testimonies to his legacy of innovation, good governance and transformational leadership.
A round peg in a round hole, Ngige has also left indelible foot prints in the National Assembly and particularly in the Labour Ministry.
For Eight years, Ngige risked his reputation garnered over the years to manage the often combustive Government/Labour relations for the Buhari administration.
Though his fingers were regularly burnt, it’s instructive that less than two months after leaving office Labour leaders who were his greatest critics are already openly insinuating that his sagacity and deep knowledge in managing Labour disputes are already being missed.
A true Igbo leader, Senator Ngige has not only provided leadership for his local Alor Community but has led the influencial Igbo socio-cultural groups Aka Ikenga and Mkpoko Igbo and played a prominent role in Ohanaeze Council of Elders.
As Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige (CON) marks his 71st birthday today, Signature Television joins his family, associates and admirers around the world in wishing him a Happy Birthday.