Professor Anya Oko Anya who recently joined the octogenarian club would be hosted to a high profile dinner by a group of his young friends led by Mr Udeme Ufot.
According to Ufot, the dinner is being held in celebration of an exceptional leader of virtue who has relentlessly served the country. The event which is scheduled to hold on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at the Intercontinental Hotel is expected to attract former Heads of State, including Former President General Ibrahim Babangida, Deputy Senate President Senator Ike Ekweremadu, present and past governors, Senators, Representatives of the House of Assembly, Diplomats, Captains of industry, members of the Ndigbo community in Lagos, Committee of Abiriba youths of Abia state amongst other eminent guests.
Professor Anya’s career odyssey in the academic environment was enthralling having spent 37 years in the Ivory Tower; before he retired in 2002. At the University of Nigeria, he carved a niche for himself as he left indelible landmarks in the citadel. Among other positions and appointments, he is famous for the School of Postgraduate Studies which he founded and became its first Director and Chief Executive. Prof Anya often dubbed as the Professor of Professors, occupied strategic positions in the affairs of Nigeria including being the First Director General of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.
Professor Anya’s antecedents lends credence to his belief that it takes strong personalities to nurture strong institutions. From academics to the corporate world where he is a redoubtable boardroom colossus, Professor Anya has demonstrated to be an irrepressible alchemist who’s Midas touch has transformed many fledgling outfits to blue chip organizations. Prominent in the roll call of organizations that are beneficiaries of his entrepreneurial acuity include Diamond Bank, where he was founding director for 15 years, Citizens Bank and Technology Distribution Ltd, the conglomerate that gave birth to Zinox Computers and Yudala, amongst others, where he has been Chairman for over ten years. He is also presently the Chairman of Nestoil, a leading player in the Energy sector.
The event would also feature the launch of a two volume book titled “Times, Thoughts and Ideas” which explores the interdisciplinary mind of Professor Anya O Anya. The book is said to dwell passionately on how history, socio-cultural, socio-political and socio-economic tendencies overlap as well as complement each other in its existence within the competing blocks in Nigeria. It also presents a fresh perspective to what it means to be a Nigerian, within a country full of contradictions as such strongly calls for the reinvention of our society.
Former President of Nigeria, General Yakubu Gowon is expected to be the Chairman of the event whilst Professor Chidi Odinkalu, renowned lawyer and advocate will be the book reviewer.
