The Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah has described His Royal Majesty, Igwe Prof. Christian Nwachukwu Okeke, as a living legacy and a rare asset to Enugu State.
Speaking through the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, at the Peter Mbah Law Auditorium of Godfrey Okoye University, Thinkers Corner, Enugu, the governor commended the Pro-Chancellor’s vast contributions to academia and the global legal community. He described the celebrant as an effortless mentor who embodies strength, kindness, and humility while shaping generations of legal minds.
The Catholic Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev. Dr. Callistus Onaga, eulogised Igwe Prof. Okeke for remaining faithful to his divine calling and steadfast in his support for the university, offering prayers for his continued health, longevity, and grace.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Emeritus Professor Bartho Okolo, highlighted their lifelong friendship and celebrated Igwe Prof. Okeke’s exceptional humility, noting that the sheer volume of contributors to the Festschrift reflects the countless lives he has touched.
The Vice-Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, observed that the high-profile gathering was a clear testament to the celebrant’s profound academic, traditional, and social footprint, describing him as a scholar whose enduring legacy is written in the sands of time.
Representing the editorial team of Renaissance Law Publications Limited, Editor-in-Chief Prof. Gab Agu described the celebrant as a pillar of legal education whose honorific publication represents the past, present, and future of the legal firmament. Book reviewer Prof. Sam Nwatu, a mentee of the celebrant, noted that the third Festschrift on International and Comparative Law serves as an intellectual gift from former students, celebrating over five decades of transformative teaching, mentorship, and service to humanity.
Responding on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Barrister Ifeanyi Okoli expressed profound appreciation to Governor Mbah, the management of Godfrey Okoye University, sister institutions, and international dignitaries for their goodwill and support.
The historic event featured the official unveiling and launching of the third Festschrift, with Tenece Holdings CEO Dr. Kingsley Eze launching the publication with a ten million naira donation, followed by generous contributions from the judiciary, academia, and traditional institutions.
The grand celebration concluded with a royal dance led by the celebrant alongside fellow traditional rulers and the ceremonial cutting of the 85th anniversary cake.
