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From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) Dr Chidia Maduekwe on Sunday, October 15, clocked the golden age of 70.
Chidia who hails from Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State and holds the revered Traditional title of “Ishinka Ohafia” was celebrated by his colleagues, family, associates, friends and all other well-wishers within and across the country.
President Bola Tinubu in a congratulatory message hailed the Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Dr Chidia Maduekwe (Ishinka Ohafia), on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
President Tinubu’s congratulatory message was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Sunday.
The President described the former legislator, who served in the House of Representatives in the Third Republic, as a distinguished public servant and a passionate advocate of the Nigerian film industry.
He said: “I celebrate Dr Chidia Maduekwe on his 70th birthday. He is a man of many achievements who has devoted over thirty-five years of his life to the service of our nation in various capacities.
“On this auspicious occasion, I pray that God Almighty grant him long life, good health, and more wisdom to continue to serve our nation.”
In a statement celebrating the NFC described Chidia as a “focused” and “determined” technocrat.
The goodwill message which was signed by NFC’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr Brian Etuk lauded the innovations championed by Chidia which has positively impacted the efficiency of the Agency and Nigeria’s Film Industry.
It read;
“Through personal efforts, and with the assistance of those who share his vision of bequeathing to the present and future generations, a nation where peace, justice, freedom and progress shall reign, he has consistently stood tall in all his endeavours, whether as an appointee or in elected positions, numerous of them.
“Within the past Six (6) years, Dr Maduekwe has initiated several reforms aimed at promoting film production activities in Nigeria through the Nigerian Film Corporation. We wish him a Happy Birthday and a wonderful celebration”, the statement ended.
Similarly prominent Secretary of the Abuja branch of the Ohafia Improvement Union (OIU), Mr. Lopez Okwara Mba Awa lauded the former House of Representatives Member for his “restless creative ingenuity”.
In an article titled “Dr. Chidia Maduekwe( ISHINKA OHAFIA) : The Restless Creative at 70”, Lopez a postgraduate of the University of Jos chronicled the life and achievements of Chidia in Politics, Business and Public office.
It reads partly:
“The Ancient Ohafia Kingdom conferred on him the chieftaincy title of Ishinka Ohafia meaning the Creative Colossus. Subsequently, the Asaga Ohafia community recently made him the Chief Sheriff of the Community as their EZE AKPAN.
“What else can be said of a man whose dexterity is selfless and to the appreciable knitting of his society to national and international comfort?
“His focus in the NFC has been to lead an agency which is proactive in its decisions, actions, and performances in delivering on its projects.
“He set out key policy and strategic approaches to enable the Nigerian people and the world at large to benefit immeasurably from the services of the NFC.
“Through him, the NFC sought collaboration with professionals in the industry, stakeholders, relevant government agencies and investors, with a view to synergising appropriately and creating the needed impetus to propel the industry into higher orbit.”
Lopez also offered prayers for Chidia.
Born in 1953 Dr Chidia Maduekwe also known as “Good Governance” studied Medicine at the Medical College Ibadan.
Upon graduation from the Medical College and Passing out from Youth Service, Kesandu Rural Mobile Medical ( KRUMM) Scheme. This was a rural healthcare scheme that provided, in mobile capacity, the primary healthcare needs of the people of Ohafia, Akwa Ibom and some parts of Cross River states close to the then Imo State.
Dr. Maduekwe has held several public and administrative positions in the country. He was elected Member, Federal House of Representatives in the aborted Third Republic where he served as Chairman, House Committee on Defense (1992-1993). He was the National Chairman, Amalgamation of Nigerian Youths Association (1995-1996); Special Assistant (Youth Development) to the Honourable Minister of Youth & Sports (1995). In 1995, he was appointed by the then military Head of State, late General Sani Abacha as a Federal Commissioner, Federal Character Commission, where he served until 2001. Thereafter, he became a Senior Management Staff of the Petroleum Equalization Fund between 2001 and 2010.
Dr. Chidia Maduekwe is the Managing Director/Chief Executive (First Appointed 2017 and re-appointed in 2021) of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC).
He is currently a Board Member of the National Institute for Policy & Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, and happily married with children and grandchildren
