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It could be said that the former Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly and ex-president, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), African Region, Dr. Acho Ihim, is a man in whom many are well pleased. A man of the people, he has a big heart.
Since the announcement of his appointment as chairman of the board of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana -Afikpo, Ebonyi State, was made, many have been celebrating, saying that he will add value to the affairs of the institution. Perhaps, it couldn’t have been otherwise.
Take this from Prince Eddie Uneke: “The appointment of Dr. Acho Ihim as chairman of the board, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, is well-thought-out because he is an educationist par excellence. For many years, he operated one of the best group of schools in the South East.
“With such a background and his vast wealth of experience in various spheres, it is easy to believe that he will excel. Over the years, he has established himself as a man with the Midas touch. Anything he touches turns to gold.
“So, it is expected that Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic will prosper under his leadership. He will change the face of the institution positively. He will impact positively on the institution. There is no doubt about it.”
For Dr. Jude Umuahi, the appointment is well deserved. He said: “News of the appointment of Dr. Acho Ihim, as chairman of the board, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Uwana, Afikpo, Ebonyi State, gladdened my heart. I commend him for this meritorious appointment, and the appointor, the federal government, for the deserved appointment.
“His appointment is an eloquent testimony of his uncommon contributions to academia. He has moulded and nurtured young minds, who metamorphosed to eggheads and cerebral scholars, through his Busy Brain Academy in the 1990s.
“Acho’s devotion and commitment towards educational enhancement of others is also instrumental to his attainment and acquisition of doctoral certificate, despite his very busy schedule as public officer. This outstanding recognition by the federal government is also a testification to his very exceptional academic cum leadership milestone.
“It also lends credence to his unwavering dedication, astuteness and intractable passion for excellence. This appointment is just a step to series of accolades that will come his way, having laid solid foundation for good harvests for humanity, academically.
“As he steps into his familiar terrain (the academic community), my prayer is that God will use him to rewrite the history and hitherto fallen standard of education and create an enabling environment that is geared towards greater posterity. While congratulating him, may God in His infinity mercy grant him the vision and mission to bring about unmatchable growth and development in our academic milieu.”
Ihim was born in Umuonyeneri village of Umualumoke, in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, to the family of Rev. Cyprain A. and Evang. Bessy Ihim.
Education promotion became his preoccupation until he veered into politics in 2002 following his appointment as the chairman, Transition Committee, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
He was later elected executive chairman, Okigwe LGA, in 2004, during which he embarked on massive school reconstructions in the area. He also built bridges to facilitate smooth movements and conveyance of agricultural produce in and out of the LGA.
Onwa of Okigwe, as he fondly called, further constructed health centres to boast healthy living, made donations to many individuals and homes and created different empowerment-driven committees that endeared him to Okigwe peoples. He became a metaphor for financial liberalization and his name enveloped the lips of Ndi-Okigwe, the atmosphere under his reign was simply jubilant and enjoyable.
No wonder, in 2005, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), set up a National Merit Award Committee to assess performances of chairmen of local governments in Nigeria. The committee turned in a report with Acho Ihim as “the best local government chairman in Nigeria.”
In the same vein, in 2006, the Senate Committee on Local Governments and States in Nigeria, revalidated this feat, declaring Ihim: “The accomplished and most outstanding executive chairman in Nigeria.” These high profile awards spurred him to seek re-election for same position but was discouraged due to the prevalent zoning political culture in Okigwe Local Government Area.
Nevertheless, Okigwe people are known for their deep consideration. This they demonstrated in 2011 when they compensated Ihim with a resounding victory in the House of Assembly election. In that 7th House, he became the deputy majority leader and chairman, House Committee on Information, Due Process and Inter-parliamentary Affairs. The 2015 general election was a turning point in Ihim’s political career as he became the first Okigwe man to be re-elected into the same position, without rancour.
In furtherance of Ihim’s public confidence, his colleagues in the 7th House, at the twilight of their tenure, passed what looked like a vote of overwhelming confidence on Ihim, when they unanimously resolved to recall the ranking rule of the House, ostensibly to favour his emergence as Speaker of the 8th House.
When Ihim made history to become the first Nigerian to be elected as the President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (African Region), a grand reception was held for him in Owerri, capital of Imo State. A galaxy of top personalities and politicians from across the country, including host Owelle Rochas Okorocha, former Senate President, Sen Ken Nnamani, Gov Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Gov Aminu Masari of Katsina State, Gov Abubakar Sanni Bello of Niger State and Dep Gov Eze Madumere, among others.
