By Moses Akaigwe
The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Dr. George Nnadubem Moghalu, has been described as a hard-working and God-fearing Nigerian whose highly principled personality in both public and private endeavours, is worthy of emulation.
This was contained in a congratulatory message by a group from his hometown, the Nnewi Young Professionals (NYP), as he marked his 60th birthday, on Saturday, December 10.
Signed by the NYP President, Johnson Okoye, the statement said Dr. Moghalu is a refined politician, an exemplary personality and a firm believer that power comes only from God who gives it to whomever he chooses and at his own time.
Okoye said, “His birthday to us is a reminder of his impact on so many lives here in Nnewi and across the nation. His life depicts the fact that one’s life can only be said to be worthwhile when it is lived for the sake of others,
“The sacrifices Ohamadike Nnewi has made towards ensuring a better society can never be overemphasized. He has always carried himself with uncommon patriotism and always ready to reach out to people no matter their background.”
Okoye also stated that Chief Moghalu is an achiever, pointing out that in less than four years, he has left many footprints in the discharge if his mandate as the MD of NIWA.
Among such achievements, according to the Nnewi Young Professionals, are making the Onitsha River Port functional, and ensuring that the nation’s waterways are safe and navigable
“Chief Moghalu who hails from Uruagu Nnewi in Anambra state was born on December 10, 1962 at Aba, Abia state. He attended Sancta Maria Primary School, Aba and Ngwa High School Abayi, Aba for secondary education. He went further for his tertiary education at Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu and a Doctor of Philosophy from Freedom University and Theological Seminary, Africa, Posts Town, PA, USA.
“He is a Fellow of Institute of Sales Executives (FISE), Registered Practitioner of Advertising (rpa), Member, Nigeria Institute of Management (MNIM), Fellow, Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria (FICA), Member, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (MNIPR), Fellow, Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (FIPM) and Fellow, African Business School (FABS).
“He was first elected Publicity Secretary, National Republican Convention (NRC), Imo State Branch; Member Imo state National Republican Convention (NRC) Disciplinary and Conflict Resolution Committee; Member Board of Trustees, All Nigeria Peoples Party, (ANPP); Member National Caucus of ANPP; Member Steering committee of West African Political Parties Conference (WAPP); National Vice Chairman, Southeast of ANPP, Member/Secretary of ANPP Merger Committee; Member of APC central Merger Committee, First elected National Auditor of APC; and Member, National Caucus of APC.
” He has empowered countless number of youths, women groups, payment of tuition/school fees through scholarship, building of houses for the poor and widows, settlement/payment of hospital bills, distribution of food items during festive season and many others of his philanthropic gestures through his “ZIM UZO” foundation which has been a source of joy and laughter to the afflicted and troubled .”
In a related development, the NIWA Managing Director was at the weekend awarded an honorary doctorate degree in Public Administration by Gregory University, Uturu, Abia state.
At the special occasion which was held on Saturday at the University auditorium, the Chancellor, Prof. Gregory Ibe, extolled Chief Moghalu’s contributions towards uplifting education, his sterling record in public service and humanitarian qualities which have stood him out for the honorary degree award.
In his remarks, Chief Moghalu expressed gratitude to the authorities of the university for the honour, while commending the institution for their curriculum which has positively impacted the society.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the investiture of Dr. George Moghalu, including the donning of academic regalia along with the presentation of certificate of the Doctorate Degree in Public Administration (honoris causa).