A former Secretary to the government of Ebonyi state under the leadership of Governor David Nweze Umahi —Professor Benard I. Odoh has commemorated five decades of life in what he called “a summit of understanding”.
Prof Odoh themed his birthday “A Decade of Fire and Conviction” highlighting that turning 50 to him is a ‘Tapestry of Fire, Grace, and Enduring Purpose’.
The ex Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka who served the prestigious institution for 22 days, in a statement on his birthday on the 5th of August, noted that the day is more than a birthday but a testament.
He described it as “A testament to the furnace of trials that shaped me, the unshakable convictions that anchored me, and the immeasurable love that sustained me.”
Odoh deeply reflected how far he has come in politics and life generally, stating that he carries not just the years but the stories—etched in scars, refined in silence, and crowned with grace.
He wrote; “Ten years ago, I stepped into Nigeria’s treacherous political waters from the classroom—not with deep pockets or powerful backers, but with a heart ablaze for justice, equity, and transformation. I have always strongly held the conviction that good governance and societal transformation can only be possible if those with competence, credibility and potentials for change step forward, present themselves and dare with courage, though yet in line with the wise words of Richard Stengel that “Courage is not the absence of fear”.
“In 2015, I was appointed Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government by His Excellency, Engr. Dave Umahi—a role I served with honour, dignity and absolute accountability. Yet, when conscience demanded a parting, I chose principle over position and stepped down my role on April, 2nd, 2018.”
He added that his decision to step down came at a steep price; “I was hunted by propaganda, ambushed by panels with pre-written verdicts, and defamed through publications designed to silence truth. But like a lion wounded, I withdrew not in defeat, but in preparation,” he added.
The professor further recounted his journey through life after serving in the Ebonyi state government, “the struggle was brutal,” he said.
He continued; “In 2019, I returned to the APC and contested the governorship primaries. No political machinery—just sheer grit, purposeful vision, and a tide of hopeful and courageous citizens. I emerged second among nine contenders- a proof that purpose still matters in Nigerian politics. In 2023, I re-emerged under the APGA platform; this time, with Dr. Nkata Chukwu as my running-mate. Our message was clear: restore dignity, competence, credibility and justice. With courageous allies like; Chief Ifeanyi Eleje, Dr. Emmanuel Onwe, Hon. Joseph Nwobashi, Hon. Ken Okeh and countless unsung heroes too numerous to specifically mention, we challenged a broken status quo.
“The struggle was brutal. Eleven assassination attempts were made on us. Two beloved aides were lost to the fire. And in a most unimaginably wicked twist, I was declared wanted and therefore severely hunted over the death of HRH Ezeogo Igboke Ewa—my revered traditional ruler. No evidence. Just a political ploy to exile truth. But truth, like light, cannot be buried. Even in exile, it shines.
“Though we suspended our campaign, destiny spoke. APGA won a seat in the Federal House of Representatives and another in the State House of Assembly. Not through strategy—but through sacrifice, and the sheer power of belief and uncommon courage.”
Odoh opened another chapter of his life serving as the Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK noting that he holds no malice against those who may have unseated him.
He added; “Then came another chapter—the Vice-Chancellorship of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK). Among thirteen brilliant minds, I emerged first. I was appointed, then unseated within weeks through intrigues and faceless petitions. But I hold no malice. Titles pass. But the seeds of impact endure.”
As he steps into the Fifth floor in style, Prof Odoh noted that his heart is one lifted by gratitude for how far he has come through the struggle, pain, scars and everything life has thrown at him.
At fifty, the Prof stated that he stands not bitter, but blessed, defined not by what was taken, but by what remains: conviction, clarity, and a love beyond measure.
He further acknowledged the support of his friends, family, well wishers and supporters for sticking with him.
The Prof appreciated his wife for sticking with him through the years hailing her as the compass of his soul.
He wrote; “To my wife, the compass of my soul—you have been my pillar for two decades. Your love has steadied my storms, your courage has amplified my voice, and your steadfast prayers has lit the darkest nights. You are my finest gift.
“To my children, my pride and purpose—you are the echo of all my dreams. In your eyes, I see the future I still fight for. I will keep rising so that you may run.
“To my priestly brothers and spiritual companions—your prayers have been my shield. You have reminded me that God writes straight, even with crooked lines.
“To my bosom friends- at home and diaspora, allies, and supporters—you kept me standing when the earth beneath me cracked. To my business partners, senior friends and associates, I have profited and learnt immensely from your wise counsels, supports and betrayals. To my critics and adversaries—thank you. You were unintended teachers. Your trials built a stronger, wiser man.
“To my mentors, mentees, and my extended family—you have been the roots beneath my growth and the canopy above my reach. I am because we are.”
Reiterating his oath to purpose and commitment to service, Prof Odoh quoted Maya Angelo as saying “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.”
“As I enter this new decade, I do so with a soul purified by fire and a spirit recommitted to service. To the youth of Nigeria: never let fear silence your light. Yours is the voice that will build the future we await,” he said.
The Ebonyi State national professor acknowledged his home town noting that the story of the state is still unfolding.
He said; “To Ebonyi—my homeplace, my battleground, my beacon—our story is still unfolding. To Nigeria—my passion, my burden, my dream—you are worth every ounce of strength I have left.
Cheering to his next chapter in service and legacy, with humility and hope, Prof Odoh took a step forward into the future as he quoted Walter D. Wintle as saying; “Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man,
“But sooner or later, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can.”
“And so, I walk into the future not seeking titles, but trusting truth. Not chasing applause, but choosing purpose. With every breath, I remain committed to building, to believing, and to becoming,” he concluded.
