An Orator and a Colossus: Tributes to Two Great Ngbo Men Who Inspire Me

In every generation, certain men rise—not only by the positions they hold but by the influence they wield through intellect, character, and courage. Among such men stand Senator Anthony Oduma Agbo and Rev. Fr. John Okweze Odey, PhD—two remarkable figures whose voices, pens, and ideals continue to inspire me deeply in the realms of writing and public speaking.

Senator Anthony Oduma Agbo: The Orator and Statesman

Senator Agbo is not merely a politician—he is a towering figure, a colossus in thought and speech, whose journey through public service is as rich as it is impactful. A former Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Commissioner for Finance and Public Utilities, Senator representing Ebonyi North, Board Member of FMC Birnin Kudu, and Commissioner in the ICPC, he now serves as a Director in the South East Development Commission, continuing his enduring legacy of leadership.

What sets Sen. Agbo apart is not only the breadth of his service but the depth of his intellect. He is a consummate orator—gifted with a voice that commands attention and a mind that navigates seamlessly across politics, economics, philosophy, literature, and spirituality. His speeches are not mere recitations of policy or rhetoric; they are compelling expressions of vision, steeped in knowledge and anchored in truth. His intellectual range and ability to dissect complex ideas with clarity have always left an indelible impression on me. 

In the pantheon of Nigerian statesmen whose legacies are etched not merely in titles held but in minds inspired, few stand as tall as Senator Anthony Oduma Agbo and Rev Fr John Okweze Odey PhD. A colossus in intellect and a master of the spoken word, like Fr. Odey, Sen. Agbo’s life is a testament to the power of leadership grounded in vision, service, and unrelenting pursuit of knowledge.

Yet, beyond titles and appointments lies the soul of a thinker, a sage, and an orator par excellence. Sen. Agbo’s intellectual capacity is not just deep—it is vast, traversing politics, governance, literature, philosophy, and spirituality. His words do not merely inform; they inspire. His speeches are not just heard; they are felt—resonating with logic, emotion, and moral clarity, like Fr. John Okweze Odey.

On 6th January 2012, I attended a funeral service of a man of many parts, His Excellency Amb. Icha Ituma OON, at my Alma mater, CSS Okposhi Eheku, Ngbo. Then, I had finished my Secondary School and was preparing to further my education at the University level. This was the first time I beheld Sen Agbo’s orator and deep-rooted philosophical inclination.

The burial witnessed creme-lade-cremes from different walks of life, including the former Military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, and the first military governor of Ebonyi State, Commodore Walter Feghabor. That was the first contemporary ostentatious burial in Ngbo and Ohaukwu at large as I recorded. While Senator Anthony Oduma Agbo, amid cheers from his litany of followers, was called to present his tribute to the fallen hero, who was, before his demise, a beacon of hope and political consultant, he mesmerised me with philosophical words and vocabulary embedded in his tribute. I was enthusiastic, 

peeping to see Agbo as he was reading the lengthy tribute and I was uttering this rhetorical question like the boy on the swing: God when?. I watched him keenly with composure and Joy, reading. As a record keeper, I could recall that, the atmosphere was calm. Many were deeply interested in inhaling and digesting the words of wisdom from a distinguished personality who was like a personal cult then. After the tribute, all hands merged today, giving applause to a man of wisdom. In my Secondary school days, I had always liked writing. Not just to write, but to write what an intellect will read and get inspired.

Senator Anthony Oduma Agbo is not just a man of words; he is a man of action, ideas, and ideals. He is the orator who commands attention and the colossus whose footsteps echo across fields of service and thought.

I and Sen Anthony Oduma Agbo share things in common: While his late mother, Maria Agbo, hails from Amofia, Ndu Ogwvudu kindred, my mother, Aje Nwede, is of the same kindred and what is called, onu-utsu. Sen Agbo’s paternal grandfather and my paternal great-great-grandfather, Itsuma Alama, who begot my great-grandfather’s father, Itsuma Onana Ede, were bloodline. Sen Agbo’s wife, Nee Odeh, is my sister, as we share the same kindred and geographical location by compound. Both of us are products of the Ndu Ogwvudu kindred in Amofia. Little wonder, I have always admired the way he speaks and writes.

I was motivated and fulfilled when I wrote a posthumous tribute to Dr Amb Icha Emmanuel Itsuma OON on 28th August 2023 in the Ngboejeogu platform, and he acknowledged my article, laced with inspiring words. In fact, I had to send my archive. For him to validate my article, he showed that I was worth my onion in the article. I had once eulogised his capacity, oratory and writing prowess on a post dated 21st September 2019 via my Facebook handle.

I remain inspired by his journey—and challenged by his example—to keep speaking, keep writing, and keep striving.

Rev. Fr. John Okweze Odey, PhD: The Voice of Conscience

Where Senator Agbo embodies the elegance of leadership, Rev. Fr. John Okweze Odey embodies the courage of conviction. A Catholic priest, fearless critic, columnist, and prolific author, Fr. Odey has become a moral compass in a society often adrift in silence and compromise. He is one of the most published authors in Ebonyi State, with a catalogue of books that challenge the status quo and awaken the conscience of the nation.

His writings are not for comfort; they are for awakening. Fr. Odey speaks truth to power with fearless eloquence, driven by a fierce commitment to justice, accountability, and the moral reawakening of Nigeria. His fearless commentary on governance, his rejection of mediocrity, and his principled stand against corruption make him a rare voice of integrity in our time. Among his books, the madness called Election 1& 2 caught my attention. It was not just expository but thought-provoking. The book always differed with President Obasanjo whenever he tried to talk about the emerging political developments in Nigeria, especially during the President Buhari administration. I have always taken time to read his articles, no minding the unprecedented chapters. Fr John Okweze Odey is an encyclopedia. He is not just a deyon of knowledge but a record keeper. He researches widely, just like Sen Agbo. The duo can’t speak or write without references to what happened in the ancient days or contemporarily. 

Growing up, I heard about Rev Fr John Okweze Odey. He was described as a disciplinarian and vocal priest. As time progressed, I got to know him facially. Beyond being a priest, Fr. John Okweze Odey has empowered many and sponsored them to school. In the contemporary world, some men of God feared to speak to the powers that be, Fr Odey damn the consequences and speak fearlessly. Like Sen Agbo, Rev Fr Odey had once eulogised my article on the 77th posthumous birthday tribute to Dr Amb Icha Ituma OON. This has encouraged me to keep writing. As trek-a-thon is the order of the day in Ebonyi State presently, it won’t be wrong if I trek from Abakaliki to the abode of duo to laud them for inspiring me in writing and public speaking.

My Personal Inspiration

Both Senator Agbo and Fr. Odey have profoundly influenced my journey as a writer and speaker. In Senator Agbo, I see the beauty of well-formed thought, the power of structured argument, and the art of eloquence. I’m not his political fan but I admire his boldness, opinions on issues, oratory and pen. In Fr. Odey, I see the courage to speak even when the world prefers silence, and the discipline to write not just for praise, but for purpose.

Their lives are a reminder that words—whether spoken or written—can transform minds, stir hearts, and shape history. They have taught me that to speak well is not enough; one must also speak truthfully, and to write powerfully is to write with purpose. 

As the duo grows old and will one day, answer the call of nature, I’m equipping myself to take up their pen and oratory prowess.

Nwede Martin Chinonso Ede

Political Analyst 

Ndulo Amaeffia, Amaeku Ngbo

nwedechinonsom@gmail.com