Former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Otunuya Chinwe Odili is 70 today.
Peter Odili was the third civilian governor to pilot the affairs of Rivers State from May 29, 1999 to May 29, 2007.
Born on August 15, 1948 in Ndoni, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, he had his primary education at the St. Michael’s School, Oguta 11 and the Sacred Heart School, Onitsha where he got his First School Leaving Certificate in 1960 and proceeded to Christ The King College, Onitsha where he obtained the West African School Certificate with distinction in 1965.
Thereafter, Peter Odili secured admission into the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1970 and graduated from the Medical School of the University and pursued post-graduate studies in Tropical Medicine at University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom in 1985.
Back home from his educational voyage abroad, Odili began his public service career as a medical practitioner with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City and the Medical Consultation Centre in Port Harcourt before venturing into private medical practice as the Resident Clinician in-charge of Pamo Clinics, Port Harcourt from where he rose to be the Medical Director of PAMO Clinics and Hospitals before venturing into active politics.
There is no gain saying the fact that Peter Odili has indeed left indelible marks in the annals of the politics of Rivers State and Nigeria from 1988 when he began active politics.
In 1988/89, Odili was elected member and leader of Rivers State Delegates to the Constituent Assembly. In 1992, he was elected Deputy Governor of the State. Following the Third Republic fiasco and the military’s attempt to re-launch democratic rule, Odili was again elected to the National Constitutional Conference and he became Chairman, Conference Committee on State Creation.
Thereafter, Odili became National Secretary of the defunct Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN). He was elected Governor of Rivers State in April, 1999 and was re-elected in April, 2003. He is a trustee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Expectedly, family members, friends and associates of Odili whose influence cuts across all strata of society may defy every odd and converge today to celebrate and thank God for the life, health and favour upon the man, who in one way or the other gave them a new sense of worth and hope.
We, therefore, feel duty bound to join the good people of Rivers State and Nigerians as a whole to wish Dr Peter Odili a most memorable birthday. Seventy years in the life of anyone, is not a mean feat and to have used it the way he has in the service of mankind is commendable.
Our happiness is that at this age, Odili has not only maintained excellent health and good spirit, but has grown in knowledge and the service of the nation.
While friends would be celebrating his birthday, we would be celebrating the beginning and end of an era that cannot be forgotten in the annals of Rivers history – the Golden Governor who made superlative strides.
Within seven years, Dr Odili, solidly backed by his amiable wife, Justice Mary Odili, proved himself to be a consummate leader. Not only did he serve Rivers State well, he positively affected the life of every single person who crossed his path. Because not everything he did could be known, nobody can acknowledge him enough.
As a person, his approach to life has become infectious. He is one man, position did not spoil. In spite of the high calling on his life, his significant dependence on God is humbling. Odili created the image of an exceptional politician who can be trusted. He keeps his word, delivers on his promise and aims for higher achievements always. He is a role model.
These are only some of the reasons why we think God would continue to bless Dr. Odili with higher responsibilities. At 70, the turf of his leadership challenge has opened the way for many people to benefit.
As a man whose public life is written in service and who made politics fair and desirable, Dr Odili will receive the out pourings of an uncommon expression of love today.
As we join the rest of Nigerians to clink glasses to wish him happy birth day, may God continue to protect him and equip him with divine wisdom to remain a blessing to the state and the nation. Above all, the people are glad and thankful for the favour of God on his life.
Happy birthday, Dr Peter Otunuya Chinwe Odili!
