By Chidipeters Okorie
Mburubu Ancient Kingdom, in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, came under intense human traffic on December 29, 2023. It was the day the community held a Grand Civic Reception for their illustrious son, Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Engr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, PhD.
Contrary to the biblical saying that a prophet is with honour except in his own town, the occasion showed that, indeed, some prophets do have honour among their people. The unprecedented response the reception elicited showed that Prince Ezeh’s political sagacity and soul-touching disposition remain green in the minds of the people.
Civic reception, as it obtains in our clime, is a well-thought initiative designed to celebrate and further motivate outstanding sons and daughters of the soil who have surmounted the odds to distinguish themselves in their various vocations.
In the case of Prince Ezeh, the reception was an honour well deserved. He is reputed to powering several spectacular empowerment programmes not only in the community in Nkanuland in general.
He was commended for his inestimable contributions to the development of the state, spanning nearly two decades and counting.
In his welcome address, the President General of Mburubu Town Union, High Chief Emmanuel Edeh, described Prince Ezeh as a super technocrat and visionary team player who consistently motivates people to attain set goals and objectives, saying that his landmark contributions to the development of the community is heart-warming, and cannot be overemphasized.
Prince Ezeh’s comparatively high and unparallelled sense of responsibility cultivated from private sector orientation has always provided him the vista for constant engagements in public service.
The contagious peace and harmony that have prevailed in his relationship with his boss, His Excellency Governor Peter Mbah are a proof that both men are servant-leaders who, as it were, are divinely paired.
Also speaking, community leader, Chief Simon Aniobi, noted that Ezeh’s positive leadership charisma, simplicity, uncommon humility and detribalized nature has endeared him to the hearts of Ndi Enugu and the state workforce, adding that since he assumed office as Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, the ministry has substantially witnessed smooth sailing, in line with the state governor, disruptive economic growth.
“You are indeed a special breed, a consummate leader and a driver of great visions to fruition,” he said.
It was truly a celebration of the person, passions and patriotism. Many friends and some foes turned out to celebrate him at the one day event staged in Community Primary School field Mburubu.
In his remarks, Prince Ezeh thanked the community for organising the reception in his honour. While appreciating the Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for the honour to serve the State, assured the governor and Ndi Enugu that he would do his utmost best towards the overall development of the State.
Aware that science and technology permeate so many elements of government decision making, His Excellency Governor Peter Mbah quickly redeployed Prince Ezeh from Ministry of Lands and Urban Development to Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology so as to address the opportunities and challenges the State face in economic prosperity, harnessing the full power of science and technology.
His appointment as Commissioner on matters involving policy affecting innovation, science and technology, needed to inform public policy relating to the economy, worker empowerment, education, energy, the environment, public health, and security has been adjudged as a square peg in square hole.