COOU VC Hails Chidi Anyaegbunam on 70th Birthday Ahead of Maiden Lecture Series on October 29

By Olisemeka Sony

The Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, fnipr, has celebrated the 70th birthday of the Chairman of Chisco Group, Chief Dr. Chidi Anyaegbunam, describing him as an exceptional entrepreneur and business leader whose life has been defined by enterprise, resilience, philanthropy and service to humanity.

Prof. Omenugha joined family members, friends, business leaders, academics and other distinguished Nigerians at the 70th birthday celebration of Chief Anyaegbunam, also known as Okeiyi Ndigbo.

In her tribute to the business icon, the COOU Vice-Chancellor said the milestone was more than a birthday celebration, but an opportunity to honour a life dedicated to enterprise, leadership, philanthropy and human development.

“The celebration was more than a birthday. It was a celebration of a life defined by enterprise, resilience, philanthropy, leadership and an enduring commitment to the development of people and society,” Omenugha stated.

She expressed appreciation to the Chisco Group and the Anyaegbunam family for giving her the opportunity to join them in marking what she described as a remarkable milestone.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, COOU is looking forward to welcoming the Chisco Group family and other distinguished guests to the university on Thursday, October 29, 2026, for the maiden edition of the Chidi Anyaegbu Annual Public Lecture Series.

The event is expected to feature the public presentation of Platinum Footprints of Enterprise: The Life, Leadership and Legacies of Chief Dr. Chidi Anyaegbunam, CON.

Also scheduled for the occasion are the groundbreaking ceremony for the Department of Transport Management and the Chidi Anyaegbu Multi-Purpose Auditorium, as well as the formal institution of the Chief Chidi Anyaegbu Foundation One Billion Naira Endowment Fund.

Prof. Omenugha noted that the partnership between COOU and the Chisco Group reflects a shared commitment to advancing knowledge, innovation, enterprise and human capital development.

“For us at COOU, this partnership represents a shared commitment to creating opportunities for knowledge, enterprise and human capital development,” she said.

She further commended the Chisco Group for deepening its partnership with the university and investing in initiatives designed to create a lasting legacy for future generations.

Addressing the celebrant directly, the Vice-Chancellor said: “Chief Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu, thank you for allowing us to celebrate you at 70. We look forward to celebrating your legacy once again at COOU on 29 October.”

She concluded by congratulating the Chisco Group Chairman on attaining the milestone, wishing him a happy “Platinum Anniversary” and celebrating him as Okeiyi Ndigbo.

The October 29 event is expected to bring together academics, business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders for a celebration of enterprise, leadership, education and legacy.

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