As Chief Uche Nnaji marks his 62nd birthday, one of his strongest supporters and admirers, Ofor Nwodo, has penned a heartfelt tribute celebrating the life, legacy, and visionary impact of the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology. In a moving piece titled “Chief Uche Nnaji @62: Celebration of Divine Achievements”, Nwodo described the Minister as a man born with greatness, who has not only achieved remarkable success in business and politics but has also had greatness divinely bestowed upon him.
Highlighting Nnaji’s unwavering commitment to national development and technological transformation, Nwodo praised his consistent dedication to public service, his deep grassroots connection as the "Original Enugu Boy," and his selfless support for underrepresented political voices. He noted that Chief Nnaji’s appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks a new era of innovation for Nigeria, with the Minister already repositioning key agencies to drive research, development, and global competitiveness.
"At every reason, there are those who make history and for every generation,there are people with the oil of grace to drive the generational process.
This goes to support the saying by William Shakespeare that some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.
For Chief UCHE NNAJI, he was born great and has also achieved greatness and through his sense of commitment and without a paradoxical stench in his leadership, he then got enormous greatness bestowed on him as one of those chosen to drive the generational process of his time, season and generation.
Born in 1963 into the family of Chief and Mrs. Obed Nnaji in Akpugo, Nkanu West LGA, Enugu State, Nigeria. Chief UCHE NNAJI Nwakaibie as the first of four children, completed his education in Enugu State, strengthening his deep local ties that earned him the name "Original Enugu Boy"
His successes in both private and public life stands him out among his groups and ushering him to national assignment without any obstacles.
These achievements in business propelled him into politics, where he developed a passion for assisting disadvantaged groups lacking the financial means to participate in politics. Consequently, he provided financial support to numerous individuals in need.
His political journey started decades ago dovetailing into 2023 general elections where UCHE NNAJI emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress. His journey in politics, however, dates back to the UNCP/GDM/DPN political era, where he demonstrated defiance against the then-military administration of Enugu State.
On August 16, 2023, UCHE NNAJI was appointed as the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The appointment of Chief UCHE NNAJI as the Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation ushers in a new dawn for Nigeria’s technological advancement.
To ensure his Ministry’s success, Chief NNAJI prioritize the revitalization of the 17 agencies under his purview.
Chief UCHE NNAJI's leadership strategy to revitalize Nigeria’s science and technology sector through innovation and research, foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, and ensure the effective utilization of resources within the Ministry have placed the Ministry on the global map as one of the Ministries with the capacity to lead Nigeria into the new World of Technology.
As you mark your birthday, it is obviously important to note that your quest for competence, human capital development agenda and your drive for a better Enugu State and indeed the entire Nigeria remains your undiluted dreams
Happy birthday, Chief UCHE NNAJI"
For Nwodo, Chief Uche Nnaji’s 62nd birthday is not just a celebration of age, but a celebration of divine purpose, unmatched leadership, and an unrelenting drive to build a better Enugu State and a greater Nigeria.
