Hon. Pat Asadu: A Tribute To The Grassroots Man And A Philanthropist -By Gozie Irogboli

It is always exciting to write or talk about great people not just as means of appreciating their sterling qualities or accomplishments but as a means of inspiring the younger generation to strive for excellence in their endeavors. The country is passing through difficult and trying times. The youth are disillusioned and disoriented; developing wrong notion about everything. Hard work is seen as foolishness while fraud and crime is seen as working smart. Thus, I have always tried to present the profile of great people as a way of inspiring the youths of this generation especially in this era where societal values and ethos have been bastardized and where genuine role models are almost non-existent. And talking about inspiration, one of those in the present crop of political figures in our country today who have inspired and touched the lives of members of his constituency in many positive ways is Rt. Hon. Dr. Patrick Oziokoja Asadu whom I have had the privilege to work closely with.

Hon. Pat Asadu is a man of many parts. By training, he is a medical doctor. And aside from being a politician and an accomplished business man, he is also a trained lawyer. He is one of those who believe that learning is part of life and that was why despite his training as doctor and successful political career and flourishing businesses he still went ahead to study law. He is a man imbued with great intelligence. His childhood friends many of whom I have interacted with remember him for his academic brilliance. From a very humble beginning in the rustic Ovoko community in Nsukka, Hon. Pat Asadu has grown to establish himself as a leader and a political figure not just in his constituency but in the entire South East Region.

The soft-spoken political gladiator is kind-hearted, ever-smiling and genial in his disposition. He is a man whose heart is as big as his towering frame. He is a philanthropist who believes in giving back to the society through many interventionist and empowerment programs.

He believes strongly in fairness, equity and honesty which is the result of his background and upbringing. He was not born with silver spoon in his hands. Whatever he has he achieved was by God’s grace and by dint of hard work. And he does not hesitate to tell those who come to him (and there are many of such people), as a means of motivating them, that they can achieve whatever they wished with dedication and commitment.

He came from a family of devout Christians and married from a family of clergymen. He believed strongly in Christian ethics but he’s liberal and not fanatical in his views. Christian values and ethics have greatly shaped his political philosophy and attitude to life. However, I am not in any way trying to present him as a saint. He is not. And like everyone else, he has his own share of human weaknesses. But, he is a good man and great personality to be with. He is simple and unassuming. He is a motivator and mentor to many. He is the big boss that will first greet you and hail: sir! before you greet him.

His political career began in our current democratic dispensation when Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, the erstwhile governor of Enugu State (1999-2007), appointed him as a member of his cabinet in 2000. He left his mark in the Ministries of Science & Technology, Land and Housing, Health, Agriculture and Environment where he served as commissioner between 2000 and 2006.

And in 2007, he was elected to represent Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives in the platform of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) where he served four terms from 2007 to 2023. Clearly, that he represented his people four times in the green chambers of the National Assembly despite the oppositions is a proof of his acceptability and performance.

And talking about performance, available records indicate that he acquitted himself creditably well as a member of the National Assembly. A cursory glance at his role while in the Federal House of Representatives shows that he perfectly understands the role, responsibility, duties and authority of a lawmaker. First, he gave his people effective representation, interfacing effectively with them and ensuring that their voices were heard. In the business of lawmaking, he participated actively in debates and discussions and sponsored bills that are beneficial to his people. Again, he performed his oversight functions creditably well by monitoring government agencies and programs, holding them accountable and ensuring that they serve the needs of the people. He served for two terms of four years each as First Rapporteur of the ECOWAS Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Child Protection and Chairman, House Committee on Ports, Harbours and Waterways. Furthermore, in the area of constituency projects, he did very well. Among other things, he championed the establishment of study centre of the National Open University in Opi, renovated the Ovoko Boys Secondary school, and was also involved in ‘Obu Nsukka’ projects.

Hon. Asadu’s role in empowerment and service delivery, something that endeared him to his people deserves special mention. As a medical doctor, he understands the importance of health care and so he provided health care facilities in his constituency that has served his people. He has worked tirelessly to uplift the needy and the vulnerable groups including the youths and the widows through many interventionist programs, creating jobs and providing start-up kits for budding entrepreneurs. He provided scholarships for indigent students. He facilitated training and empowerment program on Agro-business and sports development and other skills acquisition programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic period, while some of his colleagues were hoarding relief materials, he organized free distribution of relief and support materials to members of his constituency.

And to members of his constituency, he is fondly regarded as the man of the people, a philanthropist and a politician with a difference. And for his personal attributes and accomplishments, he has many awards and societal recognitions to his credit. Among others, he has the chieftaincy title of the Osuofia 1 of Ovoko. He has honorary PhD from Godfrey Okoye University and Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy, Enugu. In 2018, he received the Grassroots Man of the year award during the Leadership Scorecard lecture and award night.

Thus, as he marks his birthday this period, I wish to join the millions of his numerous admirers and associates and members of his constituency to felicitate with on this auspicious occasion. Sir, I wish you a happy birthday and many more years of good health, fruitful service to your people and humanity. Congratlations!

Gozie Irogboli
(goziei@yahoo.com)
An economist, banker, a novelist and public policy analyst