Governor Mbah’s Aide, Prof. Okereke Celebrates Father’s 87th Birthday with Inspiring Book Launch
In a heartfelt celebration of love, legacy, and cultural preservation. Prof. Okereke Chukwumerije, Senior Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development, honoured his father, Chief Okereke Okereke, A.K.A SY De Moon on his 87th birthday with the launch of two significant books,The Teacher Boy: a Memoir of Life in Eastern Nigeria_ and _The History, Culture and Tradition of Okpanku_. The event, which was held on December 28, 2024, at Central School, Okpanku, Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, was a tribute to Chief Okereke’s enduring legacy as an esteemed teacher, community leader, and cultural advocate.
The books, The Teacher's Boy and The History, Culture, and Tradition of Okpanku, were unveiled to a great applause by the community and other dignitaries in attendance.
The Teacher Boy chronicles the inspiring life and career of Chief Sylvester Uzoigwe Okereke, one of the first indigenous teachers from Okpanku, a revered headmaster, and a moral guide to the community. Sy De Moon is the first divisional councillor of Okpanku Ward 2 (elected in 1958), first palace secretary in Okpanku and a three time customary court judge.
The History, Culture, and Tradition of Okpanku vividly captures the rich cultural heritage of the Okpanku community, aiming to preserve the cultural identity for future generations.
The event drew an array of distinguished guests, including academias, political leaders, business moguls, religious leaders, and other notable personalities in the community and beyond. Among these were Chief Paul Ogbonna, Chairman Ohaneze Ndi Igbo Aninri, Chief Vita Abba, CEO Vitek Group of Companies and Former PDP Chairman Enugu State, Chief Bennett Ajah, PDP Youth Leader, Enugu State, Engr Okoro Emmanuel (Elder Stateman) Senior Legislative Aide to Senator Osita Ngwu, Brigadier General Uchenna Ezeh, Chief Damian Orji (Onye Eze), C.E. Paddy Oil, and Prof G.A. Uzochukwu of the Mgbidi Ancient Kingdom.
The book reviewers and keynote speakers were Prof. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka and Prof. Chris Ogar, both of whom praised Chief Okereke's outstanding contributions to educational and community development in Okpanku and the entire Aninri Local Government. They commended the effort to document the biography and the history, culture and traditions Okpanku noting the potential value in inspiring future leaders, educational pursuit and community unity. Prof. Ogar emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage, describing the books as invaluable resources for generations to come.
The event featured displays from several cultural groups in Okpanku including the Ogene group, the Egbelegbe wrestling dance and the the Ikpa war dance. There was also a march past by the school children from Okpanku and recitation from the grand children of the celebrant and author, SY the Moon, and his wife Lolo (Mrs) Patricia Okereke.
In his vote of thanks, Prof. Okereke expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the dignitaries and well-wishers who graced the occasion and assured the community of his continued commitment to promoting education, culture, and sustainable development in Okpanku and Enugu State more broadly.
He said the book launch was not only a celebration of the life of an icon, a Living Legend, and a pacesetter but also a meaningful step in promoting and safeguarding the cultural richness of the Okpanku community, Enugu State, and the wider Igbo Culture.
The event therefore blended the celebration of personal milestones with the preservation of cultural identity, leaving a lasting impact on Ndi Okpanku.
Copies of the two books are available for purchase from Joe Internationa Bookstore at Shoprite Enugu.
Comr, Okoro Ignatius Chukwumerije.
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Nwonye Angelina Odinakachi
This is great, very impressive, educative and otherwise. A big congratulations.
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