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| Sir Silas Amamchukwu Ejide |
By Mimi Chiadikobi
An Octogenarian and former councilor of Njikoka ward in old Anambra State, Chief Sir Silas Amamchukwu Ejide has urged Nigerian youths to shun get rich quick syndrome and work hard towards becoming self-reliant and employers of labour.
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| Ejide and one of his sons and daughter-in-law |
The elder statesman stated this while celebrating his 88 year birthday at Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra State, noting that hardworking youth would never engage in rituals, crisis and restiveness.
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| Ejide and friends |
He, however, urged the youth to desist from abusing culture and tradition in the pretence of returning to African culture as that could spelt dooms or bring generational curses on them.
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| Ejide and daughter |
He further urged the Igbo nation to revive the olden days principles of apprenticeship (Igba boyi) where he argued that wealth were being groomed through life standard principles and nurtured to last forever.
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| Ejide and relatives |
This according to him, also required mothers to take the business of home management seriously and develop closer links with their children.
He said that his late wife Mary, raised their children with the olden rules of apprenticeship from home before going to larger society where they individually learned different skills.
Ejide, who is a community leader and father of Austin Ejide, the former Super Eagles Goalkeeper, reiterated the need for all to embrace peace noting that as a peacemaker, he has earned much respect from his people that he would never want his hands to be soiled.
“I was a Councillor Njikoka ward when Chief Jim Nwobodo was the governor of old Anambra State. In our time, our major aim was to put facilities in place for public use, not to enrich ourselves which is prevalent in present day politics.
“It was a taboo to embezzle public funds, so I appeal to present politicians to use the upcoming governorship election in Anambra to rewrite the negative narrative of most politicians in the state. Election processes in the Southeast States should be based on continuous marketing of the state, to give voice to the voiceless and not the other way,” he said.
“ Having witnessed Nigerian Biafra war, I advised that truth and fairness should be applied in voting and winning, sharing common resources to avoid conflict which certainly lead to war. Soludo, in his efforts to sanitise the traditional worship practice.
He was born on March 12 1937.
He said, “I am happy to witness the March 12. 2025. My blessings are countless, I have 10 children, blessed with 26 grandchildren and lovely daughters -in-laws. I feel so fulfilled and I am grateful to God. God truly do not lie, he blessed me with good eye sight, all my faculties still in shape and I walk unaided,” he said.
Mrs Ngozi Ofoedu, his first child who spoke on behalf of the family described her father as a man with the fear of God and that he ensured that they all follow the line of putting God first in all they do.
Ofoedu said that the father 88 years on earth is characterized with philanthropy, a trait they must uphold and pray pray God to keep their father longer in good health. ”We appreciate and value him so much for all he have done for us all”.
Mr Emeka Okafor a close relative described Ejide as a personality worthy of emulation and pray for more good health and life.