The primary purpose of this website is to provide accurate and authentic information about Onitsha.
Early Life and Education
Igwe Achebe had a sound preparation for life through his education and family upbringing. He attended primary and secondary schools in Nigeria before gaining admission into Stanford University in California, USA, in 1963, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He also obtained a master’s degree in business administration from Columbia University in New York City. In 1979, Igwe Achebe was a participant in the inaugural Senior Executive Course of the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, a premier think-tank that serves as a center for reflection, research, and learning. He has also attended management programmes at Harvard, Ashridge, INSEAD, & IMD.
Career
Igwe Achebe had a distinguished 30-year career with the Royal Dutch/Shell Group, starting in 1972 at Shell Nigeria. Spanning Human Resources, Operations, Corporate Affairs, Reputation Management, and General Management, he held various key positions, including:
- Assistant to Operations Manager at Shell-NAM in the Netherlands (1980-1981)
- Executive Director and General Manager of Eastern Division at Shell Nigeria (1981-1985)
- Area Coordinator for Anglophone West Africa at Shell International in London (1985-1988)
- Executive Director and General Manager of Human Resources at Shell Nigeria (1988-1991)
- Executive Director and General Manager of Corporate Affairs at Shell Nigeria (1991-1996)
- Senior Corporate Adviser for Group Reputation at Shell International in London (1996-2002)
During his tenure, he also served as a non-executive director and Shareholder Representative for several Royal Dutch/Shell companies in various countries, including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Angola, and the UK.
Traditional Rulership
Igwe Achebe ascended the throne on May 14, 2002, as the 21st Obi of Onitsha. One of the purposes of his monarchy was to bring the ancient traditional society of Onitsha fast forward to the 21st century with the ruling philosophy of “Peace and Reconciliation based on Truth and Transparency as Foundation for Sustainable Development”. The vision of re-inventing and re-positioning of the Kingdom was shaped through the application of technology, and modern management and leadership principles to traditional governance and the evolution of our culture without losing its core elements
Community Development
Igwe Achebe’s vision is animated through the Onitsha Advancement Foundation (OnAF), the umbrella organisation for community development and transformation. Registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), OnAF emphasizes leadership and business entrepreneurship development, cooperatives, digital literacy and entrepreneurship, and women empowerment.
His Majesty has also created the Onitsha Millennium Development Foundation which is also registered with the C.A.C, to raise funds for the development agenda of the kingdom.
Igwe Achebe: A Respected Leader Beyond Borders
Igwe Achebe’s achievements have earned him a strong leadership presence that extends beyond Onitsha to Anambra State, the Southeast region, Nigeria, and internationally. He has been recognized for his efforts in various ways, including being designated as the leader of the traditional institution in the Southeast by the South East Council of Traditional Rulers.
As the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Achebe leads the working group of the Joint Body of the Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers and the Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops on Peace and Reconciliation. This group aims to promote peace and reconciliation based on equity and justice in Ani Igbo .
Igwe Achebe has also represented the traditional rulers of South-Eastern States at the National Political Reform Conference in 2005. He chaired the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Management Reforms and coordinated the traditional rulers’ forum at the conference.
Igwe Achebe’s Global Contributions and Affiliations
Igwe Achebe has played a significant role in promoting Nigeria’s interests globally, particularly in bilateral and multilateral relations. He has been an active member of several organizations, including:
- Nigeria-Britain Association (NBA): A platform that fosters cooperation and understanding between Nigeria and the UK.
- Britain-Nigeria Association (BNA): A counterpart organization to the NBA, where Igwe Achebe serves as a life member.
- Governing Board of the BNA: Igwe Achebe has been a member of the governing board, contributing to the organization’s strategic direction.
- Advisory Board of the Britain-Nigeria Business Council: He has provided expert advice to promote trade and commerce between the two nations.
- Board of Trustees of the Africa Centre: Igwe Achebe has been a trustee of the Africa Centre, which aims to promote African culture, education, and development.
The Africa Centre has honored Igwe Achebe as one of its five Patrons, alongside the late Nelson Mandela as the Grand Patron.
Recognition and Honours
Igwe Achebe has received several honors and awards, including the National Honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2004. He has also been awarded honorary degrees from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli: LLD (Honoris Causa) (2008); Kogi State University, Anyigba: DSc (Honoris Causa) (2010); Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria: LLD (Honoris Causa) (2015); University of Nigeria, Nsukka: DPA (Honoris Causa) (2016); Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka: DSc (Honoris Causa) (2019) and Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti: DLitt (Honoris Causa) (2019).
Arts and culture
His Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe is a prominent art patron with a 40-year passion for African art, curating over 4,000 artworks. He supports various art forms through:
- Promotion of Chimedie Museum: A repository for his art collection, photographs, music, and historical documents .
- Publication of “A King’s Passion”: A 588-page book showcasing his collection and contributions to African art .
- Annual Oreze Art Exhibition: Promoting African art and artists which is held during His Majesty’s Ofala festival .
- Patron of the Yearly Enugu “Life in My City” Exhibition: Supporting artists and showcasing Nigerian culture.
- Speaking Engagements at Art Fora: Sharing expertise and promoting African art globally.
Igwe Achebe’s art patronage demonstrates his dedication to the arts and showcasing Nigerian culture worldwide.
Current Roles
Igwe Achebe currently serves as the Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. In the corporate world he serves on various boards including International Breweries PLC, and Tishona Plaza Onitsha (Shoprite) in which he is chairman . Igwe Achebe belongs to many professional bodies which consists amongst others of the Nigerian Institute of Management and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in which holds fellowship.
The Various Names of The Obi of Onitsha
The Obi of Onitsha is considered the father of the clans, a servant to spirits, and a spirit himself, a god, and a warrior. All of these values find expression in the various names of the monarch. He is thus greeted as:
| S/N | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Agbogidi | The voice of thunder and one without anger |
| 2 | Agu | The greatest of all “killers” hence his identification with the leopard (Agu) which is the animal most dangerous to man and called king (Eze) of the forest |
| 3 | Igwe | The sky, arising from the emergent notion of the king as god (chi) of Onitsha people |
| 4 | Aka m’elu ndi ani nmadu | The commander of the victorious Onitsha army or warriors |
| 5 | Muo | The ever-knowing spirit with mystical powers and who, by initiation, symbolizes life and death |
| 6 | Ogbuefi | The one who initiates ceremony by the killing of a cow |
| 7 | Ogbu onye mbosi ndu na guya | The one who can take life when it is most desired |
| 8 | Ogbondu na eji ntu | The cannon containing powder |
| 9 | Okwusie obee | The one with the final decision; the ultimate judge |
| 10 | Onye nwe obodo | The supreme and maximum ruler of Onitsha |