An Enugu State councilor, who was sworn-in recently as a member of Udenu Local Government Area Legislative House, has spoken of his grass to grace life story that should serve as an inspiration to those who think they cannot do much to help themselves because of their unprivileged family backgrounds.
Now a PhD holder in political science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Odo’s story is, indeed, a delightful story of rising from grass to grace in all aspects of life, an achievement that can only come through dedication, hard work perseverance and, above all, the grace of God.
Dr. Odo, Leader of Udenu LGA Legislative House and immediate past Chairman of the legislative leaders of all the 17 local government areas in Enugu state, recently bagged a PhD in political Science, among the PhD graduates at UNN’s last graduation ceremony.
Shortly after his inauguration recently as the Councilor, Obollo-Afor ward in Udenu LGA, Enugu State, Daily Query Enugu State Correspondent and South East Bureau Chief, IKECHUKWU NNADI, met and spoke with probably the most educated elected local government official in Enugu State. He bared his mind on some of the secrets behind his success story.
Excerpts:
On his humble beginning
I am Nnamdi Odo from Obollo-Afor, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State. I attended Maitumbi Primary school, Minna Niger State.
My parents couldn’t pay my school fees when I was in nursery 3 and gave me out to an uncle living in the North. I grew up in Niger state doing boy servant work and going to school. In JS3, due to a family crisis, my uncle sent my younger brother Ikenna and me back to our parents.
I spent a year plus, doing all sorts of menial jobs to support the family as the firstborn son. I resorted to weaving baskets, pushing wheelbarrows on Afor and Orie market days. In those days, we hunted squirrels which we sold to bush bar people just to raise money to go back to school.
My dad also resorted to menial jobs to feed the family, mum was hawking perishable fruits along New Road Obollo Afor. Apart from other menial jobs I did to raise money, I also sold books and had savings from teaching in private schools. This helped me to finish my secondary school level.
And a destiny helper came…
In spite of all the efforts, I still couldn’t fully sponsor myself in the university. And so, every day, my hope of returning to school faded until God sent a helper in the person of Rev. Fr. Brendan Nwodo, who was my Parish Priest at St. Mary’s Iheakpu Obollo.
The priest heard of a young, intelligent boy who wanted to go to school but his parents had no money and took it upon himself to send me back to school. Fr. Nwodo sent me back to school and paid my fees till I graduated from the university.
What happened thereafter…
After my first degree and National Youth Service, I had
to choose between being satisfied with first degree and taking a step
further by obtaining a Master’s degree.
The decision to go for my Masters was a difficult one because I had
nothing at hand financially. But I had to rely on hard work and
grace of God.
At each point of my life, the Good Lord always sent helpers to put me through, such that my education never cost my family beyond the nursery school fees for the terms they could pay; other terms I was sent home and stayed back till the following term. My Master’s first year school fees were paid by Odoh Cletus, AKA Government. He may not remember it, but I remember running to him for help and he never hesitated before giving me the school fees.
God sent other helpers when things seemed difficult. Prof. Fredrick Eze made sure I picked my PhD form and continued dragging me up whenever I thought of giving up. My PhD thesis is specifically
dedicated to him in appreciation of his mentorship and fatherly roles
in my life.
While in the university, I was writing books, going to churches, schools and bus stations to sell them and support my family and plan ahead.
My plans for the future…
I am looking forward to more opportunities both in lecturing and politics, so as to serve my people. At the moment, I am the incumbent councilor representing my ward, Obollo-Afor ward in the recently inaugurated Udenu LGA Legislative Council. I am the Leader of the House.
Advice to youths…
My advice to youths is to have a dream and be consistent in pursuing it. Work hard and never give up and you will achieve your goals. After my Youth Service, I went back to do my Master’s and eventually my PhD. Today is a testament to the fact that if you never give up you will reach your destination. Though, I am yet to reach mine, when I look back to see how far I have come, I nod my head and appreciate God for bringing me this far from the rubbles.
I dedicate this achievement to every young person aspiring to greatness, especially those who come from poor families. Do not be discouraged, just have a dream and pursue it. I never let my dream die.
