By Uzor Maxim Uzoatu
It will be all glitz and glamour from 3pm on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Lavilla Resort Centre, Ngozika Estate, Awka, Anambra State as Chido Obidiegwu launches his book Beyond Sycophancy to mark his 60th birthday.
The ebullient and very charismatic Chido Obidiewgwu has had a splendored career in advertising, broadcasting and public speaking.
He brings to bear on the frontline the high and mighty all over Nigeria who cherish his mastery of guesting top notch events.
The personable white-haired impresario has just one word to encapsulate his life and times in society: Gratitude.
A proud son of Okija town in Anambra State, he is eternally grateful for the remarkable upbringing offered him by his parents
He extends the gratitude to his teachers from primary school to high school and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
His break into the high echelons of advertising owes a lot to the guru of the industry, the highly revered May Nzeribe.
Senator Mike Ajaegbo of Minaj Television upped the ante of Chido Obidiegwu’s foray into broadcasting.
The public speaking dimension of his life was launched forth by the legendary Ikenna Ndaguba, the much sought-after introducer of Heads of States and Presidents.
It was Pa Ikenna Ndaguba who told Chido Obidiegwu that it’s in public speaking and emceeing that he would make hay.
Along the line, Chido Obidiegwu brought into his presentation clout the high octane deliveries of the inimitable football commentator Ernest Okonkwo.
Chido Obidiegwu has since made his words fly high before the high and mighty, from presidents to multiform potentates.
A reading of his book, Beyond Sycophancy, is akin to going through the who’s who of Nigeria across all the geographical zones.
A typical example of his reach was his performance and encouragement earned from the man with the golden voice, Alhaji Maitama Sule.
The launch of the book will serve to pay homage to the worthies who stood Chido Obidiegwu in good stead in the course of his career.
His one regret is that the recently deceased lady of songs, Onyeka Onwenu, with whom he had shared the stage on many occasions would not be around to bask and share in the spotlight.
In writing Beyond Sycophancy, Chido Obidiegwu makes critics to understand that the good emcee must perforce undertake strenuous research to know the history of the good qualities of his subjects, and this does not amount to being a sycophant.
He is always prepared like the Boys’ Scouts’ motto of “Be Prepared” and does not need performance-enhancing drugs to stand before audiences, having learnt from the pitiful experience of a high school co-debater in Nsukka who got stuck in mid-course after having taken some illicit tablets!
The official reviewer of Beyond Sycophancy at the occasion is the cerebral Professor of Law, Dean and University Orator Prof Kenn Nwogu.
The Royal Father of the Day is HRH Igwe Chris Oranu Chidume, MON, Eze Igulube, Eze Ana Ukwu Omor.
The chairman of the occasion is none other than the veteran broadcaster, legendary actor and elder statesman, Chief Pete Edochie, MON.
The unveiling of Chido Obidiegwu’s Beyond Sycophancy on Saturday, September 14, 2024 compels all roads to lead the glitterati of Nigeria to Lavilla Resort Centre, Ngozika Estate, Awka, Anambra State.