…as Anyaegbu marks 70th birthday with #1bn Education Endowment fund at COOU
By Uzo Ugwunze
It was an outpouring of encomiums on October 29, 2026, at Igbariam during the Maiden Chidi Anyaegbu Annual Public Lecture Series as Chief Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu marked his 70th birthday with a book launch and a 1 billion naira education endowment fund for the proposed Department of Transport Management and Chidi Anyaegbu Multi-purpose Auditorium at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam campus.
The event attracted Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State (Guest Lecturer), former Imo Governor (Occasion Chairman) Chief Achike Udenwa, former Aviation Minister Chief Osita Chidoka (Organizing Committee Chairman),COOU Vice Chancellor Prof. Kate Omenugha, COOU Pro-Chancellor Prof. Peter Onwualu, Veritas University VC Prof. Hyacinth Eme Ichoku (Book Reviewer), Igwe Pharm Alex Uzo Onyido (Ezechuamuagha Ogidi), Elite Progressive Club President Chief Charles Ezeagwu and other dignitaries who lauded the Chisco Group boss for his commitment to education and human capital development.
Governor Soludo, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, described the gesture as a perfect example of his administration’s Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) agenda. He said government alone cannot fix the enormous challenges in the education sector.
Dr. Ogugua explained that even if the entire state budget was devoted to education, it would still be insufficient to renovate old schools and build new ones to accommodate the growing population. He noted that Anambra currently has less than one percent out-of-school children due to the free education policy from primary to SS3, but called on parents and communities to report children still out of school.
He commended Chief Anyaegbu for investing in the future of young people and urged other well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations and communities to emulate him, reaffirming government’s commitment to partnering with private investors to improve infrastructure and learning outcomes across the state.
Earlier in her address, Vice-Chancellor (COOU), Prof. Kate Omenugha also described the events of yesterday at Igbariam as historic milestones, marking four major developments in honour of transport magnate, Chief Dr. Chidi Anyegbu. She listed them as the formal endowment of 1 billion naira for the Department of Transportation Management, the groundbreaking for the departmental building and Chidi Anyegbu Auditorium, the maiden Chidi Anyegbu Annual Lecture delivered by the Governor of Abia State, and the public presentation of the book, ‘The Godfather of Transport: Chisco’.
Prof. Omenugha said the endowment represents a true partnership championed by Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Aku Luo Uno philosophy, noting that COOU worked to secure NUC approval for the department which is now admitting its first students.
She said beyond the building, the partnership brings practical learning to students from a man who started in 1978 with 120 naira as an apprentice spareparts trader and now employs over 4,000 people across transportation, logistics, oil and gas, real estate and hospitality.
Omenugha said that the book and annual lecture series commissioned by the university will preserve Anyegbu’s entrepreneurial legacy and inspire students with lessons on hardwork, integrity and service. Describing Chief Anyegbu as Okeiyi Ndigbo and a global Lord Mayor of Peace Ambassador with a Midas touch, the VC lauded his generosity, vision and philanthropy, saying the initiatives will benefit generations of scholars, entrepreneurs and leaders.
Chief Charles Ezeagwu Ichie Enyi of Nnokwa commended Chief Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu for his large heart and generosity, using the wealth God has blessed him with to support others and improve the lives of the masses. “His kindness, good character and willingness to share his blessings are worthy of emulation. We have been learning from him and we help others in our own little ways”.
According to Igwe Pharm Alex Uzo Onyido (Ezechuamuagha Ogidi) just like celebrator, Chisco’ Anyaegbu is doing now I have invested heavily in the Department of Pharmacy, COOU Igbariam. Today, I also gave 9 of the book launched today to the Pharmacy department with my own donation. Let Igbos think home and invest in the education of our youths.
I advised young entrepreneurs, making money must go hand in hand with good character and the fear of God. Becoming successful comes with challenges and obstacles, so young people must be patient, hardworking and persevering in their ventures,” said Igwe Onyido.
One of the event organizers and Chief Anyaegbu’s mentee Ofodeme Daniel Scott described the Godfather of Transportation as a humble man despite his wealth saying that Chisco Boss only accepted to celebrate his 70th birthday lavishly because he wanted to give back to the society through the endowment fund and human capital development.
“Naturally My Boss is a quiet type who doesn’t accept lavishing money or partying. He often observes his birthdays with the less privileged orphans and disabled, putting smiles on the face of the abandoned. Okeiyi has impacted so many lives and we are happy to celebrate him today. We wish him longer life with good health to remain a blessing to this generation,” he said.
However, the elated celebrator thanked all who came to felicitate with him saying that he is no longer retiring but would start all over, investing in education and human capital development.
Anyaegbu advised young entrepreneurs to be humble. ” Firstly, you must be an obedient and deligient apprentice. When you become a boss, you must not cheat, exploit or humiliate others because of wealth or position. Treat people with respect and conduct business with honesty and integrity. Success does not come overnight, but with good character, commitment and trust in God, you may build successful businesses and become a blessing to others,” said Anyaegbu.
Highlights of the quadruple event was the decoration of Chief Dr Chidi Anyaegbu and his wife with chieftaincy Regalia and an award presentation spearheaded by the Pro -Chancellor and Chairman Council COOU Igbariam, Prof. Peter Onwualu and subsequent unveiling of the book ‘The Godfather of Transport Chisco’ Platinum Footprints of Enterprise: The Life, Leadership and Legacies of Chief Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu.
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