President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe, on the occasion of his 85th birthday, describing the revered monarch as a symbol of unity, grace and integrity.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President paid tribute to the traditional ruler’s contributions to national development, corporate leadership and community service.

The President described Igwe Achebe as a foremost traditional ruler in the South-East, as well as a distinguished corporate leader and oil and gas expert.

“President Bola Tinubu congratulates the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe (Agbogidi), on his 85th birthday.

“President Tinubu salutes the foremost traditional ruler in the South-East, corporate leader, oil and gas expert, and boardroom guru, describing him as a symbol of unity, grace, and integrity,” The statement partly read.

Tinubu also highlighted the monarch’s distinguished career in the corporate sector before ascending the throne of his forebears.

He also commended the traditional ruler for his contributions to peacebuilding, youth development and socio-economic advancement.

“Igwe Achebe had served as a director in Shell Petroleum Company in Nigeria, as well as in other Shell companies in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Ghana, Sierra Leone, the Gambia, Liberia, and Angola, before ascending the throne of his forebears.

“The President commends His Majesty for his peace-building efforts, youth empowerment schemes, and socio-economic development programmes in his domain and beyond”, the statement continued.

Tinubu further praised Igwe Achebe’s role in fostering national unity and strengthening relations between communities and government institutions. He also acknowledged the monarch’s decades-long service in corporate leadership, enterprise and governance.

“President Tinubu particularly lauds Igwe Achebe’s contributions to deepening national cohesion and serving as a critical bridge between grassroots communities and the government.

“The President also acknowledges the respected traditional ruler’s decades of service to the nation in corporate leadership, enterprise, and governance,” the President added.

Tinubu joined the royal family, the people of Onitsha and residents of Anambra State in celebrating the monarch and wishing him continued good health and strength.

“President Tinubu joins the royal family, the people of Onitsha and Anambra State, in wishing Igwe Achebe many more years of good health and strength as he continues to provide leadership for his community, state, and nation,” the statement concluded.