The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma on Wednesday said he renamed the Heroes Square after the late Admiral Ndubusi Kanu, because of the Owerri Master plan that was actualized under his administration as Military administrator.
Uzodinma spoke when the deceased was brought to Imo Government House in Owerri, for commendation service.
The governor said the decision to rename Heroes Square was after due consultation and executive order as it applies to his office.
Uzodinma said among other things that “We have renamed the popular Heroes Square Stadium in the heart of Owerri, the Imo State capital, after the late Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu.
“Admiral Kanu was the first Military Administrator of Old Imo State and Governor Uzodinma said that the late Naval officer’s administration impacted positively on the economy and infrastructure of Imo State and the credit for the Owerri Master Plan goes to Admiral Kanu.
“Also, it reached after due consultation and application of the Executive Order as it applies to his office.
“Admiral Kanu was a prominent Igbo son who served his people, his State and the country diligently and that he was instrumental to the return of democracy which Nigeria enjoys today following his involvement and other like minds in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).
“Admiral Kanu will be sorely missed by Imo people, Ndigbo, Nigeria, the Military, particularly the Navy Community, his Civil Society associates and all those who came in contact with him.”
“We pray God for the repose of Admiral Kanu’s soul also commiserated with the family for the loss and asked God to console them,” Uzodimma said.
He added that,
“With an Excellent Military career that grew exponentially, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Godwin Kanu rose to the membership of the defunct Supreme Military Council and later to the position of Chief of Naval Operations and Director of Logistics, Joint Operations. The General distinguished himself with dedication to his career and patriotism to the nation, this earned him numerous State and National honors.
During his tenure as the Military Governor of Imo State from 1976 to 1977, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Godwin Kanu brought in a lot of developmental projects to the State, including the engagement of Town Planners for the development of the State. His love for the people and for development yielded productive output in the state including but not limited to the creation of additional Local Government Areas in the State, bringing the number to 21.”
The Late General would greatly be remembered for his immense contributions to national cohesion and growth as he unapologetically championed an end to Military rule and the return to true Federalism. On behalf of the Government and good people of Imo State, we join the Government, good people of Abia State and the Family to mourn the Late Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Godwin Kanu as he reunites with his maker.”
As we eulogize him for his outstanding performance as the Military Governor of Imo State, by an Executive Order, the Heroes Square is now renamed Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu’s Square.”
Top among the stakeholders who spoke about Late Kanu were Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Prof. Maurice Iwu, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria Imo State Rev. Eches Divine Eches among others.
