Opinion
By Valentine Obienyem
This Prof. Orogbu self! Is she another Ikku?
She is full of surprises, and she appears determined to remain so. History is filled with individuals whose lives were defined by unexpected turns, remarkable gestures, and an ability to leave lasting impressions. One such person was Jippensha Ikku, the famous Japanese comic writer whose life was characterised by humour, creativity, and a promise that he would remain surprising until the very end.
Ikku’s story is fascinating. On his deathbed, he instructed his disciples to place sealed packets on his corpse during his cremation, with strict instructions that they must not be opened beforehand. His followers obeyed. But when the funeral pyre was lit, the hidden packets burst into flames, revealing their secret – they contained firecrackers. What should have been a solemn farewell suddenly became a moment of laughter and wonder. Ikku kept his lifelong promise of filling his life with surprises, even in death.
If you have followed the journey of Prof. Lilian Orogbu, you will understand why I draw this comparison. She is someone who consistently surprises.
My first encounter with her was many years ago when she was my lecturer. At the time, she was the Head of her Department. She walked into our doctoral class wearing fashionable Gen Z designer shoes, with remarkable confidence and an unmistakable sense of self-assurance. The story of Novella who lectured behind veil lest her beauty became a distraction, which I recently referenced, captures her personality perfectly. That is why whenever I see her, I often say to her, “Semper pulchra”- always beautiful.
In every sense, she is a remarkable lecturer. She was not merely transferring knowledge; she was demonstrating the limitless possibilities that come with professionalism, confidence, discipline, and dedication. Her lectures went beyond academics – they inspired students to believe in their own potential.
She remains full of surprises to this day. She carries within her the spirit of Ikku: the courage to be herself, the confidence to stand firm, and the ability to astonish those around her. Those who follow proceedings at the House of Representatives can attest that she is not one to be intimidated. Little wonder the women repeatedly sang, “Nwanyi bu efe,” today in celebration of her.
While delivering his goodwill message, Senator Victor Umeh spoke extensively about her. In his characteristic style, he electrified the arena by describing her as someone who possesses “Ibibo” – the same quality of courage, resilience, and determination that Sen. Umeh is identified with. He praised her commitment to her constituents and expressed gratitude that the people had a representative of such quality.
Senator Obi also used the occasion to urge the people to support her return to the House. His argument was simple: if she could achieve so much as a first-term member, one can only imagine what she would accomplish as a ranking member – and perhaps even a principal officer of the House.
But today, Prof. Lilian Orogbu surpassed expectations yet again. This was surprise raised to the thousandth power.
Her empowerment programme was a spectacle of generosity and impact. Walking around the venue was almost like touring a bustling village market, not because goods were being sold, but because of the astonishing display of items awaiting distribution: vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles, refrigerators, grinding machines, and numerous other tools designed to improve livelihoods and create economic opportunities.
This is why those who follow Mr. Peter Obi’s public engagements should pay attention to the bigger picture. Have you seen what Senator Victor Umeh has achieved through his scholarship programmes and educational projects? The number of beneficiaries alone is remarkable. What about Senator Tony Nwoye’s interventions? Today, we witnessed yet another shining example through Prof. Lilian Orogbu.
She reminded me of the popular inscription on T-shirts in the late 1980s: “Whatever a man can do, a woman can do better.” Though the slogan carries a touch of playful matriarchal humour, watching her today, one is tempted to conclude that some women do not merely prove equality, they redefine excellence.
Lest I forget, on our way from Nsukka this morning to attend Oby’s event, Mr. Peter Obi asked if we knew why he always gladly honoured her invitations.
Without waiting for an answer, he replied: “She has never called me for lunch, dinner, or any form of merriment. She always calls me for the commissioning of schools she has built, roads she has constructed, or to support the award of scholarships.”
His words captured why he holds such invitations in such high regard. They are rooted in service, sacrifice, and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of the people. For him, the most meaningful engagements are not those centred on personal celebration, but those that create opportunities, empower individuals, and strengthen communities.
Today’s event was another reflection of that philosophy. Prof. Lilian Orogbu gathered her constituents not to celebrate herself but to empower them – placing tools and resources in their hands so they could become more productive, self-reliant, and economically secure.
In her remarks, Prof. Orogbu explained that the empowerment programme was her way of expressing gratitude to those who worked tirelessly for her election and who have continued to stand by her over the years. Regretfully, she admitted that she wished she could reach every supporter, but the available resources could not go round. Yet the impact of quality representation extends far beyond those who received physical items. Good representation benefits not only one’s constituents but, in many respects, the nation as a whole.
Mr. Peter Obi delivered the final speech. He struck the same chord as Senator Victor Umeh, commending Prof. Orogbu for demonstrating that public office should be measured by service rather than ceremony. He noted that when elected representatives invest in education, infrastructure, empowerment, and the welfare of their people, democracy acquires real meaning.
Like Jippensha Ikku, Prof. Lilian Orogbu continues to leave people wondering what surprise comes next. But unlike Ikku, whose surprises provoked laughter, Prof. Orogbu’s surprises restore hope, transform lives, and remind us that public office can still be a platform for genuine service.
Now, watch the attached video and see what she is about to distribute today.
A.I
Aug. 7, 2026
Tags: Professor Lilian Orogbu