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By Okechukwu Nwanguma
A very big commendation to the Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, for this remarkable and deeply meaningful gesture of honouring the memory of the late Chima Ubani by renaming the newly remodelled and digitally equipped 80-bed Obingwa General Hospital after him.
This is much more than the naming of a public institution. It is a recognition of the patriotic sacrifices made by Chima Ubani in the struggle for the restoration of democracy, the defence of human rights, the rule of law and the entrenchment of good governance in Nigeria.
Chima did not merely speak about these ideals. He lived them. He stood with the oppressed and challenged injustice at considerable personal risk. As a student leader and later as a leading human rights and pro-democracy activist, he devoted his life to the belief that Nigeria could and should become a democratic society in which human dignity, justice and accountable government are respected.
By naming a hospital after Chima, Governor Otti has done something particularly significant: he has connected Chima’s legacy of service to humanity with an institution dedicated to preserving and improving human life.
That symbolism should not be lost on us.
Chima Ubani died in the course of the struggle for the democratic ideals he believed in. His death was a profound loss to his family, his colleagues, the human rights community and Nigeria’s democratic movement. Governor Otti’s gesture sends an important message: the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy must not be forgotten, and their values must continue to inspire public service.
In this sense, Chima did not die in vain.
The greatest tribute to a person who sacrificed for good governance is not merely a monument or inscription bearing his name. It is to build the kind of society for which he struggled – to provide dignity to ordinary citizens, protect human rights, strengthen institutions and ensure that government works for the people.
It is therefore particularly fitting that Chima’s name now adorns a hospital dedicated to saving lives and providing healthcare to ordinary citizens.
That is the kind of living memorial that matters.
I commend Governor Alex Otti for recognising Chima Ubani’s contribution to Nigeria’s democratic journey and for preserving his memory in such a practical and socially meaningful way.
I also commend the people and Government of Abia State for ensuring that the legacy of one of their illustrious sons continues to occupy a place in the public consciousness.
May the Chima Ubani Memorial Hospital not only save lives but continually remind present and future generations that democracy, justice, human rights and good governance were built and defended by Nigerians who were prepared to make extraordinary sacrifices for the common good.
May Chima’s memory continue to inspire courage, integrity, service and commitment to the Nigerian people.
Chima Ubani did not die in vain. His struggle lives on.
Okechukwu Nwanguma
Executive Director, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC)
