Either by tending to the less-privileged persons or watching religious programmes, particularly those of the Catholic denomination on the television, the Congress for Progressives Change aspirant in the next Anambra State governorship election, Dr. Hygers Igwebuike, finds total pleasure. He spoke to Anayo Okolie
If by May, no other person seeks to contest the Anambra State governorship election on the platform of Congress for Progressives Change (CPC), Dr. Hygers Ifeanyichukwu Igwebuike, would automatically emerge the one to fly the party’s flag in the November 16 election.
Yet, those who knew Igwebuike as a religious leader would wonder what he was looking for in politics. But he does not see it like that. To him, leadership is for people who abide by the commandments of God and following the increasing corruption in the country, it is only common sense.
A devout Christian who has provided places of worship in virtually all his Estates for both his tenants and neighbours, Igwebuike led the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Nigeria, Lagos Archdiocese, for eleven years. His philanthropic strides, both to the people from his home town and several other communities, speak volume.
However, his reason for venturing into politics is simple. According to him, he wanted to reduce the sufferings of the people of his state, Anambra. Though, he admitted to having it tough because, apart from the controversy trailing the opposition coalition, CPC currently faces leadership crisis, strictly between Senator Rufai Hanga and Tony Momoh.
But in keeping the pressure far away from him, Igwebuike said he had learnt to engage himself in things that bring happiness to his life. For instance, he said, “I derive joy in solving problems. That somebody is dying and he remembers my name and he is comforted, I am fulfilled.
“It is not just about watching football or playing games. It’s about transforming lives. For example, somebody who has no money to pay for school and she or he has lost hope that this school cannot continue, you give the person hope. Those are the things I do.
“I started my estate business without looking at the superrich. I started because of people that were suffering of accommodation, people that their landlords had ejected from their houses because they did not have money to pay for their house rent. I called some of them and told them that even if it was just N10,000 that you have, I will allocate a plot of land to you to start building to enable you live in your own house and avoid the troubles of the landlords.”
Although a family man, Igwebuike hardly have time for his family because of his tight engagements. “I find it difficult to spend time with family but I always let them know that what we are doing here is what is going to take us to where we are going to be tomorrow. Sometimes, they feel my absence but whenever I am around, I give them quality time, take them out and by that action, everybody is happy.”
He also likes to read books, newspapers and watch ETV where they show Catholic programmes. This, he claimed, re-energises him spiritually and is relaxing.
After his secondary education, Igwebuike enlisted into the Nigeria Army as a recruit in 1990 after which he was posted to the 2nd Division of the Nigeria Army in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. From there, he proceeded to the Nigeria Army School of Finance and Administration (NASFA) where he studied Accountancy.
To brush up his credentials, he also studied Economic at the Delta State University, Abraka. His strong belief and zeal to impact positively on the society propelled his retirement from the Nigerian Army in 2008 and went into private business. He set up Hythec Investment & Management Company Ltd, an initiative that had employed more than 200 graduates and other categories of workers serving in different capacities
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