One man whom the people of Oba in Idemili South LGA of Anambra State are proud of his lofty achievements is their great son, Chief.(Sir) Vincent Ananti (Obataifeadi), Aninepungwu of Oba.
They love him to bits as one who is always there to help out in any situation that concerns the Oba people in particular and Idemili people in general.
For those who do not know him, Sir Ananti studied law at the prestigious University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu campus (UNEC). In the course of his stay in UNEC, he was a member of the prestigious gentlemen society-the Beta Sigma Nigeria and was elected the Governor of Adelabu Hall in 1986/87. That same year, he led his Hall to win the Football competition of the school.
Called to the Nigerian Bar as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1990, Chief (Barr) Vincent Ananti, is a quintessential legal practitioner and defender of the downtrodden who has used his good office and influence to defend and promote the cause of Justice among the indigent members of the society and his beloved people of Oba community especially those that reside in Lagos.
In 2006, Ananti, joined the famous and prestigious Diamond Fitness Club of Nigeria and served as the Secretary for a meritorious 10 years. He was also instrumental in giving the Club a befitting Constitution.
His foot print at the Diamond Fitness Club is regarded by members as enduring and sustaining and this helped in the astronomical growth of the Club as a leading association for all the socialites in Lagos and Nigeria in general.
A true son of Oba, he is also a founding member of Oba Brothers Association (an organisation of powerful and influential people of Oba) and have served them in various capacities including the office of the Vice President.
Chief (Sir) Ananti, a member of Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos Branch and member, Otu Okiwu Association of Igbo Lawyers was in 2009, invested as a member of the Order of Knight of St Christopher by His Lordship Rt Revd (Prof) Ibeagha JP, the first Bishop of Nike Diocese of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
Sir Ananti’s leadership and managerial skills coupled with the support of other members, led to the revival of the meeting of his alma-mater, the Oraukwu Grammar School Old Boys Association Lagos branch in 2008. In appreciation to this noble deed, the ORAGRAM old boys elected him Chairman of Lagos branch and later National President from 2010 to 2020.
Under his leadership at ORAGRAM Old Boys Association, they organised a wonderful Golden and Diamond jubilee events in 2009 and 2019 respectively.
For his services to his town, Ananti was rewarded with a Chieftaincy title of Ichie Aninepungwu of Oba in 2013, by His Royal Majesty Igwe (Dr) P C Ezenwa (EzeOkpoko 1 of Oba).
Before that, his leadership qualities had led his people to elect him as the Secretary and President respectively of Oba Patriotic Union, Lagos Branch between 2008 and 2012.
His appointment as a member of Igwe P C Ezenwa Royal Cabinet gave him the leverage to launch the Ist Compendium chronicling the 40th Anniversary of Igwe Ezeokpoko 1 of Oba HRM Igwe P.C Ezenwa MFR. The compendium showcased a pictorial directory of all the Royal Cabinet Members from 1976 to 2016.
Chief Sir Vincent Ananti a community leader, manager of men, benefactor of humanity, devout Christian, and an Anglican par-excellence is married to Lady (Dr) Chinenye Ananti, a Consultant Paediatrician and Medical Director of Godfrey Specialist Hospital, Lagos and they are blessed with wonderful children.
Ladies and gentlemen, let us click our glasses as we rejoice with this embodiment of humanity known among his social circle as “Obata ife adi” on this special occasion of his birthday today.
