Special to USAfrica multimedia networks, Houston – since 1992
First and foremost, let me note that this hard-charging, inquisitive and witty lawyer embodies a very good example of the relentless potentialities and the innate capacity of any purposeful, youthful human being. I have known Theophilus Nwaigbo since 1981 when he rented an apartment in one of my family’s buildings in the great city of Aba, in Nigeria. Almost 30 years before that inquiry for accommodation was his birth on March 21, 1959.
Essentially, we grew up, shortly after our secondary school education, like brothers in our quest for scholastic excellence and professional achievements in our various fields.
Second, both of us knew the keys to the kingdom of professional success will be found in far-flung but fertile fields of education. I recall that It was the great statesmen and icon Nelson Mandela who said that “education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mineworker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farm workers can become the president of a great nation.”
Third, Theophilus knew what he wanted and what to do to get there. He combined his workload at the sugar marketing company briefly with his law school. While he was at the Sugar marketing company I was at the Nigerian television channel 6; while I continued my education at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, he was admitted to study law at the Abia State University.
Fourth, without a doubt, Theophilus has made his mark in his practice of law in Nigeria‘s business capital city of Lagos! I am proud of him for his ironclad determination to move forward, no matter the odds; and regardless of any challenges!
Fifth, although he is Igbo from the south eastern heartland of Imo State, I believe by looking at the organic and joyful twinkle in his eyes, no language brings him greater sense of engagement than his masterful delivery of the Hausa language of northern Nigeria.
Sixth, as a renaissance man, he loved music so much that Theo could trade his lunch money for a record/Lp by the famous Nigerian group One World. Or his favorite American rock ‘n’ roll group called Boston!
On balance, I believe Theo represents the articulation of the views and affirmation of the philosophical outlook of the Italian philosopher Giuseppe Ferrari (7th March 1812 – 2nd July 1876) who wrote that progress is the Law of God. Accordingly and based on the preponderance of evidence, it is my conclusion: in that light, in that likeness, my friend and brother, Barrister Theo Nwaigbo, has followed and will continue to follow that Existential law of God!
••Dr. Chido Nwangwu who appears as an analyst on the CNN and SkyNews, serves as the Founder & Publisher of the first African-owned, U.S-based newspaper published on the internet, USAfricaonline.com and author of the 2020 book on Power, Leadership & Identity [MLK, Mandela & Achebe]. He served as an adviser to Houston’s Mayor on Africa business.
