Former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism in Anambra State, Chief Maja Umeh, is dead.
Chief Umeh, a native of Amichi in Nnewi South Local Government Area of the State and lifetime Patron of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), reportedly died at the age of 64 years, few months to his 65th birthday.
Confirming the ugly news in an interview with this reporter, the APGA Chairman for Nnewi South Local Government Area, Hon. Azubuike Osuchukwu, said the party chieftain died on Wednesday, April 5, 2025.
Although, details are still sketchy about the incident, Hon. Osuchukwu, who verified the information from an ally to the deceased, said he was still making efforts to contact the family members.
Reports have it that Late Chief Maja Emeka Alex Umeh was a respected public servant, community leader, and seasoned politician, who served as the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism in Anambra State during the administration of Governor Peter Obi.
Chief Umeh was born on October 7, 1960, in Enugu. He was the seventh of eight children in his family. He began his early education at St. Mary’s Primary School, Uwani, Enugu, but completed it at St. Eugenia Primary School, Amichi, due to the Nigerian Civil War. He later attended Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, where he obtained his secondary school certificate in 1977.
In 1979, he gained admission to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he studied Political Science and graduated with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the field. After his compulsory National Youth Service in Kaduna State, he briefly lectured at the Nigerian Defence Academy before venturing into private business. He later founded ALDOVE Limited, a real estate and construction company, which he managed until he was appointed to serve in government.
Chief Umeh was first appointed as Political Adviser by former Governor Peter Obi, and later served as the state’s Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism. During his tenure, he contributed significantly to the cultural and tourism development of the state, including initiating the Mmechi Aro Anambra, a cultural homecoming event for Ndi Anambra. He also championed the regional promotion of the New Yam Festival across the five Southeastern states and advocated for the preservation and promotion of Igbo culture and language.
Aside from his role in government, Chief Umeh made remarkable contributions to his community. He was instrumental in attracting a 22-kilometer road project that opened up Nnewi South and neighboring communities, for which he was honoured with chieftaincy titles such as “Anya Amichi Ji Afụ Ụzọ” and “Omerụ Mma Akwaihedi”. He also facilitated the construction of boreholes in medical centres and ensured that schools in his community benefitted from government support.
A lifelong member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Umeh was a member of the party’s Board of Trustees and was recently honoured as a Life Patron of APGA in October 2023 for his dedication and selfless service to the party.
Until his death, he remained an active voice in political and cultural matters, and maintained close relationships with key political figures including former Governor Peter Obi and the current Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo.
Chief Umeh was a peace-loving man, a devout Christian, and a titled Ozo man in Amichi known as “Ọkwaka Amichi”. He lived a life of service, charity, and community development.
His death has been widely described as a huge loss to Anambra State, the APGA family, Nnewi South, and the entire Amichi community. He will be remembered for his legacy of public service, cultural promotion, and deep commitment to the wellbeing of his people.