By Dorcas Achi
It was a shower of encomiums and glowing tributes as former Attorney-General of Imo State, former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Prof. Francis Dike, marked his 86th birthday.
The celebrated legal luminary and Professor of Law marked the milestone on September 17, 2026, at his residence in Owerri, in a modest but distinguished ceremony that attracted retired and serving judges, Senior Advocates, leaders of the Bar, academics and captains of industry.
In his goodwill message, retired Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice B. A. Njemanze, expressed delight at Prof. Dike's attainment of 86 in good health. He lauded his monumental contributions to the development of law, the legal profession and academia, and prayed for God's continued grace and longevity upon him.
Describing his personality, former Chairman of NBA Owerri Branch, Barr. Amah Akalaonu, said Prof. Dike is an erudite scholar and a dependable mentor with distinct accomplishments, yet remarkably humble.
"Despite his attainments as a cerebral and erudite legal luminary, he still cares about the younger ones; he still cares about tomorrow. The first day I met him, he was introduced to me by a judge as a very intelligent lawyer. That first impression has remained, as he continues to maintain his mettle," Akalaonu said.
In his remarks, A. C. Nwaneri, Esq., described Prof. Dike as a colossus of knowledge and a master of oratory.
"Prof. Dike remains one of the best persons you can listen to deliver an official address. He is blessed with words. We are still tapping from his fountain of knowledge," he noted.
Similarly, university don, veteran author and renowned public affairs analyst, Prof. Protus Nathan Uzorma, described the celebrant as a walking encyclopedia, a priceless unifier and a father figure whose illustrious career has been defined by dedicated service to the community.
Prof. Uzorma noted that as Chairman of the Orlu Council of Elders, Prof. Dike has been a rallying point for unity in Orlu Zone and remains the driving force behind the cohesion of various Orluzurumee groups, mentoring countless accomplished men in the mould of Aristotle and Alexander the Great.
Responding, Prof. Dike said he has lived a fulfilled life with no regrets.
"At 86, I have nothing to regret. I don't think I have missed anything in life," he said.
The octogenarian, however, lamented what he described as sustained falsehoods against the Igbo people and the difficulty of reconciling the Igbo experience within the Nigerian project.
"Many lies have been spoken about the Igbos. As an Igbo person in Nigeria, certain things are difficult to reconcile. I wonder what the future holds for the Igbos," he declared.
Reflecting on his life philosophy, Prof. Dike identified integrity as his guiding principle.
"Life has taught me integrity. There is no pleasure in falsehood. What you gain through falsehood is fleeting - mere material things, nothing tangible. Why would anyone choose evil when there are good things to do and to choose from?" he stated.
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