Culture and tradition have always connected people with their heritage and ancestors and this has helped the people to feel rooted in their community. It creates a feeling of belonging which is vital for one’s mental and emotional wellbeing.
The Qoheleth presents one of the distinguished promoters, and custodian of African tradition and heritage.
Patrick Chikere Anyatonwu, fondly called Paddy is a distinguished cultural and tourism expert, media consultant, and youth development advocate. He is one of the arrowheads in promoting African culture and tradition. He took this initiative to assist in preserving the cultural identity of the people, promote a sense of belonging and create additional values for the ancestral roots in Abia and Africa as a whole.
With a career spanning about three decades, he has left an indelible mark on the cultural tourism landscape, media, and good governance, especially in promoting African and Igbo cultural practices.
Paddy holds a bachelor of science degree in Government and Public Administration from Abia State University, an advanced MBA from Lagos State University as well as a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Lagos. He has attended several high-level leadership courses in hospitality, tourism and many others.
The immediate past Director-General of Abia State Agency for Mass Mobilization spearheaded numerous campaigns aimed at cultural renaissance, community engagement, and social development. His leadership transformed the agency into a beacon of cultural pride and grassroots mobilization. He initiated the “Leadership in Excellence” mentorship programme across senior secondary schools in Abia State, where over 50,000 students were mentored by selected leaders.
As a renowned journalist, Paddy used his profession to bring tourism and cultural narratives to the forefront, showcasing Nigeria’s rich heritage and promoting domestic and international tourism. His editorial leadership influenced policy discussions and inspired tourism development initiatives. He actively uses social media to champion African and Igbo cultural practices. His engaging content has attracted a wide range of audience, making him a leading voice in cultural preservation and youth mobilization.
Paddy is renowned for creating branded and iconic cultural events and activities. These events celebrate African heritage, highlight the vibrancy of Igbo culture, and provide platforms for youth and communities to connect with their roots. He has developed signature cultural activities that have gained national and international recognition.
As a passionate youth development enthusiast, he has mentored countless youths, instilling pride in their heritage and inspiring them to be cultural ambassadors. His “A Bottle with Paddy” has mentored over 100,000 youths for over eight years.
The Abia born strategist has promoted tourism development through his work in media and public service. He elevated Nigeria’s cultural tourism potential, contributing significantly to the sector’s growth. He has solidified his position as a thought leader in cultural and tourism advocacy.
According to him; “I envision a world where African culture is revived, celebrated globally, and young people are empowered to take pride in their heritage. I want to focus on ensuring cultural acceptance, revival and development especially among the younger generations.”
Paddy Anyatonwu, who is also the President of Isiopara Confraternity Worldwide is not just a cultural and tourism expert, he is a custodian of tradition, a storyteller of heritage, and a builder of cultural legacies. His storytelling prowess is unmatched, weaving tales that resonate deeply with audiences. He has published two books; Man and Money and What a Rich man Told a Poor Man.
His work continues to inspire communities to preserve their traditions while embracing modernity.
