It was encomiums as the Traditional Prime Minister, TPM of Ibeku Ancient Kingdom, High Chief Uche James Akwukwaegbu celebrated his 66 years of age in his country home, Amuzukwu Ibeku in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State.
The encomiums came from the governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, the governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, the Special Adviser to Gov. Yusuf on External Affairs and the leader of Kwankwasiyya movement in North Central, Alhaji Mashood Shittu, AMS, the MD of FMC, Prof. Onyebuchi Azubuike, the chairman of the occasion, Barr Okey Amaechi (SAN), and the National Secretary of Ibeku Youths Association, Chibuzor Onwukamuche, among others.
The occasion that started with a short inter-denominational church service conducted by Ven. Sam Ikedi Onuoha where attendees were admonished that the occasion called for celebration of joys and thanksgiving.
Ven Onuoha noted, “In times of well-being and opulence, people tend to forget God”, noting “but High Chief Uche James Akwukwaegbu was preserved by God for the future generations” and urged all to use their God-given talents to help others.
Speaking, the former presidential candidate of the Alliance National Party (ANP), and National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Mashood Shittu, AMS while representing the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf said, “There is the need for a strong and united Nigeria for progress and development in Nigeria, noting “It is not easy in Ngeria of today to live up to 66 years because of hardship”.
According to him, living up to 66 years in the current Nigeria was as a result of his achievements, stating. “If he had lived a wasteful life, he may not be alive today, but he lived a peaceful and developed life, hence he has a rest of mind.
Shittu said, “High Chief Uche James Akwukwaegbu is worth the congratulatory message we are passing across to him. We have been friendly and a good relationship with each other. We also remembered his relationship with Kwankwasiyya. I have come to represent the Kwankwasiya family here in Umuahia and to celebrate with him.
“He is a philanthropist, a man who has been generous. With the little I have seen here, “with the present economic situation and living index, living up to 66 years in the country now is not easy, but with Chief Akwukwaegbu, you can see his impact on humanity, especially on his immediate environment and community and the state at large.
“His contributions to the development of this country means to us, and that made us fly all the way from Abuja to Umuahia to support and celebrate with him on the auspicious occasion of his 66 years of age, as he contributed a lot to the development of Nigeria, and therefore a man that is worth celebrating at 66 years old.
“At 66, he has really contributed alot to the development of this nation and therefore worth celebrating. He is hardworking man and a man of integrity. I don’t know that Umuahia is so friendly and so peaceful, so accommodating indeed. I was so impressed and so grateful to the people of Abia State that we saw that supported us with prayers and everything they have that Kano must not be taken away from the people of NNPP because they know that we won the election.
The Abia State governor, represented by his Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Commerce, Chimezie Ukaegbu extolled the virtues of the celebrant, thanking him for being a philanthropist who has contributed immensely to many lives and the community in particular”.
The National Secretary of Ibeku Youths Association, Chibuzor Onwukamuche and chairman of the occasion, Barr. Okey Amaechi, SAN, among others expressed their happiness that the celebrant was a blessing to the Ibeku community.
The National Secretary of Ibeku Youths Association, Chibuzor Onwukamuche and chairman of the occasion, Barr. Okey Amaechi, SAN, among others expressed their happiness that the celebrant was a blessing to the Ibeku community.
The Managing Director, Federal Medical Centre, FMC Umuahia Prof. Onyebuchi Azubuike conducted the toast.
