…Leads them to celebrate Akagburuonye @60
Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo state, on Sunday received two former Nigerian presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri and led them to the 60th birthday celebration of Success Akagburuonye at Ogbor Uvuru, in Abor Mbaise Local Government Area of the state.
The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, accompanied by her husband, His Excellency, Chukwuma Ekomaru, warmly welcomed the guests to Imo State.
In his goodwill message, the governor described the celebrant as a dedicated philanthropist, trailblazing and industrious Nigerian with versatility.
He noted that it was only the grace of God that can grant one longevity, as she prayed God to bless Akagburuonye with many more years.
“To reach three scores in life is a grace; to have a mother of 105 years is amazing grace. On behalf of the government and people of Imo State, I wish you a happy birthday and many more years,” the governor prayed.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who chaired the occasion, praised Akagburuonye’s resilience and success impact. He thanked the governor of Imo State, for not only receiving them but leading them to the occasion.
He also congratulated Mama Success on her healthy living, longevity and her remarkable offspring.
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Obasanjo prayed for the sanctity of the church and a corruption-free Nigeria.
He sought more US support and intervention for Nigeria, while urging people to be more impactful, defining success as “how much you better the place you find yourself.”
He however, charged the celebrant to impact the society more with integrity and fear of God, while being mindful of all that success attracts.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan expressed delight celebrating Akagburuonye, highlighting her impact, success, and action. “We celebrate the values Chief Success represents,” he said.
He described him as a nation-builder with law and civil engineering background, champion of truth and human dignity, who embodies participatory leadership.
On his family’s behalf, he congratulated the celebrant.
Senator Anthony News of the District of Maryland, USA, also delivered his tribute, eulogising the foresight and achievements and the reach of the celebrant.
The General Overseer, Assemblies of God Nigeria, Rev. Abel Ukachi Amadi, appreciated guests for coming, basing his sermon on Jeremiah 1:5 – “I knew you before you were born.”
He said life means appreciating God’s gift and bringing glory to His name.
“Our brother thanks God for allowing him live despite life’s vicissitudes. Your appreciation becomes incomplete without surrendering to God,” he emphasised, urging everyone to surrender their lived to God.”
He prayed for long life and fulfillment of God’s purpose for everyone.
Akagburuonye thanked everyone for coming, saying God has blessed him with his wishes. He appreciated Governor Uzodinma for providing security and maintaining peace in Imo State.
He described his celebration as a dream come true, highlighting meetings with President Obasanjo and the Super Eagles of Nigeria as significant. He pledged to continue attracting good things to Ogbor, Mbaise, Imo State, and Nigeria, expressing how happy he feels attracting MTN to Mbaise.
The event was marked by goodwill messages, special prayer by the 105 aged mother of the celebrant, Mrs. Akagburuonye, cutting of birthday cake, flagging off road construction sponsored by the celebrant; book presentation, titled ‘Me and my God’, written on behalf of the celebrant and reviewed by Dr. Reuben Abati; award presentation by different groups, including, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Uvuru Community Development Union, who honoured him as the “Pillar of Uvuru”.
It was indeed, a momentous event, celebrating a successful life at 60 and attracting an array of dignitaries from across the globe.
