Otti, Wabara,Akobundu,, Abaribe attend 80th birthday anniversary celebration of former Abia SSG,Dr Eme Okoro.
By: Sam Obinna Ibe,
Umuahia.
The 80th birthday anniversary celebration of former Secretary to the State Government,Dr Eme Okoro held Sunday afternoon at International Conference Centre, Ogurube layout, Umuahia was attended by who is who from Abia State irrespective of family affiliation in honour of an Elder statesman.
From Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti,to the PDP,Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolf Wabara,to Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Austin Akobundu and Abia South Senatorial District counterpart, Senator Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe, Pro Chancellor, Chairman, Governing Council, University of Port Harcourt, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa from Abia North Senatorial District where Dr Eme Okoro hails from.
Other dignitaries that graced the occasion included: Deputy Governor of Abia State,Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, the Deputy Speaker, Abia House of Assembly,Rt Hon Austin Mmeregini, the President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata ably represented by the National Publicity Secretary,Dr Enichukwu Nwachukwu, former President General Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide,Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu,the Secretary to Abia State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu,Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Caleb Ajagba,
Before the gathering of who is who in Abia State at Ochendo International Conference Centre, Ogurube layout Umuahia which was the reception arena,the church service was held in honour of Dr Eme Okoro at 80 years at Methodist Theological Institute,MTI, Rhema Chapel, Mission Hill, Umuahia which also attracted the presence of eminent personalities from all walks of life in the state .
Others present at the occasion which was massively attended included: Hon Eziuche Ubani and Hon Uzo Azubuike ,former House of Representatives members that represented Obingwa,Ugwunagbo and Osisioma and Isiala Ngwa North and South respectively,
Speaking at the epoch making event, the Executive Governor of Abia State,Dr Alex Otti said that his relationship with Dr Eme Okoro transcends politics noting that he has a track records of excellence from primary school up to University levels.
He also commended Senator Adolf Wabara for kind comments made on Dr Eme Okoro stressing that when he flagged off Onuinyang/ Okporoenyi Ikwuano road,that Dr Eme Okoro called him to recall the positive impacts of that road will have the argarian community in bringing out their agricultural products.
He pointed out that the labour party does not discrimate anybody once you live in Abia,you are an Abia.
He stated that in Igbo culture,we respect Elders don’t disparage them, thanking Senator Wabara for not responding for his purported suspension because if out of annoyance as elder pronounces a curse, will have a disaffecting negative effect .
On his part, Senator Adolf Wabara, also lauding Dr Eme Okoro at 80 years while that they have gathered to celebrate an achiever per excellence in all ramifications.
In an interview, Wabara however described his purported suspension as a mere child’s play,called out by people who do not have the power to execute such in the first place.
According to him, nobody is above the law,if it is true he committed any grevious offence that could lead to suspension from appropriate quarters,why not, but however doubt if they have such powers to suspend BOT Chairman.
As for Senator Austin Akobundu, Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District,wish him well on his 80th birthday anniversary celebration.
He added that Dr Eme Okoro is a very compassionate man,a very family man,
Speaking at the event,the Chairman Central Organizing Committee,Rt Hon Ude Oko Chukwu said that we have gathered to celebrate Dr Emelike Okoro who has lived life worthy of emulation.
Whereas,the Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe
Rt Hon Ude Oko Chukwu who was immediate past two time Deputy Governor of Abia State added that we have gathered to celebrate an exemplary leader and outstanding scholar for his immense contributions in all facets of life.
The Chairman of the event,the pioneer Chairman of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu said we have come to celebrate God’s grace to his life adding that today is a Thanksgiving for a man who excelled at all fronts.
Speaking in an interview, Chairman, Committee of Friends, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa described Dr Eme Okoro as a good man who stands what he holds dear not minding whose ox is gored.
He added that this accounted the reason why people from across political divides gathered to celebrate a man of integrity who lives life worthy of emulation.
Speaking with journalists after the event, the celebrant, Dr Eme Okoro said all honour and glory should be ascribed to God Almighty for keeping him in good health and sound mind at 80 years of age .
Dr Eme Okoro commended his allies for putting together the planning of his 80th birthday anniversary celebration with particular reference to Rt Hon Ude Oko Chukwu,the former Deputy Governor who was the Chairman Central Organizing Committee, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Chairman, Committee of Friends,old students of Afikpo Secondary school, University of Nigeria Nsukka Alumni, his five daughters who flew all the way from United States of America to celebrate with their father and others to numerous to mention.
He also commended Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti for making time to attend, noting that Otti is a breath of fresh air while commending the governor in his efforts in opening up rural roads that would ultimately enhanced food productivity in the state.
The highpoint of the occasion was cutting of birthday day cake to celebrate his 80th birthday while Governor Alex Otti, Deputy Governor,Engr Ikechukwu Emetu,Former Deputy Governor,Rt Hon Ude Oko Chukwu,Senators Austin Akobundu and Enyinnaya Abaribe,BOT Chairman, Senator Adolf Wabara and other dignitaries joined him and his wife to cut the cake .
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