…inspires them to celebrate Akagburuoni@60
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State on Sunday welcomed two former Nigerian Presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri and escorted them to the 60th birthday celebration of Success Akagburuoni at Ogbor Uwuru in Abor Mbaise Local Government Area of the state.
The Governor, who was represented by Deputy Governor Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, along with 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, pioneer and hard-working Nigerian with versatile talents.
He said it is only God's grace that can grant one longevity, as he prayed God to bless Akagburuoni with many more years.
“Reaching three digits in life is a grace; having a mother at 105 is an amazing grace. On behalf of the government and the people of Imo State, I wish you a happy birthday and many more years of happiness,” the governor prayed.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who presided over the occasion, praised the impact of Akagburuyonyi's resilience and success. He thanked the Governor of Imo State for not only welcoming them but also leading them on the occasion.
He also congratulated Mama Success for her healthy life, longevity and her remarkable progeny.
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Obasanjo prayed for the purity of the church and a corruption-free Nigeria.
He called for more US support and intervention for Nigeria, while also urging people to become more influential, and defined success as “how much better you are than the place you find yourself in.”
However, he charged the celebrants to imbue society more with sincerity and fear of God, while being mindful of all things that attract success.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan was pleased to celebrate Akagburuoni, highlighting his influence, success and action. “We celebrate the values that Core Success represents,” he said.
He described him as a nation-builder with a law and civil engineering background, a champion of truth and human dignity, who is the epitome of participative leadership.
He congratulated the celebrant on behalf of his family.
United States Senator for the District of Maryland Anthony News also paid his tribute, praising the foresight and achievements and reach of the celebrant.
Rev. Abel Ukachi Amadi, General Overseer of the Assemblies of God Nigeria, commended the visiting guests as he based his sermon on Jeremiah 1:5 – “I knew you before you were born.”
He said the meaning of life is to appreciate God's gift and glorify his name.
“Our brother thanks God for allowing him to survive despite the ups and downs of life. Your appreciation becomes incomplete without dedication to God,” he stressed, urging everyone to dedicate their lives to God.
He prayed for long life for all and fulfillment of God's purpose.
Akagburuoni thanked everyone for coming and said God has blessed them on their desires. He commended Governor Uzodinma for providing security and maintaining peace in Imo State.
He described his celebration as a dream come true, describing the meetings with President Obasanjo and the Nigeria Super Eagles as important. He promised to continue to attract good things to Ogbor, Mbaise, Imo State and Nigeria, and expressed how happy he feels to have attracted MTN to Mbaise.
The program included goodwill messages, special prayer by the celebrant's 105-year-old mother, Mrs. Akagburuoni, cutting of the birthday cake, flagging off of road construction sponsored by the celebrant; The book presentation, titled 'Me and My God', was written on behalf of the celebrant and reviewed by Dr. Ruben Abati; Award presentation by various groups including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Uwuru Community Development Association, who honored him as the “Pillar of Uwuru”.
It was indeed a momentous event, celebrating a successful life at the age of 60 and attracting many dignitaries from all over the world.
