By Uzo Ugwunze
It was jubilation galore for people of Obuele Akwuoba Ogbunka in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State following the 112years birthday celebration of Ogbuehi Joseph Igboeri Onwudiwe (Agbeze).
The birthday celebration of the Centenarian, said to be the oldest person in Ogbunka was jointly hosted by sons and daughters of the Umuoduka family.
A prominent son of Umuoduka family, High Chief Ephraim Emedo (Ekwueme Ogbunka) and 4 daughters (Umu Okpu) of Umuoduka family were also celebrated for attaining the age of 80 and above respectively.
The female celebrants included Mgbeke Onunkwo, Henrietta Orajekwe Okolo, Ciclia Ezionue Ibemere and Charity Okpara Ekwerem.
Speaking during the event at the Omego Villa, one of the celebrants’ children, a clergyman and State Deputy Chairman of Labour Party (LP), Ven. Chris Orajekwe Onwudiwe said it was a privilege for the family to be blessed with such a wonderful father.
He described celebrant’s life as inspiration to the entire family, adding that attainment of such incredible milestone remained a testament to God’s blessings of longevity on their family.
He said, “We are privileged that God has blessed us with Ogbuehi Joseph Nwankwo Igberi (Agbaeze).
“Happy Birthday to Ogbuehi Agbaeze! Reaching this incredible milestone is a testament to God’s blessings of longevity on our family, which has endured you with strength and wisdom.
“Your life story inspires us all, and we are grateful to God for the joy and knowledge you share. An Igbo adage said “any body that has the opportunity of seeing the elderly has as well seen our ancestors” (onye ma Okenye makwa ndi nmuo).
“Agbaeze, on behalf of myself, the entire Umuoduka family, we are wishing you continued sound health and happiness in the years to come!”
Other children who spoke at the occasion were High Chief John Onwudiwe (Agbaeze Jnr) Chief Jonathan Onwudiwe (Dike) Hon. Paul Onwudiwe (Nwabunnaya) Hon.Anayo Okafor (Ozuomba).
The celebration featured thanksgiving and prayers to God by the family and friends, and special prayer and blessings by the celebrant as well as lots of merriment, eating and drinking.