BY SUNNY A. DAVID
The Governor of Anambra State Prof Chukwuma Soludo has promised that the construction work going on at Ekwulobia roundabout will be completed in no distant time.
He stated this at Saint Joseph Cathedral Church Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of the State while celebrating with Chief Dr Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, on his investiture as Papal Knight of Saint Gregory, and his sixty-nineth birthday celebration.
The Governor, who congratulated Chief Ezeokafor on the occasion, prayed God to grant him more years.
Governor Soludo commended the people of Ekwulobia for the peace and tranquility in the community, and apologized to the guests at the event for the inconveniences they encountered on their way due to work going on at the Ekwulobia roundabout.
The thanksgiving mass officiated by the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia, His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpalaeke, also featured a memorial in honour of Chief Ezeokafor’s late parents, Mr. Julius and Mrs. Josephine Ezeokafor.
The tripartite event attracted the Labour Party Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, college of Bishops, Priests, Traditional rulers, top government functionaries, technocrats, business moguls, among others.
In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Reverend Jonas Okoye, who underscored the importance of living a thankful and appreciative life, regretted that most Christians forget to give gratitude to God for his grace upon them, and commended Chief Ezeokafor for his kind disposition and life of gratitude.
He enumerated various achievements and contributions of Chief Ezeokafor towards the development of the church, education and the society at large, which earned him the investiture as a Papal Knight, urging the affluent to emulate him.
In his opening remarks at the reception ground, the Chairman on the occasion, Chief Sir Cletus Ibeto, stated that good legacies are worthy of emulation, and commended the celebrant for his philanthropist nature and numerous achievements.
Chief Ibeto Urged others to emulate him, while wishing him well on his birthday.
Speaking to newsmen in their separate interviews, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party Mr. Obi, and the Senator representing Anambra Central District, Chief Victor Umeh, said they came to celebrate a man who cares for the people and the community, saying that Chief Ezeokafor uses his wealth to impact lives, calling on those whom God has blessed to emulate him.
The celebrant, Chief Ezeokafor, whose joy knew no bound, expressed gratitude to God and all that made the celebration worthwhile for the honor done him, and prayed God to bless them all.
Highpoints of the event were cutting of cake, dance by Chief and Mrs. Ezeokafor, as well as various groups.
