By Jude Michael
Prominent business man and politician, Mr Valentine Ozigbo, Sunday 20 July, virtually shut down Ekwulobia, Aguata LGA of Anambra State, when he celebrated his 55th birthday, proclaiming the grace of God in his life.
The event, which took place at St Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral, Ekwulobia, and drew friends and well-wishers, was kick-started by a Mass celebrated by his Eminence and Bishop of Ekwulobia Catholic Diocese, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, supported by the Bishop of Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Most Rev Jonas Benson Okoye, and many priests.
In his homily titled, “Mary and Martha: A Lesson in Priorities and Patience”, Cardinal Okpaleke reflected on the Gospel’s narrative of the two sisters, urging the faithful to emulate Mary’s contemplative spirit in a world overwhelmed by distractions and anxieties.
He praised Ozigbo for embodying the virtues of patience, humility, and devotion in both public life and personal faith, noting that the occasion was not just for a birthday celebration but a day for testimony.
Cardinal Okpaleke said Ozigbo’s life embodied a Martha that worked and a Mary that listened, while balancing purpose and piety.
Ozigbo, visibly overwhelmed by the show of love and solidarity by friends, political, associates and well-wishers, recalled his journey from his village in Amesi, Aguata LGA, to his present position, attributing his success story to God.
He paid special tribute to his wife, Mrs. Ojiugo Ozigbo, whom he described as God’s greatest gift to him; even as he described her as a quiet force of strength, love, and balance, in their 23 years of marriage.
The ceremony continued after the Mass outside with a vibrant reception held at the church premises, amid pomp. Many artistes performed at the stage to the admiration of the guests, while some of them eulogised Ozigbo’s lifestyle and accomplishments in business and politics, as well as in other spheres of human endeavour.
Ozigbo expressed deep gratitude to, and affection for his mother, Ezinne Christiana Ozigbo, whose counsel, prayers, and faith, he said, remained his moral compass.
He also appreciated his siblings and many mentors he had passed through over the years from Rev Fr Elias Anyaorah, Dr. Jonah Ezikpe, Dr. Pascal Dozie, Alh Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, Mr. Tony Elumelu, Mr. Francis Atuche, and Mr. Peter Obi.
He charged Nigeria’s youth not to relent or give up, but to hope for a better tomorrow.
The event, compered by Richmond Osuji, featured musical performances by top gospel artistes, including Dr. Jude Nnam.
Some of the dignitaries who attended the grand event included Chief Joseph Ezeokafor (Jezco Group) and his wife; Chief Sr. Dr. Dan Chukwudozie (Dozzy); Dr. Tony Offiah, who proposed the toast; Igwe Ralph Okpaleke of Amesi; Igwe Stephen Ezenwugo of Uga; Igwe Peter Ezeamama of Enuwu Umuonyia; Igwe Joel Egwuonwu of Umuawulu; Igwe Damian Ezeani of Neni; Ichie Sunday Ezeobiora; Ichie Robert Umeozulu; and many other Ichies.
Other dignitaries in attendance were Engr. Oscar Ezechukwu, the President General of Amesi; his Vice President, Chief Afam Okpalauzuegbu; and his Secretary General, Mr. Paul Ezeofor; Isyaku Yusuf, the former Director of DSS in Anambra State; and others.
