CHRISTIAN ABURIME
The Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has felicitated with the Executive Chairman of Pokobros, Chief Paul Okonkwor, at eighty years and his wife, Chief Florence Okonkwor, who clocked sixty.
A Thanksgiving Mass presided over by His Eminence, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke, was conducted at the Basilica of The Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, to celebrate the couple.
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, who came to celebrate with the couple, thanked God for an impactful life, saying that it’s not how long one lives that matters but how well.
“Today is a day of celebration! I have come to commemorate with my brother and his amazing wife from Isuofia and Anambra. To mark 80 and 60 years is not an easy feat,” Soludo stated.
The Governor used the occasion to speak about the new Anambra burial law, whose main thrust is to minimize financial extravagance, pointing out that it is best to celebrate while one is still alive.
Speaking generally, he decried the state of thousands of ndi Anambra, who are displaced as a result of flood menace in the state.
“Properties worth billions of Naira are submerged under water and lives have been lost. Even as we celebrate today, we should reflect about these displaced people and donate freely to them.”
“The State Government is already doing its best. I implore Public spirited individuals to partner with the State Government to come to the aid of these displaced persons,” Soludo appealed.
“After this Mass, I’m going on road inspection to tour all the bad roads in Onitsha. I want to see the situation of these roads and feel what the people feel. I want to see these roads before construction is carried on them.”
“We have approved 126km roads in the State and shall approve more roads as we approach the festive period. Anambra must be well. We pray for peace and security to be restored in the State.”
Governor Soludo quoted Genesis 6:3, which states “My spirit shall not abide in man for ever, for he is flesh; his days shall be a hundred and twenty years”.
“This is the word of God I believe in. I wish you and your wife live to see 120 years and above,” Soludo concluded.
The Celebrant, Chief Okonkwor, praised God for life, good health and blessings, confessing that he did not know he would get to 80 years.
While appreciating the Bishops, Priests and Guests for joining them to celebrate, He praised the Governor’s leadership disposition, describing him as an “active Governor” who is involved in numerous infrastructural projects in the State.
Chief (Dr) Ichie Ezechinyelugo Ezeojih Okonkwor is the Executive Chairman – Pokobros Group West Africa Limited.
He obtained Awards such as MFR, JP, PHF, FCIM, FNISM, (MIP-London).
His Chieftaincy Titles include Ojih Isuofia, Atta Aguata, Ochiliozuo Awka, Nwannedinamba Uzo-uwani, Dikedioramma Njikoka, Enyioha Adazi-ani, Oboligbo Aguleri, Agbalusiangene Umueri and Ide St. Patrick’s Isuofia.