…he is a committed Igbo patriot who the younger generation should emulate – Igwe Agubuzu
It was a deluge of goodwill messages and encomium, as Mazi Ikechukwu Bismarck Oji held an event captioned Chapter 50: For Ndigbo & For Blackkind, to mark his 50th birthday celebration on Friday, 20th December, 2024.
The event, held at Nemeria Suites, NUJ Press Centre, Independence Layout was a gathering of close allies of the celebrant.
In his speech, the chairman of the occasion and former chairman, South East Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Igwe Ambassdor L.O.C. Agubuzu, OON, CON showered encomium on the celebrant
“This Christmas season is a very hectic time in the Igbo society with so much activities ongoing. However, it is commendable that we are all gathered here today to celebrate and express solidarity with our brother.
“Anyone here who doesn’t know Comrade Bismarck, should look at him and take note of him because he is a committed and solid Igbo man. Wherever a good deed is being done in Ala-Igbo, there you shall find Bismarck.
“He is not greedy or materialistic.His commitment to the Igbo cause is exceptional and he is not swayed by money or materialism He is humble and always works for peace and societal advancement. Therefore, I seize this opportunity to say to him, “Bismarck, keep it up”
“Everyone on earth has his own destiny, no one can collect another one’s destiny. Our prayer today is that all God has destined for him shall be fulfilled.
“Ala-Igbo needs people like you, who shall strive without seeking for personal gains while sacrificing for the betterment of the society. May God ensure that whatever you seek shall be your portion.
” Finally, I urge the younger ones here to emulate him”
Highlights of the occasion included a review/ presentation of two of the celebrants books, cutting of cake and toast/goodwill messages.
Other dignitaries in attendance included; HRH Igwe Kingley Uchechukwu Okeke (Kitikimkim) – Ogboha II of Ogboli -Ohaja, Awgu Egbeleli, Awgu LGA, Enugu (the celebrant’s senior at the College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu, Engr Abel Orjinta(the author’s professional colleague), Col. Jonah Eromsele Unuakhalu, Army Public Relations Officer, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, AVM Chris Ndubuisi Chukwu, Rtd (represented by Comrade Adindu Okoro),Dr Olachi Chuks-Ronnie, Coordinator, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Southern Nigeria.
Others were Comrade Sam Udekwe, Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State chapter, Dame Ifeoma Amuta, Secretary, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State chapter, Chinedu Kama, Chairman, Nenwe Improvement Union (NIU), Enugu branch, Mazi ‘Zulu Ofoelue, former Provost, ATCOI College of Education, Enugu, etc.
