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MOUAU LECTURE: SENATOR AKOBUNDU EULOGIES DR M.I. OKPARA FOR HIS “UNDYING LEGACIES”

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…Recalls how the old eastern region became the fastest growing economy in the world under him

The Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial district, Senator Austin Akobundu, has described late Dr Michael Iheonukara Okpara, the Premier of defunct Eastern Region as a selfless leader with immeasurable positive impact on humanity.

Speaking as Chairman of the second edition of the Michael Okpara Lecture organized by the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), on Friday, Senator Akobundu stated that the late Premier, who was an irreplaceable colossus with imperishable imprints on society, stood up for his people when it mattered most.

He was an icon of agricultural and industrial revolutions whose legacies continue to reverberate around the world even long after he has gone. He was among those exceptional leaders James Freeman Clarke, the American minister, theologian and author, had in mind when he made that famous statement that, “’A politician thinks of the next election; a statesman, of the next generation

 “As we gather here today in honour of this great man who led a life of austerity that his people might flourish in prosperity, let us use this occasion to immerse ourselves once again in his undying legacies.

“I thank the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, the Governing Council, the Senate, Management and staff of this great university for sustaining the legacies of Dr Okpara through the successful operation of the different Faculties in the institution, especially the agriculture and agro-allied Faculties, over the years. Through it, Dr M.I. Okpara’s dream of having a highly skilled labour to work the farms comes true.

“I also thank them for organising this event, which not only serves to celebrate our late Premier but also as an occasion for us all to retreat, reflect, and relaunch.

“The theme chosen for this edition of the lecture cannot be more apt. Agriculture was Nigeria’s economic mainstay, and it remains Nigeria’s surest path back to food security and economic development as proven by Dr Michael Okpara’s policies and actions.

Speaking on the creation of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), the senator expressed joy over the crop of Board and Management appointed to run it, saying that

“there is hope for a greater today and a better tomorrow if the Commission leverages on the commitment of current crop of political leaders across the region to pursue an agenda of revamping the Okpara’s policies for legacy continuity.

“Let me also use this opportunity to congratulate the entire university management team on the newly completed modern public lecture theatre due for commissioning today. The university deserves more of such modern facilities and infrastructure to further honour the memory of Dr M.I. Okpara.

“In my capacity as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I shall continue to collaborate with the university, and other germane stakeholders, in her quest for excellence by working to ensure that her due benefits from the federal government and relevant agencies, including support from other related bodies, reach her as and when due. Count me in as one of your reliable partners”.

“The labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain!

In his address at the event, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, described late Dr Michael Okpara as an Iroko who worked tirelessly for his people, adding that on resumption office as VC, he saw the need to immortalize the late sage whose name the university bears.

This, he acknowledged will be done every two years.

“In the next two years again, we will gather like this to celebrate our iconic father. It’s not a coincidence that the federal government named the institution after Michael Okpara because his legacies are still visible for all to see”

 Okpara did a lot in agriculture, industry and that the Eastern regional government was adjudged as the fastest growing region in the world because of his achievements that crossed all sectors.

Chairman of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), Dr Emeka Wogu, who was unavoidably absent, delivered the keynote address on the theme of the programme:

“Agripreneur Model for Attainment of National Food Security and Economic Development: The Dr M. I. Okpara Approach in Retrospect – Leveraging the Southeast Development Commission as a Modern Vehicle for Legacy Continuity.”

through his representative.

The event attracted eminent personalities, including the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Chioma Otti who was represented by the State’s Commissioner for Agriculture,

Senator Chris Adighije, Chief Uzodinma Okpara who is the Chairman, Board of Directors, Dr Michael Iheonukara Okpara Foundation, Comrade Fidelis Chukwunweike Edeh, Pro-Chancellor snd Chairman of the Governing Council of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, captains of industry, traditional rulers, members of the academia, and  politicians of all hues and featured the presentations of awards to the Distinguished Senator by the university community as well as from the Students Union Government (SUG) led by Mr Favour Ikpeama. Another highlight of the occasion was the cutting of cake to celebrate the event

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Christine Fajigbesi Celebrates Alhaja Ganiyat Balogun With Heartfelt Birthday Tribute

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Ms. Christine Ijeoma Fajingbesi has celebrated Alhaja Ganiyat Balogun on her birthday, describing her as more than a friend, but a sister, mentor and a woman whose kindness has made a lasting impact on her life.

Speaking during the celebration, Ms. Christine said the Balogun family has been exceptionally good to her, adding that words alone cannot adequately express how much she loves and appreciates Alhaja Ganiyat.

She described the celebrant as a special person whose presence in her life is deeply valued, expressing gratitude for the love, care and support she has received from the family.

According to her, as Alhaja Ganiyat begins another chapter of her life, her greatest prayer is that God will continue to bless everything she does, elevate her to greater heights, promote her in every area of life and grant her the desires of her heart.

Ms. Christine further wished her friend and sister many more years of happiness, peace, good health, prosperity and fulfilment.

Earlier, Alhaja Ganiyat Balogun expressed profound gratitude to Allah for the gift of another year, reflecting on the journey that brought her to the present moment.

In a heartfelt message, she thanked Allah for seeing her through every hurdle, difficult season and challenging moment that tested her strength. She acknowledged that there were times when she felt weak, but said Allah continually gave her the strength to move forward and the grace to reach another milestone in her life.

She expressed deep appreciation for the gift of life, divine protection, mercy and guidance, thanking Allah for never allowing her to walk alone.

“Ya Allah, thank You for keeping me and allowing me to witness another beautiful year,” she said in gratitude.

As she begins this new chapter, Ms. Christine prayed that Alhaja Ganiyat’s life would be filled with peace, continuous growth, genuine happiness and countless blessings.

The celebration was therefore not only a birthday milestone, but also a heartfelt expression of love, gratitude and appreciation for a woman whose impact has touched the lives of those around her.

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Love, Gratitude and a Long Awaited Surprise: Mrs. Precious Chidinma Nzeribe Celebrates Husband

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Mrs. Precious Chidinma Nzeribe on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, pulled off a heartfelt surprise birthday celebration for her husband, describing the experience as both challenging and deeply rewarding.

According to Mrs. Nzeribe, planning the surprise was particularly difficult because she and her husband are extremely close and practically share every aspect of their lives. She explained that they normally plan and do things together, making it difficult to keep anything from him without raising suspicion.

“We always do things together and plan together. There is practically nothing we don’t share in common, so it was difficult for me to surprise him. But I thank God I was able to succeed,” she said emotionally.

Speaking with journalists during the celebration, Mrs. Nzeribe revealed that the surprise was not a spontaneous idea but one she had conceived and attempted several times over the years without success.

She explained that despite the challenges and circumstances that had prevented her from bringing the idea to reality in previous years, she was determined to make this year’s celebration happen.

She described her husband as a man who has been exceptionally loving, supportive and selfless, saying his impact on her life cannot be measured.

“He has been more than nice to me. He has carried me more like a child. He is practically the air I breathe. Everything I do is him, and how far I have gone is largely because of him. I think he deserves this and much more.”

Describing the qualities she admires most in her husband, Mrs. Nzeribe said he possesses a genuinely kind heart and is a devoted husband and father who consistently puts the needs of others before his own.

She noted that his willingness to sacrifice for others and his concern for people’s wellbeing are among the qualities that make him exceptional.

“He is a very nice person. He has a very good heart. He is a good father to his children and a good husband. He is the kind of person who prioritises other people’s needs, sometimes even above his own,” she said.

As she celebrated her husband, Mrs. Nzeribe offered heartfelt prayers for his future, asking God to bless him with many more years of life, good health, financial prosperity and every good thing he deserves.

She also prayed that God would reward him abundantly for the countless ways he has been a blessing not only to her and their family, but also to people who may never have been able to repay his kindness.

“I wish him many blissful years ahead. I pray that God will bless him financially and health wise and give him every good thing in life. The way he has been a blessing to me and to other people he has never known, I pray that God will bless him in the same way and even more.”

The celebration ultimately became more than a birthday surprise, it was a touching expression of love, gratitude and appreciation from a wife to a husband she considers her greatest support system.

For Mrs. Nzeribe, the occasion was an opportunity to celebrate not just another year in her husband’s life, but the man whose love, sacrifice and unwavering support have played a significant role in her journey.

 

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Henry Onyema Madubuike Unveils “Osiri,” a Novel Exploring Ancestral Heritage, Reincarnation and Cultural Identity

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Renowned author Henry Onyema Madubuike has released Osiri, a novel that explores the profound relationship between a people’s origins, their ancestral covenant with the supernatural, and the enduring mysteries of incarnation and reincarnation.

The novel presents a compelling narrative that examines how the choices and agreements made by ancestors continue to shape the identity, destiny and collective consciousness of future generations. Through rich storytelling, Osiri invites readers to reflect on the enduring influence of ancestral heritage and the spiritual foundations upon which societies are built.

Beyond its exploration of spirituality and cultural traditions, Osiri delves into universal themes of love, life, death and rebirth. The novel portrays these experiences as interconnected aspects of human existence, illustrating how relationships, sacrifices and enduring bonds transcend generations.

A central theme of the book is the significance of intimacy and human connection, emphasizing the role of love and relationships in sustaining families, communities and cultural continuity. It also highlights how ancestral values and traditions continue to shape social structures, preserve historical narratives and define the identity of a people.

According to the author, Osiri seeks to inspire readers to appreciate the importance of cultural heritage while provoking deeper reflection on the spiritual dimensions of existence and humanity’s connection to its past.

Through its blend of history, culture, spirituality and compelling storytelling, Osiri offers readers an engaging literary experience that celebrates African traditions while raising timeless questions about destiny, identity and the enduring influence of ancestral covenants.

“Osiri is a novel that delves into the intricate connections between a people’s foundation, their ancestors’ covenant with the supernatural and the realms of incarnation and reincarnation.

Exploring themes of love, life death and rebirth, it reflects also the deep-rooted importance of the bond of intimacy.

It also explores the idea that a people’s identity and destiny are tied to their ancestors’ agreement with supernatural forces, preserving historical narratives, cultural practices and social structure and the importance of ancestral heritage.” — Henry Onyema Madubuike

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