Obasanjo, Jonathan, Others Celebrate Akagburuonye At 60

Nigeria’s former presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr Goodluck Jonathan yesterday led other dignitaries to Ogbor Uvuru, in the Aboh Mbaise local government area of Imo State to celebrate the 60th birthday of Chief Success Akagburuonye.

This is even as Vice President Kashim Shettima commended Akagburuonye’s dedication to community service, philanthropy and prayed to God to grant him  long life.

Other dignitaries in attendance were Mrs Uche Azikiwe, widow of the late President of Nigeria, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe; Governor Hope Uzodimma represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Chinyere Ekomaru; Dr Reuben Abati, several former football stars like Chief Segun Odegbami, Daniel Amokachi, Samson Siasia, Uche Okafor, actors, amongst several business moguls like Chief Alex Ubaka and others.

The dignitaries on Sunday converged at the Noah’s Ark Church, Assemblies of God church, Ogbor Uvuru, in the Aboh Mbaise local government area of Imo State for the thanksgiving service of Akagburuonye 60th birthday celebration.

Obasanjo praised Akagburuonye for improving the lives of people in Ogbor Uvuru and called on people to leave footprints in the sands of time.

He said, “One must have a purpose for their lives which will bring success. For me, success is how much impact you make in a place and society when you get there and I encourage Barrister Success to sustain your good works.

“By serving humanity, you have served God as well, and I pray God to continue to keep you to continue your good works.

“However, you must remember that success brings envy and even the holy scriptures warn so.

I just want to advise you that when trouble comes your way, handle it carefully and I wish you a happy 60th birthday”, Obasanjo said.

On his part, Dr Jonathan commended Akagburuonye for his determination, discipline, faith, and becoming a successful entrepreneur.

He said, “Baba Obasanjo called me last night that I should be here and as his boy, I had no option but to be here and obey.

“The celebrant, Chief Success reflects determination, discipline, and faith, a successful entrepreneur. With degrees in engineering and law, he has made positive contributions to housing projects, improved roads, scholarships and clean water to people. He reflects for me participatory leadership. I congratulate you on your 60th birthday celebration and the presentation of your book,” Jonathan said.

The Nigeria General Superintendent of Assemblies of God church, Rev Abel Amadi led other clerics to pray for Akagburuonye and his family, and prayed God to keep him always and successful.

The excited Akagburuonye expressed gratitude to everyone who attended the thanksgiving service and assured that he will not betray the trust and expectations of Chief Obasanjo who he described as a father.

He said, “During my wilderness experience with the EFCC, I told Baba and everyone else that I have never been involved in any criminal dealings and that I was innocent. I was investigated for over 18 years and today I have been cleared by the EFCC and others. We must all pray for EFCC not to be a weapon in some hands.

“But my joy is that I brought you all to my village including former Super Eagles superstars. I dreamt of playing with them and yesterday God granted my wish. I scored the great Ike Shorunmu at the post and that for me is one big achievement.

“It is my prayer that as Noah’s ark waited for the slowest animal to enter the ark, so will all your prayers be answered by God Almighty”, Akagburuonye said.

The high point of the thanksgiving was the prayer session by Akagburuonye’s 105 years old mother, Mrs Monica Akagburuonye for everyone to live long and succeed in their endeavours.

Dr Reuben Abati reviewed the biography book of Akagburuonye titled “Me and My God”.

Meanwhile, Akagburuonye was on Saturday conferred with a chieftaincy title as Akaraugo of Igboland.