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By Kenneth Udeh and Aidoghie Paulinus
It was a day of elegance, gratitude, family affection and national recognition as political leaders, captains of industry, diplomats, legal luminaries, clergy, business executives and admirers from across Nigeria gathered to celebrate the 79th birthday of Elder Chief (Mrs.) Eunice Uzor Kalu, fondly known as “Odi Uko Na Mba”.
The remarkable celebration transformed what began as an ordinary Saturday, July 4, 2026, into an unforgettable tribute to a woman whose life has become synonymous with philanthropy, compassion, resilience, godliness and exemplary motherhood.
Uloma Velma Uche
The revered matriarch of the Kalu family, Founder and President of Reality Organisation Worldwide and mother of eminent business mogul, former Governor of Abia State, Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District and Founder, The Sun Publishing Limited, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, was celebrated not only for adding another year but for nearly eight decades of selfless service to humanity, women and youth empowerment, community development and unwavering commitment to God.
Hosted by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu alongside his wife, Mrs. Ifunanya Kalu, the colourful event brought together distinguished personalities cutting across political affiliations, religious backgrounds and professional divides, reflecting the enormous goodwill Elder Chief Eunice Uzor Kalu has built over the years.
Among the dignitaries present were Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Prince Ned Munir Nwoko, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Francis Onyewuchi, Neda Bernards Imasuen, Sadiq Suleiman Umar, Adeyemi Adaramodu, Eteng Jonah Williams, Patrick Chukwuma Ndubueze, former Senator Uche Ekwunife and former Senator Dino Melaye.
Also in attendance were the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro; immediate past Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; former Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye; Nigerian Ambassador-designate to Jamaica, Jane Bassey Adams; Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko; Deputy National Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nze Chidi Duru; former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus; Federal Character Commissioner representing Enugu State, Hon. Peter Eze; APC chieftain, Dr. Nyerere Chinenye Anyim; Chief Ikenna Nicolas Ukwa; Chief Ikechi Anya; Barrister Emeka Nwala; and Chief Mrs. Obiageri Mpigi.
The legal profession was also well represented by Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, Sir Gordy Uche, SAN, alongside Barrister Rosemond Uche, Mrs. Ijeoma Chris Uche and other members of the Uche family.
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The celebration equally showcased the unity of the Kalu family, with the celebrant surrounded by her children, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and relatives. Present were Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, his wife Mrs. Ifunanya Kalu, Lady Adaeze Aguele-Kalu, wife of former Abia State Chief of Staff Mascot Uzor Kalu, Commissioner in the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) representing South-East , Dr Nnanna Uzor-Kalu, Hon. Nnanna Kalu, Miss Nicole Kalu, Neya Kalu, Publisher, The Sun Publishing Limited, members of the extended Kalu family and grandchildren who joined in honouring the woman they described as the pillar of their family.
Throughout the ceremony, guests paid glowing tributes to the celebrant, acknowledging her remarkable influence in shaping lives, building leaders and touching communities across Nigeria through her Reality Organisation Worldwide.
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Leading the goodwill messages, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe prayed for God’s continued protection, long life, peace, prosperity and the grace for Mama Kalu to witness the continued success of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Oyelola Ashiru, described her life as an inspiration and prayed for many more years filled with joy, strength, peace and fulfilment.
Former House of Representatives member, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo, praised her resilience, industry and lifelong dedication to God, humanity and community development, describing her life as worthy of emulation.
In one of the day’s most emotional messages, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu described his mother as the pillar upon which the family has stood, attributing his values, achievements and enduring strength to her sacrifices, prayers, wisdom and unconditional love.
His daughter, Neya Kalu, celebrated her grandmother as a compassionate nation-builder whose humanitarian works, commitment to women and youth empowerment and passion for inclusive development continue to inspire generations.
Reality Organisation Worldwide, led by its Chairman, Barrister Peter Ndukwe, described its Founder as a visionary leader whose influence has transcended generations through philanthropy, mentorship and purposeful leadership, while Rev. (Mrs.) Jemaimah Ola Kalu affectionately celebrated her as the “Diamond Mother-General.”
Goodwill messages equally poured in from across the gathering. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe described her as a great woman and a blessing to humanity, while Senator Ned Nwoko said every child would wish for a mother like Elder Chief Eunice Uzor Kalu because of her unwavering love and devotion to family.
Former Senator Dino Melaye prayed that God would preserve her in sound health so that everyone would gather again to celebrate her 90th birthday, describing her children as national assets.
Former Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, hailed her as “the Mother of Igboland,” praying for divine protection, long life and many more fruitful years.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro, noted that the calibre of personalities present testified to the enduring relationships Mama Kalu had nurtured over the decades, while former Finance Minister Wale Edun wished her continued good health, peace of mind and greater prosperity.
Senators Francis Onyewuchi, Patrick Ndubueze and Neda Bernards Imasuen all praised her youthful appearance, remarkable strength, exemplary motherhood and prayed to reunite next year for an even bigger celebration at her 80th birthday.
Chief Chris Uche, SAN, offered a heartfelt toast to her continued health, prosperity and happiness, while Sir Gordy Uche, SAN, in his characteristic humorous style, described her as “a very great fish” deserving of a grand celebration, leading guests in a champagne toast to her honour.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, also wished her more years of blessings, good health and God’s continued favour.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had conveyed his warm birthday wishes to the celebrant and regretted his inability to attend, assuring guests that the President looked forward to joining the family for her landmark 80th birthday celebration next year.
Responding to the overwhelming outpouring of love, Elder Chief Mrs. Eunice Uzor Kalu expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness and thanked everyone who came to celebrate with her. She said she felt joyful and fulfilled at 79, prayed for Nigeria’s continued peace and progress and committed her future entirely into God’s hands.
The celebration reached its peak with the ceremonial cutting of the magnificent multi-tier birthday cake, accompanied by loud applause, heartfelt cheers and resounding renditions of “Happy Birthday.” Moments later, the atmosphere transformed into a lively celebration as the DJ took over with energetic music that drew guests onto the dance floor.
In a heartwarming display that captivated everyone present, the celebrant danced with remarkable youthful energy, smiling radiantly as family members and guests surrounded her with admiration.
Leading the dance procession was her son, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, alongside his wife, Mrs. Ifunanya Kalu, Lady Adaeze Aguele-Kalu, other daughters-in-law, grandchildren and members of the extended Kalu family, who proudly celebrated their beloved matriarch.
Other dignitaries – senators, ministers, senior advocates, political associates, business leaders, family friends and well-wishers – soon joined the dance floor, turning the birthday reception into a colourful festival of joy, laughter and thanksgiving.
It was a fitting conclusion to a celebration that reflected not only the remarkable life of Elder Chief Mrs. Eunice Uzor Kalu but also the enduring legacy of love, service, humility and leadership she has built over the decades.
