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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, alongside prominent dignitaries and the wife of late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Uche, gathered in Owerri to celebrate Chief Success Akagburuonye, on his 60th birthday.
Representing the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, the Deputy Governor, Chinyere Ekomaru, described Akagburuonye as “a dedicated philanthropist and passionate politician, a God-fearing man whose gestures are versatile.” He added, “Having his mother still alive at this age is an amazing grace. Celebrating you, today, is worthy of it, and it’s no surprise you attracted two former presidents and other dignitaries.”
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, in his remarks, said: “I am delighted with friends and associates to celebrate with Chief Success. I believe we’re here to celebrate resilience and impact, and that’s what Success represents. He is a successful entrepreneur, and his journey is a lesson to all of us, not about where the journey starts, but where it ends. Tenacity opens doors.”
Jonathan further noted that through his Hope Rising Foundation and other initiatives, thousands have benefitted from scholarships, housing, and clean water supply, adding that Akagburuonye has invested not only in people, but in nation-building.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in his speech, thanked God for the day and praised Akagburuonye’s mother, saying: “I congratulate you, Mama Success, and I congratulate myself. At 104, last year, I was here, and now you’re 105. I will be here again when you turn 110. I’m not congratulating you for your age, but for the product of your womb.”
The General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church, Reverend Abel Amadi, in his sermon, urged Akagburuonye to continue serving humanity with integrity, noting that “success breeds envy, but even Jesus Christ faced trouble while doing good.” In his response, the celebrant, Chief Akagburuonye expressed gratitude to God, saying: “Most things I wished, God has accomplished, because God’s time is the best.” He commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for making insecurity a thing of the past in Imo State and shared his joy at seeing former President Obasanjo, whom he said is like a father figure.
He recalled his journey, stating: “My case would have been complicated, but thank God for everything because I have no skeleton in my cupboard.” He also remembered bringing telephone services to Mbaise in 2001 and building the Noah’s Ark Assemblies of God Church as a fulfillment of his promise to God.
Other dignitaries that attended the occasion are: former Ohanaeze Secretary General, Okey Emuchay; Nze Fidelis Oluchukwu Chukwu; Reuben Abati; Bishop Anthony Muse; Bishop Njoku; Bishop Dan Jacobs; Bishop Titus Akanabu, and Chief Alex Ubaka Achebe, among others.
Highlights of the occasion included prayers by members of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and visiting clerics from the United States, who prayed for God to grant Akagburuonye his wishes. The occasion also witnessed the flag off of the Ogbor Uvuru airport road and the commissioning of the family house project, at Ogbor Uvuru, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of the state.
