From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
On May 18, all roads led to Nkata Ibeku, in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, the country home of scion of Prince Benjamin Apugo, Hon Chukwudi Apugo. It was the celebration of his 50 years sojourn on earth.
The celebration kicked off with a thanksgiving service at Blessed Chapel International Church, Umuahia. Speaking at the event Governor Alex Otti eulogized Apugo, a former member of Abia state House of Assembly, for his achievements in 50 years.
Represented by his Chief of Staff (CoS), Caleb Ajagba, Otti noted that most of the celebrant’s mates have not achieved what he did in 50 years. He said: “When God wants to change the destiny of a people, He sends a man as in Apugo, just like He has sent Otti to change the destiny of Abians.”
In his sermon, Pastor Maduka Nwankwo described the celebrant as a child of destiny, who waded many storms to get to where he is presently. He said Apugo’s life is one that should be emulated as he has remained steadfast in whatever he set out to do which in turn has yielded immeasurable results. The cleric urged Apugo to remain faithful to God as he begins the second phase of his life’s journey on earth.
Former governor of the state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, described Apugo as a responsible young man who has created a niche for himself. He said Apugo’s achievements in just 50 years of age was too numerous to mention and urged other youths to emulate his hard work and sincerity of purpose.
For Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Apugo truly, has lived 50 years. He said: “What I mean by living is that in action, in words, in trust and deeds and if you see Chukwudi, you will know he lived 50 years.
“I stand a better position than most people to say what I’m saying. You know, I have been in this business called politics and I have been an election-contesting politician and if you really want to know human beings, contest election. Then you will see human beings in their true nature and I can testify and tell you that Chukwudi is a reliable, consistent, loyal person to go with at all times and in all places.
“Most people will live 100 years, they will not achieve one tenth of what God has bestowed on Chukwudi and above all, he realized it was not by his power and that was why he went to church to give God thanks.”
The celebrant’s sibling, Victor Okechukwu Apugo, was grateful and thankful to God that his brother was 50. He said: “I feel very happy that my brother is 50, grateful and thankful to God Almighty who has made it possible for him to be 50.
“Who wouldn’t celebrate at 50? Fifty years is golden jubilee and 50 milestone is worth celebrating. He has achieved a lot at 50; he has been to the House of Assembly twice. Not only being in the House of Assembly, he impacted a lot of people within this time of 50 years.
“Educationally, he has made an impression. He has one of the best private schools in Abia and you saw some of his students perform as a way of celebrating him.
“What is remaining for him now is to contest the seat of governor of the state and I think with time, he will do that and become the governor of Abia State.”
An elated Apugo was all praises to God that he was 50. He said: “I feel happy, I feel elated that I am 50. If you ask what I have achieved at 50, I will say the most striking thing is the school I have in Umuahia, which is among the best in Abia. With that school, I have been able to impact on so many people in different ways.
“The other day, I had an empowerment programme where I gave people a lot of money to engage in one form of business or the other. I decided to celebrate at 50 the way I did because it is not easy getting to this age. If I tell you the trouble I passed on the way before getting to this age, you will not believe it. I thank God I am successful, I didn’t die on the road.”
Although he said the day was not for politicking and would not want to talk politics, but was quick in concurring with his brother of nursing a gubernatorial ambition.
“You see, in my place, they don’t joke with me. They love me, they see me as a role model, they see me as somebody that is straightforward. You had what Governor Alex Otti, ex-governor Okezie Ikpeazu and Senator Mao Ohuabunwa said in church about me. Everybody is saying the same thing: this man is a reliable person. So, one day, I believe I will play my own role in Abia,” he stated.