By Chinedum Treasure
There was jubilation at the Knight of St Christopher’s Hall, All Saints Cathedral Church, Onitsha, Anambra State, as the family of Comrade Ojukwu Emeka, popularly known as Onwuamaeze n’Okija, celebrated three major milestones — his 45th birthday, 20th wedding anniversary and the dedication of their child.
The celebrations were preceded by a special church service at St Joseph Catholic Church, Abata Nsugbe, an Onitsha suburb, presided over by the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Chika Okagbue.
The event attracted family members, friends, associates, social clubs and other dignitaries who joined the couple in giving thanks to God for the milestones.
In his homily, Fr. Okagbue urged the couple and other Christians to live Christ-like lives and remain their brothers’ keepers if they desired to make heaven.
The cleric expressed delight over the triple celebration and encouraged the couple to continue to live in peace, avoiding rancour and extending the same values to their children.
Speaking during the celebration, Ojukwu thanked God for the milestones and particularly appreciated his wife for her tolerance, patience and support throughout their marriage.
“I want to thank my wife for enduring all the nonsense I have been doing and also my children,” he said.
Using a football analogy, Ojukwu said he had played the first 45 minutes of his life and prayed for the strength to complete the second half.
“Life is like a football match of 90 minutes of play and I have played the first 45 minutes. I pray God to give me the strength to finish the 90 minutes game,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to those who attended the celebration, including members of Nwaezefunamba Social Club, where he serves as National President, Voltage Ladies Club, Chief Sunday Peter Obinze, former President-General of Onitsha Bridgehead Market, and Hon. Ezenduka Chike Samuel, among others.
On her part, Ojukwu’s wife attributed the peace, understanding and harmony enjoyed in their marriage, despite challenges, to prayer.
“We understand each other. It is not fighting or quarrelling that will restore peace and harmony; prayer is the ultimate,” she said.
She also urged couples to embrace patience and prayer, noting that violence and lack of endurance had contributed to the breakdown of some marriages.
“We pray for long life, good health and prosperity,” she added.
Also speaking, Chief Sunday Obinze described the celebration as a remarkable milestone, saying that the couple’s years together demonstrated peace, harmony and mutual understanding.
“It is a triple celebration worth celebrating because living with a woman for 45 years without quarrelling shows that they live in peace, harmony and have good understanding between themselves,” he said.
Similarly, Ezenduka Chike described Ojukwu as a very good man and wished him and his wife many more years of happiness.
The Financial Secretary of Nwaezefunamba Social Club, Nnamdi Obumse, prayed God to grant the couple long life and prosperity.
The club’s Secretary, Izuchukwu Anthony, also celebrated Ojukwu, saying, “I wish Ojukwu well. He is our President and will remain our President in the next world.”
The colourful event ended with prayers, goodwill messages and celebrations by family members, friends and associates.
Tags: #Anambra #Onitsha #Okija #MarriageAnniversary
