Uzodinma Welcomes Obasanjo, Jonathan To Imo For Akagburuonye’s 60th Birthday

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma on Sunday received former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan in Owerri ahead of activities marking the 60th birthday of philanthropist Success Akagburuonye.

The guests arrived through the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri before proceeding to Ogbor Uvuru in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, where the celebration was held.

Uzodinma was represented at the reception by Deputy Governor Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, who attended with her husband, Chukwuma Ekomaru. The state government said the visit reflected the significance of the occasion and the status of guests who came from within and outside Nigeria.

In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the governor, Uzodinma described Akagburuonye as a committed philanthropist and an industrious Nigerian whose activities have touched many lives. He said reaching the age of 60 was a gift from God and prayed for longer life for the celebrant.

“To reach three scores in life is a grace; to have a mother of 105 years is amazing grace. On behalf of the government and people of Imo State, I wish you a happy birthday and many more years,” the governor said.

Obasanjo, who chaired the event, praised Akagburuonye’s resilience and the results of his work over the years. He also thanked Uzodinma for receiving the visiting dignitaries and personally ensuring they got to the venue in Mbaise.

The former President congratulated the celebrant’s mother, Mama Success, for her longevity and healthy life. He called for integrity in public life, urged stronger moral values, and prayed for a corruption-free Nigeria.

Obasanjo also asked for more intervention and support from the United States for Nigeria, while encouraging guests to measure success by their contribution to society. According to him, true success is “how much you better the place you find yourself.”

Jonathan said he was pleased to join the celebration and commended the values associated with the celebrant. “We celebrate the values Chief Success represents,” he said.

He described Akagburuonye as a nation-builder with legal and civil engineering background, adding that his commitment to truth and human dignity has remained visible through his leadership style.

A tribute was also delivered by Senator Anthony of the District of Maryland in the United States, who highlighted the celebrant’s achievements and wider influence.

The General Overseer of Assemblies of God Nigeria, Rev. Abel Ukachi Amadi, delivered a sermon from Jeremiah 1:5 and urged attendees to give thanks to God and live with purpose. He said gratitude should lead to surrender to God and prayed for long life for all present.

Akagburuonye thanked guests for attending and said he remained grateful to God for the opportunities he has received. He commended the Uzodinma administration for maintaining peace and security in Imo State.

He described the celebration as a dream fulfilled and said encounters with Obasanjo and the Super Eagles were among memorable moments in his life. He added that he would continue efforts to attract development to Ogbor, Mbaise, Imo State and Nigeria, including private sector investment.

The event featured prayers, goodwill messages, a birthday cake ceremony, a road construction flag-off sponsored by the celebrant, and a book presentation of Me and my God, reviewed by Reuben Abati. Several groups also presented awards, including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the Uvuru Community Development Union, which recognised him as the “Pillar of Uvuru.”