It was a gathering of distinguished personalities from different parts of the world as family members, friends, associates, and well-wishers came together to celebrate an icon and seasoned scholar and Former Minister of the federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Ihechukwu Madubuike, on the occasion of his 83rd birthday and the launch of his new books.
Speaking with newsmen during the event, held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, the Executive Chairman of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Mayor Sunny Afurobi, congratulated the octogenarian on attaining the new age in good health.
Mayor Afurobi described Prof. Madubuike as a great blessing to Umunneochi, Abia State, and Nigeria at large, emphasizing that the celebration was a fitting honour to an academic and political giant whose immense contributions to education, human capital development, and nation-building remain widely acknowledged and appreciated.
Speaking on the book launch, the Mayor said Prof. Madubuike had once again demonstrated his exceptional intellectual capacity through the publication of yet another set of scholarly works that will serve as valuable resources for knowledge acquisition and academic advancement.
He also commended the book reviewer and an illustrious son of Isuochi, Dr. Jasper Uche, for his brilliant and insightful review, describing his presentation as a display of scholarship and academic excellence.
Mayor Afurobi further applauded the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, for honouring Prof. Madubuike during his lifetime, describing the gesture as a demonstration of gratitude for the Elder statesman’s invaluable contributions to the growth and development of Abia.
According to him, the Governor’s action reflected his love for the people of Umunneochi and assured him of their continued support and appreciation.
The Mayor also thanked the people of Umunneochi for turning out in large numbers to celebrate Prof. Madubuike and his family, noting that their presence reflected the enduring spirit of unity, love, and brotherhood among the people.
In their goodwill messages, the National President of the Isuochi Community Development Association, Engr. Chief Ochi Orji, Chief Pat Enwere, Chief Romanus Madu, and other prominent sons of Isuochi described Prof. Madubuike as an illustrious son whose outstanding contributions have positively impacted the development of Isuochi and beyond.
They also appreciated Governor Alex Otti for identifying with the people of Isuochi and Umunneochi and prayed God to continue granting him wisdom and strength to lead Abia State to greater heights.
In his vote of thanks the Chief Celebrant, Prof Ihechukwu Madubuike, who thanked the Governor, Dr Alex Otti, and the people of the state, for the honour done him, also appreciated the Chairman Umunneochi local government area, Mayor Sunny Afurobi, other elected and appointed officials of government from Umunneochi, Isuochi Community Development Association leadership and the entire people of Umunneochi, for celebrating him.
Highlights of the event included a welcome song by the Women Wing of the Amuda Town Development Union, an acrobatic performance (Ida Iya) organised by the Isuochi Community Development Association.
The event attracted the presence of the Member representing Umunneochi State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Mathias Ume Nwachi; Commissioner for Lands, Hon. Chaka Chukwumerije; the Senior Adviser to the Governor on Due Process, Dr. Oluebube Chukwu; and many other distinguished sons and daughters of Umunneochi.
