Distinguished Nigerians, Political Associates, family members, friends and well wishers on Sunday (28/12/25) gathered at Obuohia Obi- Ibere in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State as the Member representing South East on the Board of North East Development Commission, NEDC and former two-time member of the House of Representatives, Hon Sir Sam Onuigbo and his wife Dame Pastor Chinyere Onuigbo and family decided to thank God for his blessings and mercy upon their family.
The event which started with a thanksgiving Service at St Paul’s Methodist Church, Obuohia Obi-Ibere and ended at Sir Sam Onuigbo’,s country home attracted the presence of the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, Senator for Abia Central Zone, Senator Austin Akobundu, former minister, the Member representing Ikwuano Umuahia Federal constituency, Chief Obi Aguocha, Henry Ikoh, Former NDDC Helmsman, High Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, Chief Medical Director Federal Medical Center Umuahia, Prof. Azubuike Onyebuchi, Vice Chancellor Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe, Royal Fathers among other notable public figures from across different political parties.
The joyous occasion also witnessed the presence of the top hierarchy of the Methodist Church led by the Prelate, His Eminence, Dr Oliver Ali Abaa, Arch Bishops, Bishops, Knights, Lay presidents and the laity.
Preaching during the thanksgiving Service, the Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Oliver Abaa challenged Christians to always show gratitude to God for all his marvelous works and loving kindness in their lives.
The Prelate noted that appreciating God for what he has done and those he is yet to do would always challenge Him to release more blessings and reminded all of the need to humble themselves in order to achieve their set goals in life.
While pointing out that being alive is enough for one to appreciate God, Prelate Abaa lauded Chief Sam Onuigbo and family for deeming it wise to openly appreciate God for his Mercies and uncommon grace upon them.
Speaking at the country home of the celebrant, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Ben Kalu, described Hon Sir Onuigbo as a reliable and trustworthy public officer whose humility speaks volumes of his trust in God.
Rt Hon Kalu commended him for choosing to thank God and enjoined public office holders to learn to rely on God.
Testifying before the congregation, the member representing the South East in the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission, Chief Sam Onuigbo who said he and his family decided to thank God because of his faithfulness and mercies upon their lives, recalling that his life journey, career and political journey attest to God’s special love for his family.
Hon Sir Onuigbo therefore announced the decision of his family to rebuild the St Paul’s Methodist Church Obuohia Obi-Ibere Ikwuano Local Government Area in appreciation to God for his faithfulness.
Chief Onuigbo who recalled that he started as a chorister in the church during his early years of life thanked for seeing through various levels of life including 18 years meritorious service at American Embassy, Special Adviser to the Speaker House of Representatives ( Dimeji Bankole), Commissioner in Abia State, Two- Term member of the House of Representives, and Currently Member Governing Board of NEDC.
Expressing her feelings, Dame Pastor Chinyere Onuigbo who just retired from federal service thanked God for showering his mercies and love upon their family despite the challenges of life.
Dame Onuigbo particularly appreciated God for not allowing her husband to depart from following and knowing His ways and made it clear that the family will continue worship God.
The event also featured the cutting of cake.
