It was an outpour of messages, music and other aspects of solemn rendition as celebrities, friends and family members from all walks of life gathered in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital to celebrate a renowned philanthropist Sir Emeka Offor who turned 64.
Among top known global figures who graced the event were Nigerian music stars including Chinedu Izuchukwu Okoli popularly known as Flavour and Timi Dakolo.
Setting the tone for the birthday celebration was AIG Chris Ezike rtd and the Chief of Staff to Sir Emeka who described the celebrant a dogged and focused leader and humanitarian of many decades.
Going down memory lane, AIG Ezike said Sir Emeka, Chairman of Chrome Group and Founder Sir Emeka Offor Foundation has used his hard earned resources to put smiles on the faces of thousands of Nigerians and others.
Also speaking, an associate of the celebrant and oil mogul Dr. ABC Orjiako said, “He has demonstrated over the years that he is indeed a philanthropist of an extraordinary proportion. I am sure many of us who came in here saw the many widows whose lives have been touched by the great man.
“Many of us have also followed what he has done and continues to do for the Rotary Club. Quite frankly, he has become a fellow of the club and the highest donor in Africa, which is a strong statement and testament of a great and phenomenal philanthropist.
“Our prayer for him is that God sustains him as he continues to live a very good healthy life and touch the lives of more people.”
Serving Senator representing Anambra South senatorial district, Chief Ifeanyi Ubah while eulogising the impacts of Sir Emeka confirmed, “Sir Emeka Offor has touched a lot of lives in an extraordinary manner.
“If you go down to my constituency where he is a leader, you will see and hear of the many things he has done for the people and that is why you can see the multitude of people here from different backgrounds and works of life here to celebrate him even though he wasn’t aware of this.
“He is the man of the people and loves God and people and that is the most important thing in life.”
Testifying of the celebrant’s direct impact in her life, a widow, Mrs Ogechi Uzuka said, “Sir Emeka Offor has touched the lives of widows in Oraifite in so many ways than one.
“He has continually ensured that we are been taken care of medically, financially, materially and otherwise. He has constantly provided us with food, clothes and ensured that we don’t lack anything.
“He pays us stipends on a monthly basis and ensures that our children are well taken care of and so we don’t have any reason not to smile and celebrate him today,” she said.
Talking about how and why the event was organised, the celebrant’s wife, Barr. Adaora Offor, said, “The idea behind the event was to celebrate my husband. It’s a special day and an opportunity and opportunity to honour an icon.
“Everytime when one turns another year, is a privilege and one must not take it for granted.”
Sir Emeka in his appreciation speech thanked his family and friends for such a surprise package of celebration put up for him.
He used the occasion to bare his mind on the upcoming Nigeria’s general elections.
“My expectation is that Nigeria have a peaceful election and whoever that is qualified and the masses have chosen should be given the opportunity to rule the country so that there will be peace.
“Whoever has the fear of God and a good conscience that will make sure that the country is unified and insecurity is wiped out so that people can go about their normal business and hunger and suffering will be reduced to the barest minimum.
“These are my wishes and prayers to God for the country,” Sir Emeka Offor said.
CR: RN
