All roads lead to the expansive Umuelem residence of Dr Ogonna Orjiekwe of Isikwe Achi in Ojiriver local government area of Enugu State yesterday when the Children of Mrs Bessie Ejimofor a retired Educationist who touched so many lives during her illustrious teaching career organised an 80th birthday Shindig of their dotting Materiarch.
The amiable first Son of the Celebrant Dr Ogonna who led other Siblings to organize a birthday fit for Royalty was all over the place ensuring that everything was in place for the event.It was indeed a day to remember considering the caliber of guests that graced the event.
As a devoted member of Christ Church Isikwe Achi which she served in the Mothers Union as a secretary for a long tenure one of the early callers to the compound was the Bishop of an Ojiriver Dioceses Rt Rev Dr Iyke Joseph Egbuonu who came in with his entourage and prayed for Mrs Bessie for more blessings and long life.
From then other guests started trooping into the compound with much funfare.The entrance of the Celebrant led by her four children led by Ogonna,Nwanneka,Chinyere and Ekene with their children, in-laws to a great applause and standing ovation by the guests including the retired Bishop of Ojiriver Anglican Communion Rt Rev Amos Madu and his wife,the traditional ruler of Isikwe Achi HRH Chuks Mbaeliachi,the Onowu of Aham kingdom Chief Marcus Obianukoand many other dignitaries who came in from other parts of the country.
It was a day of joy as the celebrant danced to Christian music that the live band was belting out.The highpoint of the occasion was the cutting of the birthday cake by the celebrant surrounded by his Children ,grand children,inlaws and well wishers.In an interview with this reporter she said she was thrilled by what the children have done for her in celebrating her birthday and having been dotting on her.
In a touching tribute Dr ogonna said he was so honored and happy to celebrate her on her 80th birthday and noted that he would not have been who he is today without the almighty God and her.Chinyere in her tribute noted that she was the only person she could turn to make things better,Dr Ekene her last child thanked her for always being there for him and others when they needed her most.
There wer so many entertainment, speeches and exchange of gifts and accolades.it was indeed a day to be remembered in Isikwe Achi and beyond.
Report by Norbert Okolo
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