It was a colourful ceremony filled with glamour when the friends, associates and well wishers turned out in their numbers on Saturday, 29th June 2024.
This was to celebrate an Octogenarian, a living academic icon, an astute administrator, a community leader, a Professor of management and the foundation Registrar of the old Anambra State University of Science and Technology (ASUTECH)/Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) from 1980-1999, Emeritus Prof. Sir Festus Chukwuemeka Eze for the uncommon grace and multiple blessings of Almighty God in his life and that of the family.
It was a triple barreled event. The Emeritus Professor celebrated his 83rd birthday, 55 years anniversary of a blissful married life with his amiable wife, Lady Christy Ifesinachi Eze, and the unveiling, launching of his autobiography, titled, ”The Journey of Faith and Commitment to God.” Indeed, no matter the way we may look at it, this can only be God; the finger of God in a man’s life.
The triple barreled event was chaired by the former Minister of Power & Steel, former Vice Chancellor of two different Universities and today, the Vice Chancellor of the University of the Niger, Very Rev. Prof. Dr. Chinedu Nebo.
It commenced with a Church service held in honour of the celebrants at the Cathedral Church of Good Shepherd Independence Layout Enugu.
The Church service was officiated by Bishop of Nike Anglican Diocese – Supervisory Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Christian Onyia, Bishop of Enugu North Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sosthenes Eze, Bishop of Udi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Chjioke Augustine Aneke, Emeritus Archbishop of Enugu Anglican Diocese, Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Chukwuma, Ven. Azubike Nduka amongst many other clergymen.
After the Church service, the event moved to D Base Landmark Event Center, where the reception was held.
The ceremony attracted people from all works of life, both in the academia where the Emeritus Professor Eze belongs and the political scene where the last child Engr Kene Eze (Fmr TC Chairman Udi LGA) is actively involved. Countless Professors from different institutions across the South East, Traditional rulers, professionals, business moguls and captains of industries.
At the reception, the occasion turned into a testimony galore, for all who spoke paid a glowing tribute to the celebrants, Emeritus Prof. Festus & Lady Christy Eze.
They shared several testimonies of how Emeritus Prof. Festus Chukwuemeka Eze used his God’s given positions and network in the academic world to serve humanity and empower people in numbers, hence his popular Chieftaincy title: Ogbunechendo (The tree that gives shelter to mankind) Still, giving credence to the Emeritus Professor’s philosophy of life; that the beauty of life does not depend on how happy one is but on how happy others can be because of you.
That’s the philosophy that Ogbunechedo holds dear. And unarguably, today, Ochendo has left a footprint in the sand of time and legacies both in the academic institutions and in people’s live that not even time can erase easily. Eternal legacy!
Also, Emeritus Professor F.C Eze do not only believe that men should make history, but that the history should be written to serve as a roadmap, a precedent guide into the future for the upcoming generation, the reason he took his time to pen down his 608 paged Autobiography, titled (A JOURNEY OF FAITH AND COMMITMENT TO GOD). The book was unveiled and presented by Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Dr. Christian Anieke, Vice Chancellor Godfrey Okoye University, and reviewed by Professor Dr. Christian Nwachukwu Okeke of Golden Gate University USA. It’s a must read for the secret of great men can only be known in their story.
The Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Barr. Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah was ably represented by his vibrant Commissioner for Information; Mr Aka Eze Aka.
The former Governor of the old Anambra State and the Pioneer visitor to the University; Senator Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, who laid the foundation stone of the institution that gave the Emeritus Prof F.C Eze the wings to fly was ably represented by the Enugu State Commissioner for Chieftaincy matters, Rural Development and Local Government affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo.
Equally in attendance was the Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial District & Senate Minority Whip, Distinguished Senator Osita Ngwu was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Iheaneboagu Emeka Aneke, while the member representing Udi/Ezeagu in the Federal House of Representative, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha was there present.
Other top dignitaries that were present at the occasion were, the Enugu State Commissioner for Environment, Prof. Sam Ugwu, Member representing Nkanu East in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Okey Mbah, the Chairman of ALGON Enugu State, Hon. Okechukwu Sydney Edeh, the Enugu State PDP Secretary, Hon. Cletus Akalusi, the PDP Chairman Udi LGA, Hon. Augustine Agu, the PDP Chairman Ezeagu LGA, Hon Anayo Chiude.
Other academia and professionals were, the Coal City University Chancellor, Sir Chinedu Ani, the Registrar Godfrey Okoye University, Dr. Nnamdi Ene, the Registrar Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Mr. Ambrose Ugwu, the Registrar Federal School of Dental Enugu, Dr. Chris Igbokwe, the Director of Studies ESUT School of Professional and Legal Education, Prof. Agu Gab Agu, the National President Nzuko Ozo Ndi-Igbo Nigeria, Ozor Prof. Ike Oluka.
The President Agbaja Professors Association, Prof. Chike Anibueze, Prof. Ike Ndiolo (Professor of Mass Communication), Prof. Okey Orji, the CEO COMAG Steel and Construction Company, Barr. Cosmas Agu, the Assistant General Manager Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Engr Charles Iwuamadi,
Other important dignitaries in the political scene were the ENSIEC Commissioners, Barr. Obiora George Ani and Solomon Udeh.
The SPA to the Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu on Special Duties, Hon. Obiora Tega Onyia, the SSA on Constituency Matters, Udi LGA, Ozo Uche Alor, the Media Adviser to the Senator, Dr. Luke Mgbo, the former Chief of Staff to His Excellency, Barr. Sullivan Chime, Sir Victor Nnanna Atuonwu, former Chairman Nkanu East LGA and Enugu South; Hon. Ejike Ani & Hon Peter Nnaji,
Former Commissioner Youth and Sports in Enugu State, Hon. Manfred Nzekwe, the former Deputy Chairmen of Udi LGA, Hon. Hyginus Agu, Hon. Richmond Nsiadigwe and Enugu North LGA counterpart, Hon. Okwudili Onyia amongst others.
Also, the glamorous event was graced with aura of majesty and royalty with 1st class traditional rulers from the state in attendance. The traditional rulers include HRM Igwe Sam Aneke (Okwuluoha III of Udi Ancient kingdom) and HRM Igwe Cosmas .C Ezeumeh, (Igwe Ohazurume, the Obi III of Nachi), Udi LGA.
Indeed, it was a glamorous event in all ramifications.
A celebration of awesome and uncommon grace of God. May God continue to grant these unique couples, Emeritus Professor F.C Eze KGS and his wife, Lady Christy Ifesinachi Eze more fruitful and blissful years together in good health and happiness, Amen!
(As written by Hon. Onyeka Onyia)