By Norbert Okolo
Saturday 28, December, 2024 will indeed remain etched in the memories of so many for several reasons and for a long time to come as all roads led to the expansive Umuelem residence of Dr. Ogonna Orjiekwe of Isikwe Achi in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.
It was indeed a day when the children and grandchildren of Mrs. Bessie Ejimofor, a retired and courageous spirit driven Educationist who touched the lives of many during her illustrious teaching career were brought to life as the children and well-wishers gathered to celebrate her 80th birthday bash for the woman many referred to as inestimable matriarch.
Her amiable and caring first son, Dr Ogonna who led other Siblings to organize a Befitting birthday royalty were conspicuously attending to visitors who came from all walks of life 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, where she served in the Mothers Union as a Secretary for a long time attracted one of the early callers to the compound was the Bishop of an Oji River Dioceses Rt. Rev. (Dr) Iyke Joseph Egbuonu, who came in with his entourage and prayed for the celebrant for long life and good health..
From then on, other guests started trooping into the compound with much fun fare. 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 Obianuko and 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 grandchildren, in-laws 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, who was filled with excitement and joy reiterated that 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.
Entertainments were unstoppable from different cultural and Church groups, commendations, speeches, exchange of gifts and accolades as it was indeed a day to be remembered in Isikwe Achi and beyond because of its resonation across Enugu State and beyond.
