It was an atmosphere of joy, praise and Thanksgiving as family, government officials, friends and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the 70th birthday Thanksgiving ceremony of the immediate past Mayor of Ukwa East LGA, Dame Dr. Ngozi Nwagbara.
Speaking during the Thanksgiving service held at the Church of the Good Shepherd Anglican, Ehimiri, Umuahia, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, noted that thanksgiving is a pathway to renewed strength and divine favour.
Prof. Kalu while describing Dame Nwagbara as a shining example of purposeful living, Christian devotion and service to humanity, pointed out that her journey to age 70 is a testament to God’s grace and a life lived with integrity.
The SSG commended the celebrant for her commitment to community development and her role in nurturing young professionals through mentorship and charitable engagements, pointing out that the administration of Governor Alex Otti will continue to celebrate and honour individuals like Dame Nwagbara whose lives reflect the values of disciplined leadership and community upliftment.
In his goodwill message, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, applauded Dame Ngozi Nwagbara for her unwavering support to the church and the state, noting that her contributions over the years have inspired many, especially women, to pursue excellence, and also wished her more fruitful years ahead.
Preaching on topic, “Forget not his benefits,” the Anglican Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Ibeabuchi, emphasized that gratitude is not merely a response but a spiritual discipline that keeps the believer aligned with God’s faithfulness, and urged all to reflect on past deliverances, present blessings and future promises as evidence of God’s unwavering goodness.
In her thanksgiving, the celebrant and immediate past Mayor of Ukwa East LGA, Dame Dr Ngozi Nwagbara, appreciated God for the gift of life, health and family, noting that her 70-year journey has been marked by God’s mercies and unmerited favour.
She further thanked the state government, church, friends, and dignitaries for celebrating with her, adding that the outpouring of love has strengthened her faith.
The birthday thanksgiving ceremony which featured prayers for the celebrant and family, Governor Otti and the state, cutting of cake, goodwill messages, also attracted the presence of the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget and Planning, Dr Eric Egwuibe among other distinguished personalities.
