In keeping with his family tradition of celebrating Christmas every 25th December, Chief Chima Onwuzulike popularly known as Akuchukwu Ogidi has marked the 2025 Christmas with his people in his country home, Ogidi Ani village, Ogidi, in Idemili North Council Area.
The event attracted who is who in Ogidi, the clergy, the religious, women, youths and children were also on ground to enjoy the melodious choral renditions from the invited choirs, including St. Cecilia Choir, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ogidi; Voice of Mozart Choral group, Onitsha; and St. Leo De Great Youth Choir, Ogidi.
Notable among the dignitaries were High Chief Emeka Onyido, High Chief Cletus Onwuzulike, Chief Nnaemeka Akaobi, Chief Chike Maduagwu, and Chief Engr. Obiora Obiako.
Also present were High Chief Kenechukwu Onyema, High Chief Ikem Nwabueze, High Chief Emeka Omenyi, and High Chief Stephen Ibegbu among others too numerous to mention.
The event host, Chief Chima Onwuzulike and his wife, Lady Violet Nneka Onwuzulike showed uncommon hospitality to their guests as everyone dined and wined to his or her satisfaction.
In a brief word of exhortation, the Parish Priest, Holy Trinity Parish, Ogidi, Very Rev. Fr. Josephat Nzekwesi, noted that the event was a testament of thanksgiving to God for His goodness and mercy, for life, and guidance throughout the year.
Very Rev. Fr. Nzekwesi stated that singing is a means to God’s heart as St. Augustine quipped that “he who sings well prays twice”, pointing out that the carols bring the message of Christ’s birth and mission to the fore.
While commending Chief and Lady Chima Onwuzulike for sharing what they have with their people, the Catholic priest observed that feeding the people with music, foods and drinks shows true love, and prays that the love of God would dwell on everyone that participated in the event.
“What this family has done today is to show that someone can use what God has blessed them with to bless others”, he opined, calling on others to emulate the kind gesture.
Responding, the host, Chief Onwuzulike explained that his family has a deep passion for choir and desired that their kiths and kins should come around to merry together with carols.
While thanking God for his numerous blessings on his family, Chief Onwuzulike assured that the tradition will be celebrated in perpetuity in his family.
Testifying about what God is doing for Ogidi Ani people, the former Chairman, Ogidi Ani village, Ogidi, Chief Chinedu Onyeama on behalf of the incumbent Chairman, Chief Ben Onuorah Ugochukwu thanked everyone present, describing the gathering as a legacy event. He noted that God has blessed Ogidi Ani with good spirited philanthropists that have made life meaningful to the indigenes, praying God for more blessings on Ogidi Ani sons and daughters.
In a vote of thanks, the former President, Ogidi Development Union, ODU, Port Harcourt branch, Chief Engr. Obiora Obiako extolled Chief Chima Onwuzulike for putting smiles on the faces of Ndi Ogidi, especially the children, proposing to make the celebration a community affair for Ogidi Ani.
High points were melodious choral renditions by the choirs, and cutting off the thanksgiving cake by Chief Chima Onwuzulike and family.
