The Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chief Dr. Willie Obiano, the flag bearer of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in the November 6th governorship election, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo in the company of a sea of entourage stormed Aguleri, today 9th Oct., 2021 to celebrate the 50th Birthday/Golden Jubilee Anniversary of His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Paul A. Udogu, the Lord Bishop of Afikpo Diocese. Angel Network News Reports.
The Celebrant, His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Paul Amechi Udogu, was born on Ist August, 1971 to the family of Late Ogbuefi and Mrs. Nwikpo Udogu of Igboezunu Aguleri in Anambra East LGA of Anambra State.
Also present at the occasion to congratulate and celebrate with His Lordship were His Grace, the Most Rev’d Henry Chukwudum Udukuba, Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, His Grace, the Most Rev Dr., Alexander Chibuzor Ibezim, the Archbishop of Niger Province and Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Rt. Rev’d Dr. Johnson Nwaohalama Ekwe, the Bishop of Niger West Diocese among many other high ranking clergymen and government functionaries.
The Guest Preacher in the occasion, the Most Rev. Dr. Cyril Odutemu, the Bishop of Ugheli Diocese and Archbishop of Bendel Province thanked Governor Willie Obiano for the developmental strides he has recorded in Anambra state. According to his Grace, since Obiano assumed the mantle of leadership in Anambra state, the state has been developing in geometrical progression. These achievements according to His Grace contributed to why a lot of people were doing everything to throw the state into turmoil.
From this background, the Archbishop wondered why anyone would want to declare an emergency rule in a peaceful state like Anambra while the same has not been declared in states in Northern Nigeria that have been ravaged by insurgencies and banditries. Praying for Governor Obiano and Ndi Anambra, Archbishop Odutemu, declared that “there would be continuity in Anambra state; the forthcoming election would come and pass and there would be no chaos and loss of lives because Anambra is special to God. May the sacrifices of Ndi Anambra be accepted before you always; may those looking to see evil in Anambra be disgraced; Governor Willie Obiano will finish his tenure and will have a worthy successor to continue the good work he has started in the state,” so prayed The Archbishop.
Going further, His Grace solemnly declared that Anambra was special to God. This was why in the history of Nigeria God has never failed to choose someone from the state to do something remarkable in the country. In this regard, God has chosen Bishop Udogu and has been using him to wipe away tears from the heartbroken, to liberate the enslaved, lift up the down trodden and bring the message of the kingdom to the poor. He urged Aguleri people to be thankful to God for His immeasurable blessings to them for He has blessed them not only with a humble and vibrant messenger of the Gospel but also with a God fearing governor who has piloted the affairs of Ndi Anambra with the fear of God and devotion these seven years.
To the celebrant, Bishop Udogu, the preacher advised not to allow the wines and fat offerings to distract him from his high calling but rather to be filled with Holy Spirit. He especially asked the Bishop and Governor Willie Obiano, who were Aguleri indigenes to raise more people, especially the poor, from the community who would ensure that the shining light of development God has lit through them didn’t get extinguished.
Governor Obiano in his own vote of thanks paid special tribute of thanks to the many dignitaries who graced the occasion, particularly the Most Rev’d Henry Chukwudum Udukuba, Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria who in spite of his tight schedules was at the occasion to honour Bishop Odogu.
In addition, Governor Obiano told the worshipers that his administration has done and achieved a lot for Ndi Anambra.
According to him, many past administrations in the state had promised to build an airport in the state but it was only his administration that has the will and determination to bring the promise to fruition because of his love for Ndi Anambra. Today the airport which by his grace would become functional by 4th of Nov. 2021, was the best so far in Nigeria. “It has the tallest tower among all the airports in country, it is the only airport in the country where aircrafts can take off and land from the two different wings at the same time; it is also, the only airport in Nigeria that uses flashlights to take-off and land aircrafts.” Governor Obiano also disclosed that in spite of all the work he has completed in the state, he was the only governor who has not borrowed any money since the beginning of his administration and who paid workers in the state whenever due.
He therefore, encouraged the congregation to vote for APGA’s governorship flag bearer, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo in the oncoming election, assuring them that Soludo has an uncommon expertise in management and would while building on his legacy take the state to enviable heights. “Voting Soludo will lead to progress and prosperities in Anambra state”, his Excellency quipped.
He chided the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Malam Abubakar Malami (SAN) for suggesting that state of emergency should be declared in Anambra. According to Governor Obiano, few days ago, more than 80 people were killed in Kebbi state, Malami’s own state but Malami did not call for state of emergency; also more than that number was killed in Jigawa state in the past few days, yet again Malami did not call for emergency rule. The Governor argued that Malami might have a hidden agenda and vested interest in Anambra state but God would not be allowed whatever evil plan he has in Anambra to work. He told the congregation that Mr. President, His Excellency, President Mohammadu Buhari had assured him that he, Mr. President “hates injustice and will do everything to ensure that there is free and fair election in Anambra state comes November 6th.”
The Primate and Metropolitan of All Nigeria, Most Rev’d Henry Chukwudum Udukuba in his own submission thanked Governor Obiano for his tireless efforts to serve a very difficult people in this very difficult and challenging times. His Grace observed that leadership was not easy and asked everyone in the congregation to pray and fast for Governor Obiano and for a peaceful election in Anambra state. He in addition enjoined everyone who has come of voting age in the congregation to ensure that they have their voters’ cards as that was the effective way they would make their voices heard. Praying over Governor Obiano, Prof. Soludo and his deputy, Dr. Ibezim, the Primate implored God to specially intervene in Anambra state and Nigeria to deliver and to save for “His people have greatly suffered in this nation; may God show us His deliverance and mercies in Nigeria”, His Grace implored.
The Jubilee celebration ended with thanksgiving, vote of thanks and the lunching of a book authored by the celebrant, Bishop Udogu. Indeed, it was a remarkable day in Aguleri.
