It was an evening of great tributes and testimonial in Umuahia the capital of Abia State, as a group that operates under the aegis of Umu Ochendo Forum celebrates their principal and Senator representing Abia Central senatorial district at the National Assembly, Senator T.A Orji in style to mark his 71st birthday anniversary.
This celebration is coming days after Senator T.A Orji, who turned 71 on November 9th marked his birthday when friends and well-wishers rolled out the drums in celebration of the enigma and acclaimed Abia father of Equity.
In his opening remarks at the event which took place at Abia Hotels, Umuahia, the Coordinator of Umu Ochendo and former Transition Committee Chairman Umuahia North, LGA, Sir Frank Ibe, said they gathered to celebrate an icon, a man who has given so much for Abia State.
Sir Frank Ibe stressed that Senator T.A Orji has touched their lives positively by elevating many of them to positions of trust and giving them opportunities to become strong politicians in Abia State. “So Umu Ochendo deemed it necessary to gather together in an atmosphere of conviviality to eat, drink and dance to the glory of God for adding another year to Ochendo, our principal”, he adds.
The facilitator of the birthday celebration in honour of Ochendo, Engr Leo Ogbonna, maintained that it is the spirit of Ochendo that is behind what they are doing, while calling on those who know that Ochendo has touched their lives to keep the fire burning.
speaking on the man Ochendo, Chief Emeka Stanley, the Sole Administrator of ASOPADEC, said “we are here to honour a great man. He pointed out that the philosophy of Ochendoism is a book of five chapters he always like to read. He argued that the philosophy of Ochendoism is based on the five cardinal principles that define Sen T.A Orji which are Humility, Humanity, Sincerity, Trust and Equity. He added that they would follow Ochendo till the end.
Chief Ako Atulomah described Ochendo as a gift from God to their generation, while applauding his numerous achievements. He said Ochendo is to Abia what Tinubu, Saraki
are to Lagos and Kwara States, just as he praised the Senator T.A Orji’s family for playing the role of a benefactor to many Abians.
On his part, Randy Ukanwoke said the day is very important to hardcore Ochendo followers, describing the event as a special one. “The man we are celebrating is an enigma, there is none like him in Abia- in fact he is an institution and worth celebrating”, Ukanwoke buttressed.
While chief (Mrs) Love Ezenwa sees herself as Ochendo’s daughter. “I’m a daughter of Ochendo, the family touched my life and a lot of Nigerians appreciate this humble man. I’m happy for this reception, he is a role model to all of us. We pray for God to prolong his life and protect him”, she concludes.
Chief Sam Ahiwe believes that it’s because of Ochendo’s character and deeds that made people to gather to celebrate him this way.
The special birthday anniversary celebration witnessed the cutting of Ochendo birthday cake, while the guests danced to some old tunes and make merry in honour of a man who has distinguished himself in so many respect.
Senator T.A Orji’s empowerment programmes is next to none in Abia in particular and the South East in general, this is just as his scholarship scheme has given scholarships to many undergraduates of Abia origin. He build cottage hospitals, health centres, blocks of classroom, road infrastructure as well as embarked on rural electrification projects in many communities in Abia. He is indeed a great leader, who has carved a niche for himself in political leadership.
The event was well attended by friends, well-wishers and lovers of Ochendo political philosophy, among whom were Chief Emeka Stanley, Hon Karibo Ojigwe, Pastor Emeka Inyama, Chief Ukwu Rocks, Hon Ugo Emezue, Chief Godwin Udo, Chief Ako Atulomah, Hon Frank Ibe, Chief PC Mba and Mr Silas Eke.
Others were Engr Leo Ogbonna, Barr Longman Nwachukwu, Chief Eze Okwulehie, Executive Chairman Umuahia North LGA, Chief Chidiebere Nwachukwu, Chief Donatus Okorie, Sir Onyii Wamah, Dr Philip Ntoo, Chief(Mrs) Love Ezenwa, chief Sam Ahiwe and Obed Asiegbu among other dignitaries in attendance.
Group Celebrates Senator T.A Orji @ 71, Describes Him As A Gift From God
