By Enyinna Omoke,Abakaliki
It was a bumper unveiling of milestones as the member representing Izzi West Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Abiri Godwin Abiri held his thanksgiving Mass,in celebration of his 60th birthday.
The mass was solemnly presided over by Rev, Fr. James Nwofoke of Our Redeemer Parish Iyionu, Ishielu Local Government Area and Rev Fr Gilbert Edigbo.
The celebration was well attended by the members of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, State Executive Council Members, Minister of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Local Government Chairmen, Board and Commission members, Coordinator of Development Centers, religious leaders,people of Izzi West Constituency among others.
In a homily, Rev Fr James Nwofoke commended,Abiri Godwin Abiri for attainment of diamond age and for his humility, care,oneness and enduring legacy he has bestowed upon his people which serve as an inspiration for present and future leaders.
He prayed God to continue to sustain him in vigour and grace.
In his goodwill message, the Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Moses Ije Odunwa represented by Deputy Chief Whip, Arinze Lucas Chukwu extolled the virtues of Godwin Abiri at 60 saying that the humility and openness of Abiri Godwin Abiri stood him out in the House as an elder ,adding that he is being celebrated for his remarkable achievements and contributions to society and prayed God to continue to guide him.
In his remarks, the chairman of the occasion and member 1, Ebonyi State Civil Service Commission, Chris Uchaji congratulated the State lawmaker for his attainment of 60 years with remarkable achievements, laying the foundation for a prosperous future and described him as detribalized man who worked assiduously for the betterment of People’s life .
Also Speaking, the Pioneer Minister for State on Power and Steel, Chief Goddy Ogbaga hailed ,Godwin Abiri for attainment of 60 years on earth describing him as a man of discipline and prayed God to continue to give him good health.
The Commissioner for Border and Peace, Prof Paul Nwobashi and the Commissioner for Works ,Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam salute,Abiri for eventful life of courage, ingenuity and selfless service to people of Izzi West Constituency and mankind.
For Chinyere Nwogbaga representing Ebonyi North East and Onyebuchi Ogbadu representing Ivo State Constituency said the lawmaker has remained a pathfinder in many respects and a pillar of inspiration to many for which the present and future generations will remain grateful to him.
Others who spoke including Igu Chikezie Nwankwo representing Ohaozara East, Victor Nwoke representing Abakaliki North, Commissioner for Health Dr Moses Ekuma, , Chairman Izzi Local Government Area, Stephen Nwankpa, Former Chairman Ishielu Local Government Area,Onwa Ali Onwa,and SSA to Governor on Higher Education ,Peter Nwogbaga, said the milestone birthday is a moment of joy, gratitude and reflection for Chief Abiri Godwin Abiri and that his legacy will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of the people whose lives he has touched.
Responding to all encomiums poured on him , Abiri Godwin Abiri representing Izzi West State Constituency said the only thing he has is to thank God for His benevolence and appreciated those who joined him in the celebration and attributed his achievements in life so far as an act of God’s Grace as he is hail and hearty.
Speaking on his representation at the House of Assembly,Chief Abiri said he has taken time to study the needs and requirements of his Constituency and within his reach he will do everything possible to ensure that within his tenure those needs will be tackled.
Abiri mentioned some of his achievements to include award of scholarship to over 40 Indigent students, sinking of over 12 boreholes across his Constituency, attraction of primary school building and appreciated the State Governor for making his Constituency a mega City as ICT University Oferekpe was established, construction of 8 span bridge linking Ebonyi and Benue States, and construction of link roads among others.
The lawmaker urged people of Ebonyi State to keep supporting the present Government under Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru adding that his plans for Ebonyians as encapsulated in the People’s Charter of Needs will have meaningful impacts on the lives of every one.
Others who attended the birthday celebration include Chief-whip of the House ,Nkemka Okoro Onuma, Leader of the House, Kingsley Ogbonna Ikoro, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Comrade Oguzor Offia, Nwali, SSA to Governor on Library, Barr Pius Nwoga, Chairman Ebonyi State House of Assembly Service Commission, Francis Elem, Cordinator Etcheaba Development Center ,Friday Oketa, Esther Agwu, Obinna Mbam, Steve Orji Igwe, Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali, Celestine Ifeanyi Ogba, Friday Ogbuewu, DG EBSMEDA Dr Stephen Odo, Ifeanyi Nwakpu representing Ikwo North, Barr Innocent Chikaodili Nome representing Ezza North West, Kelvin Kenechukwu Okeh representing Ezza North East, Henry Sunday Eze representing Ishielu North, Charles Nkwoemeziie Onu , among others.
