Enugu agog for Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s 78th birthday

EVEN in ill-health, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s 78th birthday celebrations this Friday in Enugu will be marked with pomp and pageantry as all is now set for the event.

Already, his Government Reserve Area (GRA) residence in the state is wearing a new look while friends and well-wishers are putting final touches to the preparations for the event, which would attract notable dignitaries from across the country including wife of the President, Dame Patience Jonathan.

Briefing the media at Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s residence in Enugu yesterday, organiser of the event and leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Ralph Uwazuruike, said that Mrs. Jonathan had already confirmed her participation in the event.

Also expected are governors from the South-East, led by their chairman, Mr. Peter Obi of Anambra, former governors Ikedi Ohakim and Chukwuemeka Ezeife; chairman, South-East Traditional Rulers’ Council, Eze Ilomuanya; Senator Ben Obi, Prof. Charles Soludo, serving members of the National Assembly and other eminent Nigerians.

Uwazuruike said though Odumegwu-Ojukwu would not be at the event in view of his health challenges, the event was being put together as a mark of honour and respect for his contributions to Igbo land and Nigeria as a whole.

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By Lawrence Njoku, Enugu State

-The Guardian