Onuegbu Marks 61st Birthday With Thanksgiving, Pays Tribute To Uzodimma, Ohakim, Nzeribe, Family And Late Friend
BY OCHIAGHA NNANNA OKERE
A prominent lawyer, politician, and Imo State Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Physical Planning, Enyinnaya Onuegbu, has marked his 61st birthday with a message of gratitude to God while paying glowing tribute to Governor Hope Uzodimma, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, the late Senator Arthur Nzeribe, members of his family, and other individuals who have shaped his personal and professional journey.
In a statement issued on Tuesday to commemorate the anniversary, Onuegbu said he deliberately chose to observe the occasion in quiet thanksgiving rather than celebration, attributing every milestone in his life to the grace of God.
He also remembered his late parents, Mark and Juliet Onuegbu, describing them as the earthly vessels through whom God gave him life.
The celebrant disclosed that he requested his wife, Hon. Justice Lady Chief (Mrs.) Chinemerem Onuegbu, to suspend her customary birthday surprise this year out of respect for the late Barrister Uche Charles Osuji, a close family friend whose burial is scheduled for July 24, 2026.
According to him, the late Osuji witnessed his first meeting with his wife as undergraduates at the old Imo State University, Okigwe, in 1989 and later served as the best man at their wedding on December 29, 1999.
Reflecting on his life’s journey, Onuegbu expressed gratitude for the fulfilment of his aspirations to become a lawyer, politician, public servant, and philanthropist, maintaining that every achievement was made possible by divine grace.
He acknowledged the contributions of his teachers and professional mentors, including Barrister S. B. Monokpo, who introduced him to legal practice during his National Youth Service Corps in Bauchi State, and Hon. Justice Nicholas Okorafor Adigwe, whom he credited with strengthening his confidence as a legal practitioner.
Onuegbu also paid tribute to the late Distinguished Senator Arthur Francis Nzeribe, describing him as his political icon and mentor whose guidance significantly influenced his political career.
He equally expressed appreciation to former Imo State Governor, Dr. Ikedi Godson Ohakim, for appointing him Sole Administrator of Ngor Okpala Local Government Area and later supporting his emergence as Executive Chairman.
The 61-year-old reserved special appreciation for the Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator (Dr.) Hope Uzodimma, CON, thanking him for retaining him in the state Executive Council since 2020.
Describing himself as an ardent admirer of the governor’s leadership style, Onuegbu likened his experience in the administration to attending a “tuition-free political open university,” where, he said, the lessons in governance and leadership have been invaluable.
He also expressed gratitude to his late parents-in-law, Sir Faithful and Lady Constance Nlemadim of Mbaitoli Local Government Area, for accepting him as a suitable husband for their daughter despite his modest circumstances at the time, noting that their constant prayer, “By God’s grace, it shall be well,” has become a reality.
Onuegbu described his wife, Hon. Justice Lady Chief (Mrs.) Chinemerem Onuegbu, as the greatest blessing and achievement of his life, recalling a light-hearted moment on his birthday when they joked about their greying hair as a symbol of growing older together in love and happiness.
Onuegbu, who holds the traditional title of Ebekuodike and serves as the traditional Prime Minister of the ancient Ezima Kingdom in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, concluded by offering prayers for God’s continued guidance and protection, expressing hope to celebrate many more birthdays while giving all glory to God.
