By Onyekachi Eze
Testimonies and accolades have continued to trail the life of Chief Barrister Peter Chukwuemeka Mgbenwelu, who is popularly known as ‘Egbendu 1 of Orlu‘, as he clocked eighty (80) years.
Chief Mgbenwelu is an indigene of Eziama Ubulu, in Oru West Local Government Area, of Imo State. He is a household name in Imo State politics and beyond.
A Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, whose political sagacity cannot be over emphasized.
The avalanche of dignitaries that besieged the Oru West residence of this political cum legal icon, comprising the Religious, Political, social and communal class, last Sunday, July 1, 2018 further portrays what the jolly fellow great grandfather signifies in the sight of God and humanity.
While his immediate family members, friends and associates congregated to chant the “happy birthday song” to the husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, others, starting from the clergy men poured encomium on him for living a life of testimony worthy of emulation.
The thanksgiving celebration commenced with a concelebrated holy mass, held at St. Martin of Tour Catholic Church, Eziama Ubulu, in Oru West.
According to the Octogenarian, ” I give God all thanks, glory and adoration for blessing me with good health of mind and body. I would say that the major experiences I have had in life are; my marriage, my profession, and the third, the type of life I used to live which I never knew I would reach up to 50 years, now I am 80.
I feel delighted marking this year. I thank God for blessing me with a lovely, God fearing woman, who also bore and raised my Children in the fear of God. Counting all these miracles in my life, I feel satisfied and grateful”.
He stated that until he left active practice, he had been a successful lawyer with a spotless marriage, hence prayed that his children would attain greater heights than him.
Revealing further part of his lifestyle, Chief Mgbenwelu said, “the secret behind my young looks and healthy living is ‘Forgiveness’. I forgive people easily. I never forget the good things people do to me, but I easily forget the bad one’s”.
In her birthday wish, the hubby, lolo Betty Patricia Mgbenwelu who expressed an overwhelming joy wished the hubby more graceful years ahead.
“My prayer for Chief is continued good health, fear on the knowledge of God in his entire life, and he will continue to be blessed in every way. May God favour him and grant all his heart desires.
Narrating their marriage experiences, Lolo Betty gave the present family statistics thus; 6 Children, 18 grand children, and 1 great grandson.
She described their union as a blessing built on prayer, love, trust, patience and forgiveness, for the past 56 years they have been living together as husband and wife.
In a related development, the second son of the celebrant, Patrick Okechukwu David Mgbenwelu wished his father continuous peace, many more years and wisdom in doing the right thing.
He said, ” At 80, he is still looking like a 55-60 year old man; moving like a 40 year old man, and that is what makes him different. My father is a special being with rare attributes.
I wish my dad the longest number of years that God can give him, which I know He will do, so as for us to reconvene in celebrating him”.
Furthermore, H.R.H, Eze Okeukwu Victor (Amavis), Igwe 3rd of Ubulu, and Chairman, Oru Council of Traditional Rulers eulogized “Uduako mmiri 1 of Ubulu” as one of the pillars of the community. He charged community men and women to borrow a leaf from Chief P.C Mgbenwelu, whose prerogative had been to better the community and society at large.
The celebration was also graced by members of “City Fathers’ International Initiative, CFII, Chief Osita Nwaneri (Ogbuhuru-uzo), Sir Ambrose Ejiogu.
Others were; H.R.H, Eze Sir Ralph Ogbonna, Prince Solomon Dike, Justice PC Onumajulu, Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha, HE Douglas Acholonu, Hon Jones Onyereri, Sir Collins Iloh, Prof Jude Njoku, Hon Donatus Onuigwe, to mention but a few.
High point of the occasion was the cutting of the 80th birthday anniversary cake.
