Cleric extols Azikiwe’s wife at 70

By Ihesiulo Grace

6 February 2017

News

The wife of the first President of Nigeria, Prof. Uche Azikiwe, has been told by the Bishop of Nsukka Anglican diocese, Rt. Rev. Aloysius Agbo, that her birthday deserved to be celebrated as she has impacted positively to all those who came in contact with her.

Bishop Agbo stated this in a homily to mark the 70^th birthday celebration of Prof. Azikiwe at the Onuiyi Haven in Nsukka at the weekend.

“Your birthday deserves to be celebrated and we, the Anglican Church in Nsukka, feel happy to associate with the family of late Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s family to celebrate you.

“Your family has contributed immensely to the church and also to humanity. This premise of St. John Anglican Church, Nsukka is where your late husband, the first President of this country has his printing press but decided to donate the building to the church.

“Your family has also contributed in no small measure to the peace and unity of this country,” he said.

He urged women in the country to emulate Prof. Uche Azikiwe who, in spite of being wife of first President of Nigeria and a university professor, has remained humble and God-fearing.

Her two sons, Molokwu and Uwakwe, joined with their families, came out in their numbers to celebrate their matriarch.

Speaking in an interview with newsmen, the celebrant said she would continue to remain faithful to God for His unquantifiable love and care.

“It’s not because I’m good that I’m alive and healthy to celebrate my 70th birthday but because of the grace of God,” she said.

She thanked the Nsukka Anglican church for its prayers and support as well as state governors and officials from federal and state governments for leaving their tight schedules to grace the occasion,” she said.

Guests at the 70^th birthday celebration watched in admiration as the celebrant danced to the tune of the renowned Afikpo traditional “nkwa umuagbogho” dance, which reportedly caught the attention of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe into marrying her.

Dignitaries that graced the ceremony included former Vice-President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme; Enugu state governor, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Chief of Staff to Governor Willie Obianno of Anambra state who represented the governor, Prof Joseph Asike; Senator Chukwuka Utazi who represents Enugu North district in the Senate and Chief Nnia Nwodo, the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo among others.