Celebrating Ezinne Grace Amanjide Ezezue (Awube-Nwanyi) at 90 years in Amawbia town, Anambra state and Photos
Friday 1st January, 2016 was unique for the family of Ezinne Grace Amanjide Ezezue (Awube-Nwanyi) as she clocked 90 years old. Umueze village Amawbia community, Awka South local government area of Anambra state was the venue of the celebration, reports www.odogwublog.com exclusively.
The 90 years birthday bash and thanksgiving attracted three Catholic Bishops including Bishop of Ahiara Diocese , Most Reverend Dr Peter Okpaleke and Bishop of Nnewi Diocese , Most Reverend Dr Hillary Odili Okeke as well as the Auxiliary Bishop of Awka , Most Reverend Jonas Benson Okoye who celebrated the 90 years birthday mass.
Bishop Okoye and Mama's two females
That was not it, as 89 Catholic Priests led by the Parish Priest St Mathew’s Catholic Church Amawbia , Rev Fr Valentine Offormata and Enugu Catholic priest Rev Fr Michael Nneji and numerous Reverend Sisters across the globe including Oklahoma, Canada, graced the occasion as they jointly and individually prayed for matriarch of the family of Ezezue and Ezezue’s for God’s continued blessings and grace.
The attendance did not stop in the clergy family as the Anambra state Head of Service, (HOS) , Mr Harry Udu, a lawyer; Emeritus Prof and DVC at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof I.E.M Nwana ; Principal Secretary to Governor Willie Obiano, Mr Willie Nwokoye as well as business tycoons and Educationists across Igboland witnessed the bash.
It was a worthy celebration amidst pomp and ceremony witnessing assorted drinks and cuisine in a buffet like scene atmosphere, cascading into a fish and Cow Barbecue night for guests from United Kingdom and United States of America, though not excluding anybody.
Ezinne Ezezue’s family all over the world returned for the celebration including the families of Mr Peter Ezezue-the oldest son, Mrs Ngozi Okafor known as Evidence nee Ezezue; Mr John Ezezue ; Mr Sam Ezezue; Rev Fr Vincent Ezezue; and Mrs Ifeyinwa Ezeora nee Ezezue. These are her six children.
The family members agreed to import a music maestro in the gospel song family, Gozie Okeke and his musical team. His lyrics and band beats electrified the scene to the extent that Priests took to the dance floor as led by Rev Fr Ekene Nwosu of St Patricks Cathedral Awka.
A priest Rev Fr Aroh anchored the event as Master of ceremony and even tactfully lured Rev Fr Vincent and his brothers and sisters to come and dance for their Mother against their wish as they just wanted people to merry and pray for them.
It was a healthy dance as Gozie’s band gave their best lyrics to the admiration of all and sundry including the security men on duty who were busy applauding and making wonderful remarks about the family and the Gozie Okeke band. There was no dull moment as ‘’Ask me ‘’ group were tutored on how to serve everybody including loafers. It was cool and guests were satisfied and whoever did not eat like this reporter who refused all entreaties to eat while on duty was on its own. Priests were equally on duty for better service delivery.
Gozie Okeke performing for the admiration of Mr Samuel Ezezue
Four male children of Mama
The celebrant, Ezinne Grace Amanjide Ezezue (Awube-Nwanyi) in her remarks re-assured she would not relent in her faith in God , adding that openness to God guarantees much to life even as she encouraged all Christians irrespective of the denomination to seek God first at all times and tarry with God in all situations.
She said life of prayerfulness, without bitterness and acrimony for anybody as well as absolute trust in God and generosity with God’s blessings has helped her to actualize her dreams in life and thanked God for the opportunity to be 90 years. She thanked her children for taking good care of her and enjoined other children to take care of their parents.
She said she had no regrets serving God and poured encomiums on her late husband who she ran the race with, Late Patrick Nnaemeka Ezezue.
First son of the family, Mr Peter Ezezue, thanked all who witnessed the 90 years birthday bash and prayed for blessings upon their own families. Encomium came from His Holiness, Pope Francis who sent his papal blessings to Ezinne Grace Amanjide Ezezue (Awube-Nwanyi), praying for God’s abundance of Divine Graces as she ages gracefully. He said their mother remained a blessing not only to the family but to numerous others adding that she was instrumental to the peace and unity as well as development of the family.
Her first Daughter, Mrs Ngozi Okafor, Evidence noted that her mother taught them to receive visitors and has remained at peace with all mortals irrespective of ethnic and religious lining. She expressed gratitude to God for sparing their mother as they could have done nothing much without her.
But , Mr Samuel Ezezue, the fourth child of Ezinne Ezezue based in US said her mother was dogged and determined in anything she sets her mind on, hence they took after her and their late dad who he said took good care of them. He said both made them appreciate life’s values , adding that people should shelve pessimism hanging over celebrating people while alive and celebrate their parents and relatives while alive, even if the person dies after the celebration since nobody holds his or her life.
The Piano donated by Sam
Papal gift to mama @ 90
For a family friend , Chief Chukwukadibia Nwannebuike Aron Onwelukwue , Owelle Ugbene insisted the celebration of the 90 years birthday and other celebrations for the living is worth it as anything worth doing is worth doing well. He encouraged children to celebrate their parents, praying that Ezinne Ezezue lives beyond 100 years even as he thanked the celebrant and late husband for insisting that they all went to school, hence she and Amawbia community are enjoying the benefits today.
On his part, the Head of Service, (HOS) Anambra state, Mr Harry Uduh, a lawyer, was also in support of celebrating people while they are alive rather than at dead.
Uduh said: ‘’ I found it meaningful and the lyrics by the musical maestro Gozie Okeke happens all the time, as many would not value celebrating their own until the person is dead. Celebrating one while alive has been the most colourful, the reason being that what you do for the dead person is meaningless and a waste of resources. I congratulate them for celebrating their mother’’.
Also contributing, second son of Ezinne Ezezue, Mr John Ezezue said her mother’s humility , religiosity and generosity was unique and exceptional in the community , adding that she set a standard unequalled in moral values. He described her as a blessing to the family, requesting God for more grace upon her to live more to guide them and others aright as she has impacted much on the society. He wished God will double her age for them.
While performing the toast, a Brother, Reverend Ekene Nwosu of St Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral said Ezinne Ezezue lived for all, even as her daughter Mrs Ifeyinwa Ezeora, nee Ezezue was delightful to be part of the family celebrating her mother at 90, asking God for better health as she ages. She prayed God to guide and protect their guests and their families better in 2016, so that they would witness abundance God’s grace as the Ezezue’s.
For Mrs Anuta Josephine prayed all children to learn from the Ezezue’s and celebrate their parents when they would appreciate it. She said the bible said 70 years was the age and any extra thing is a blessing hence she has since added 20 years on the biblical age two score and ten.
In his sermon , the Manager , St Michael’s Model Comprehensive Secondary School, Nimo, Rev Fr Francis Nonso Okoye expressed gratitude that the celebration of Ezinne Ezezue coincided with the celebration of Virgin Mary’s Divine Motherhood, nothing that the celebrants life of holiness, prayerfulness love and charity to others as well as hard work assisted her to live long.
A relative , Prof I.E.M. Nwana said celebrating old people prolongs their lives as they celebrated his father until he died at 99 years old. Prof Nwana who retired as a Deputy Vice Chancellor at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka said he appreciates people who understood the secret of celebrating old age, claiming celebration of old age prolongs the essence of life and condemned the attitude of throwing a bash for the dead rather than the living.
Bishop Okoye's gift to Mama
The Auxiliary Bishop of Awka Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend Dr Jonas Benson Okoye had earlier presented his own birthday gift to Ezinne Ezezue and called on Christians to celebrate their parents while alive and not at death. ‘’This celebration is worthy of emulation, because it helps to prolong life. That’s why we are thanking the members of the family for doing the right thing because I charge people to celebrate their parents while alive and not when they are dead. It is beneficial to gather people to celebrate when one is living and not when one is dead. It is appropriate...........’’
He commended the Ezezue’s for celebrating their mother every year especially at her 90 years birthday.
Bishop Okoye admonished her not to relent in seeking Heaven as her virtues stood her out even as he called on others to emulate her qualities.
Bishop Dr Okoye pointed out that the family of the Ezezu’s leant their kind heartedness ,generosity and prayerfulness through their mother . He encouraged the family not to depart from doing good and life of prayers.
Bishop Okoye blessed another of Ezinne Ezezue’s son Mr Samuel Ezezue based in US for donating a Yamaha ultra modern Piano to the Choir of St Mathew’s Catholic Church Amawbia at the event unsolicited, while asking God to uplift further the Children of Ezinne Ezezue’s in all their endeavours.
Special song dedicated to the celebrant was delivered by the Choir of St Mathew’s Amawbia among other highlights. It was indeed splendid and great.
Written by Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, an Awka Anambra state based journalist, Blogger, and social commentator on national issues
The 90 years birthday bash and thanksgiving attracted three Catholic Bishops including Bishop of Ahiara Diocese , Most Reverend Dr Peter Okpaleke and Bishop of Nnewi Diocese , Most Reverend Dr Hillary Odili Okeke as well as the Auxiliary Bishop of Awka , Most Reverend Jonas Benson Okoye who celebrated the 90 years birthday mass.
That was not it, as 89 Catholic Priests led by the Parish Priest St Mathew’s Catholic Church Amawbia , Rev Fr Valentine Offormata and Enugu Catholic priest Rev Fr Michael Nneji and numerous Reverend Sisters across the globe including Oklahoma, Canada, graced the occasion as they jointly and individually prayed for matriarch of the family of Ezezue and Ezezue’s for God’s continued blessings and grace.
The attendance did not stop in the clergy family as the Anambra state Head of Service, (HOS) , Mr Harry Udu, a lawyer; Emeritus Prof and DVC at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof I.E.M Nwana ; Principal Secretary to Governor Willie Obiano, Mr Willie Nwokoye as well as business tycoons and Educationists across Igboland witnessed the bash.
It was a worthy celebration amidst pomp and ceremony witnessing assorted drinks and cuisine in a buffet like scene atmosphere, cascading into a fish and Cow Barbecue night for guests from United Kingdom and United States of America, though not excluding anybody.
Ezinne Ezezue’s family all over the world returned for the celebration including the families of Mr Peter Ezezue-the oldest son, Mrs Ngozi Okafor known as Evidence nee Ezezue; Mr John Ezezue ; Mr Sam Ezezue; Rev Fr Vincent Ezezue; and Mrs Ifeyinwa Ezeora nee Ezezue. These are her six children.
The family members agreed to import a music maestro in the gospel song family, Gozie Okeke and his musical team. His lyrics and band beats electrified the scene to the extent that Priests took to the dance floor as led by Rev Fr Ekene Nwosu of St Patricks Cathedral Awka.
A priest Rev Fr Aroh anchored the event as Master of ceremony and even tactfully lured Rev Fr Vincent and his brothers and sisters to come and dance for their Mother against their wish as they just wanted people to merry and pray for them.
It was a healthy dance as Gozie’s band gave their best lyrics to the admiration of all and sundry including the security men on duty who were busy applauding and making wonderful remarks about the family and the Gozie Okeke band. There was no dull moment as ‘’Ask me ‘’ group were tutored on how to serve everybody including loafers. It was cool and guests were satisfied and whoever did not eat like this reporter who refused all entreaties to eat while on duty was on its own. Priests were equally on duty for better service delivery.
The celebrant, Ezinne Grace Amanjide Ezezue (Awube-Nwanyi) in her remarks re-assured she would not relent in her faith in God , adding that openness to God guarantees much to life even as she encouraged all Christians irrespective of the denomination to seek God first at all times and tarry with God in all situations.
She said life of prayerfulness, without bitterness and acrimony for anybody as well as absolute trust in God and generosity with God’s blessings has helped her to actualize her dreams in life and thanked God for the opportunity to be 90 years. She thanked her children for taking good care of her and enjoined other children to take care of their parents.
She said she had no regrets serving God and poured encomiums on her late husband who she ran the race with, Late Patrick Nnaemeka Ezezue.
First son of the family, Mr Peter Ezezue, thanked all who witnessed the 90 years birthday bash and prayed for blessings upon their own families. Encomium came from His Holiness, Pope Francis who sent his papal blessings to Ezinne Grace Amanjide Ezezue (Awube-Nwanyi), praying for God’s abundance of Divine Graces as she ages gracefully. He said their mother remained a blessing not only to the family but to numerous others adding that she was instrumental to the peace and unity as well as development of the family.
Her first Daughter, Mrs Ngozi Okafor, Evidence noted that her mother taught them to receive visitors and has remained at peace with all mortals irrespective of ethnic and religious lining. She expressed gratitude to God for sparing their mother as they could have done nothing much without her.
But , Mr Samuel Ezezue, the fourth child of Ezinne Ezezue based in US said her mother was dogged and determined in anything she sets her mind on, hence they took after her and their late dad who he said took good care of them. He said both made them appreciate life’s values , adding that people should shelve pessimism hanging over celebrating people while alive and celebrate their parents and relatives while alive, even if the person dies after the celebration since nobody holds his or her life.
For a family friend , Chief Chukwukadibia Nwannebuike Aron Onwelukwue , Owelle Ugbene insisted the celebration of the 90 years birthday and other celebrations for the living is worth it as anything worth doing is worth doing well. He encouraged children to celebrate their parents, praying that Ezinne Ezezue lives beyond 100 years even as he thanked the celebrant and late husband for insisting that they all went to school, hence she and Amawbia community are enjoying the benefits today.
On his part, the Head of Service, (HOS) Anambra state, Mr Harry Uduh, a lawyer, was also in support of celebrating people while they are alive rather than at dead.
Uduh said: ‘’ I found it meaningful and the lyrics by the musical maestro Gozie Okeke happens all the time, as many would not value celebrating their own until the person is dead. Celebrating one while alive has been the most colourful, the reason being that what you do for the dead person is meaningless and a waste of resources. I congratulate them for celebrating their mother’’.
Also contributing, second son of Ezinne Ezezue, Mr John Ezezue said her mother’s humility , religiosity and generosity was unique and exceptional in the community , adding that she set a standard unequalled in moral values. He described her as a blessing to the family, requesting God for more grace upon her to live more to guide them and others aright as she has impacted much on the society. He wished God will double her age for them.
While performing the toast, a Brother, Reverend Ekene Nwosu of St Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral said Ezinne Ezezue lived for all, even as her daughter Mrs Ifeyinwa Ezeora, nee Ezezue was delightful to be part of the family celebrating her mother at 90, asking God for better health as she ages. She prayed God to guide and protect their guests and their families better in 2016, so that they would witness abundance God’s grace as the Ezezue’s.
For Mrs Anuta Josephine prayed all children to learn from the Ezezue’s and celebrate their parents when they would appreciate it. She said the bible said 70 years was the age and any extra thing is a blessing hence she has since added 20 years on the biblical age two score and ten.
In his sermon , the Manager , St Michael’s Model Comprehensive Secondary School, Nimo, Rev Fr Francis Nonso Okoye expressed gratitude that the celebration of Ezinne Ezezue coincided with the celebration of Virgin Mary’s Divine Motherhood, nothing that the celebrants life of holiness, prayerfulness love and charity to others as well as hard work assisted her to live long.
A relative , Prof I.E.M. Nwana said celebrating old people prolongs their lives as they celebrated his father until he died at 99 years old. Prof Nwana who retired as a Deputy Vice Chancellor at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka said he appreciates people who understood the secret of celebrating old age, claiming celebration of old age prolongs the essence of life and condemned the attitude of throwing a bash for the dead rather than the living.
The Auxiliary Bishop of Awka Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend Dr Jonas Benson Okoye had earlier presented his own birthday gift to Ezinne Ezezue and called on Christians to celebrate their parents while alive and not at death. ‘’This celebration is worthy of emulation, because it helps to prolong life. That’s why we are thanking the members of the family for doing the right thing because I charge people to celebrate their parents while alive and not when they are dead. It is beneficial to gather people to celebrate when one is living and not when one is dead. It is appropriate...........’’
He commended the Ezezue’s for celebrating their mother every year especially at her 90 years birthday.
Bishop Okoye admonished her not to relent in seeking Heaven as her virtues stood her out even as he called on others to emulate her qualities.
Bishop Dr Okoye pointed out that the family of the Ezezu’s leant their kind heartedness ,generosity and prayerfulness through their mother . He encouraged the family not to depart from doing good and life of prayers.
Bishop Okoye blessed another of Ezinne Ezezue’s son Mr Samuel Ezezue based in US for donating a Yamaha ultra modern Piano to the Choir of St Mathew’s Catholic Church Amawbia at the event unsolicited, while asking God to uplift further the Children of Ezinne Ezezue’s in all their endeavours.
Special song dedicated to the celebrant was delivered by the Choir of St Mathew’s Amawbia among other highlights. It was indeed splendid and great.
Written by Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, an Awka Anambra state based journalist, Blogger, and social commentator on national issues
Celebrating Ezinne Grace Amanjide Ezezue (Awube-Nwanyi) at 90 years in Amawbia town, Anambra state and Photos
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