Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate and Senate President hopeful in the race for the leadership of the 10th Senate,Sen.Orji Uzor Kalu ,has said he remains eternally grateful to God for His many blessings, protection and preservation through the years he has spent in the many endeavours that have defined his life.
The Abia-born Senator and former Governor stated the above in Abuja, Friday,when friends, colleagues and associates gathered to celebrate his 63rd birthday in his Abuja home.
Sen. Kalu,who is a front runner in the race for Senate President in the 10th Senate,was full of gratitude to God for His countless blessings.
“I can only thank Him. He has done more than I can probably give Him thanks for. This is why I am singing continually to Him. Until this evening,the whole idea was to just allow this day to quietly go by ,given the fact that we are , somehow,still in mourning. But,you all are here to celebrate with me and we cannot afford to allow this day go by like that. My wife ,Ifunanya,did not want any celebration,but what can one do when you all are already here.”
The former Abia Governor,who explained that his first wife had been sick for twenty-five years within which he had taken in the current wife about twenty-one years ago, said he was grateful to God for His love for His family and the favours they have enjoyed thus far. He also expressed optimism that his first wife was resting well in the bosom of the most high God.
Speaking at the event,Sen. Kalu thanked everyone for their show of love and goodwill.Sen. Adamu Aliero, a colleague Governor and Senator to the celebrant,equally, thanked God for the impact Sen.Kalu has made on many lives across the globe.The former FCT Minister said he was highly proud of the Abia Senator and expressed optimism that he would eventually be of greater service to Nigeria
Also speaking at the event, Minister of State, Ministry of Science and Technology,Hon.Henry Iko Ike, and former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim , extolled the great qualities of Sen.Kalu,who,in their different speeches,has given so much of his energy,talent and leadership potential to the development of humanity.
Among those who were part of the long evening were diplomats,politicians, technocrats as well as captains of industry and entrepreneurs. They include the immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum and APC Gubernatorial candidate for Bayelsa State,Hon.Timipreye Sylvia; Barr. Chuka Odom,former Minister of State,FCT;Hon. Nnanna Kalu, former Member representing Abia South and Abia North Federal Constituency and Sen.Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe.
Others include: Hon. Mascot Kalu, APP candidate for Abia Governor in the 2023 General Elections; Sen.Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District;Sen. Francis Onyewuchi,Imo Central Senatorial District; Sen.(Dr.) Chris Ngige,Minister of Labour and Employment;Hon. Geoffrey Onyeama,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Dr.Umana Umana,Minister of Niger Delta Affairs; Lauretta Onochie of NDDC as well as Barr.Festus Okoye of INEC,Senators Nkechi Nwaogu and Uche Ekwunife among many others.
Nkem Anyata-Lafia
Attractions Magazine,Abuja