22 Mar 2025

Today, I joined the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the Creation of the Diocese. I was delighted to celebrate with the Diocese the growth and development they have continued to experience over the years. I particularly appreciated the Spiritual Father of the Diocese, His Eminence Peter Cardinal Okpaleke, for the great work he is doing in the critical areas of education and health - especially for taking the initiative to establish a home that cares for the elderly and less privileged among us. Thereafter, I travelled to Awka, where I also joined the Retired Chief Judge of Anambra State, Hon. Justice Godwin Ude Ononiba, at his book launch. At 92 years old, Chief Ononiba launched his book, “Wisdom on the Bench”, which recounts his enduring legacies on the bench. I always encourage people, especially those who have made positive impacts in society, to document their journeys so that the younger generation can learn how to lead better and more productive lives, with integrity and honesty. Justice Ononiba served as the Chairman of the Transition Committee in Anambra when I was Governor. He is one of those whose words of wisdom and advice have continued to guide me on the right path. He consistently encouraged me to maintain my focus on education, health, and poverty alleviation - areas which, as I often say, remain the three critical pillars of national development. From there, I travelled to Abuja, where I joined the Okupe family, friends, well-wishers, and fellow Nigerians at the Commendation Service for my dear elder brother, the late Chief Doyin Okupe. Doyin believed in and worked for a better Nigeria. May God console his family and indeed all of us who mourn, and grant him eternal rest. Finally, I travelled to Lagos to rejoice with my very dear younger sister, Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, as she marked her 50th birthday. She is one of Nigeria’s great and productive minds and remains committed to building a new and better Nigeria. May God grant her many more healthy, fruitful, and joyful years. -PO