Doris Ewoh, Enugu
Renowned politician and former House of Representatives member representing Nkanu West and East Federal Constituency, Rt. Honourable U.S.A. Igwesi, was drenched in praises, commendations, and tributes as he celebrated his birthday in a graceful manner.
The birthday party, which was put up by the group, Ikemba Friends Association (Inc.) to celebrate her founder, held on June 18, 2025 in Enugu State. It was a beehive of activities, as dignitaries from different parts of the social spectrum gathered to honor the man regarded as a political game changer in Enugu, the one who saw tomorrow.
The event kicked off with an exchange of pleasantries by the celebrant and some of his guests, revealing a lot about his personality.
In his speech, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) stalwart, Igwesi acknowledged God as the giver of life and all that he owns.
“I’m grateful to God Almighty, who kept me alive and still provides for me even when I am not worth it as a being.
“His grace, mercies, and blessings did the magic for me. I owe every aspect of my life to him, because he lives above men.”
Speaking about his political career, he said, “As a young man. I realized my mission. As Nostradamus, I saw tomorrow with the help of God. I have always aligned with the right political group that provided succor to the people of Enugu State and beyond.
“Even when the coast was not clear, I knew the right political step at all times. It is a divine gift, not by power.”
He further revealed that he was committed to living and standing for people at all times.
“Human development and capacity building are my topmost priority. When people are happy, I am happy. This is a transient world, and the earlier we realize that, the better for us as human beings”.
Leading the tributes, a former Enugu State governorship candidate of the Labour Party, and now a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Barr. Chijioke Edeoga, described the celebrant as a man of many good qualities.
“He is a courageous man, he is eloquent, he’s charismatic, he’s focused, he’s hardworking, and he has a heart of gold.”
He disclosed that they had known each other since 1990, growing up together in the political environment of Enugu State.
Edeoga noted that he wishes him long life, good health, and peace that passeth all understanding.
“Let him continue to do the kind of things he likes to do; he likes to be involved in politics, he likes to bring people together to achieve, so, I want him to continue to achieve, bring people together, and be himself,” he stated.
Acknowledging his political journey, Chief Nwabueze Nnamani, a former council chairman of Nkanu West Local Government, stated, “He’s the man of the people, a man of the grassroots, a great mobilizer; you can also call him a one-man riot squad.
“There’s what we call in Igbo ‘Okaa oburu uzo,’ and that’s what he is. A political juggernaut and the Ajadi Igbo of Enugu politics.”
He recalled that when U.S.A Igwesi was in the National Assembly, his voice was being heard everywhere, and he wasn’t one to be put in the pocket. He also added that during the last election, he was part of those who saw to the success of Gov. Peter Mbah’s victory in becoming the governor of Enugu State.
“We still need him. I wish him long life and also prosperity, because when someone is living long and he doesn’t have what he will use to sustain that life, life becomes meaningless,” Nnamani added.
Guests at the event included the Secretary to Enugu State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia; the representative of the Enugu State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; Former Labour Party Governorship candidate of Enugu State, Barr. Chijioke Edeoga; State PDP Chairman, Dr. Martins Chukwunweike; Assistant Commissioner of Police, State CID Enugu, Mrs Hope Isiani; Commander Anti Kidnapping Enugu, Supol. Chuks Odum; Executive Chairman of Nkanu West, Hon. John Ogbodo and his Ezeagu and Enugu South counterparts, Hon. Dr. Vita Ndu and Hon. Caleb Ani.
Others were a former PDP guber aspirant in Enugu, Hon. Nwabueze Ugwu; the Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Political matters, Chief Frank Anioma; Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Legislative matters, Hon. Paul Nnajiofor; The Bishop of Awgu/Aninri Arch Diocese Bishop Benson Chukwuwike; Chairman, Nkanu West Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Barr. Igwesi Obi Igwesi; a patron of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Igwe Greg Ugwu; the Rector, IMT, Prof. Gozie Ogbodo; and members of the clergy.
Former Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Hon. Obinna Oriaku; Former Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Mbeke; Former State Chairman of PDP Anambra State and Former Njikoka LGA High Chief, Chief Cosmas Agagbo; Former Chairman of Nkanu West, Barr. Ray Nnaji; Former Executive Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government, Hon. Cornell Chijioke Onwubuya; Former Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Chief Sir Nwabueze Nnamani; Former Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chris Mba, Prof. Chinwuba Owoh, the Deputy Chairman of Nkanu West, Engr. Friday Nnam, Secretary of Nkanu West, Prince Onochie Jon-Igwesi, former members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, were also present, among others.