The Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, Bishop Eneje Street, Independence Layout, Enugu, was on Saturday filled with dignitaries, clergy and members of the public who gathered to celebrate the 70th birthday of Dr. Samuel Ifeanyi Ugwuozor, a scholar and administrator.
The event, which began shortly after 12:27 p.m., attracted 57 Catholic priests and seven Reverend Sisters from within and outside Enugu Diocese. Dr. Ugwuozor is the Head, Department of Political Science and International Relations at Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.
Prominent personalities at the event included the Bishop of Awgu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. John Ifeanyichukwu Okoye; the Auxiliary Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Ifeanyichukwu Obiatuegwu; and the Vice Chancellor of Peace Land University, Rev. Fr. Prof. Leo Ilechukwu. Others were former Labour Party governorship candidate, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga; House of Representatives member, Prince Cornelius Nnaji; former Enugu PDP Chairman, Chief Ikeje Asogwa; Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Prof. Aloysius Okolo; and the Traditional Ruler of Ibagwa Nike, Igwe Dr. Emmanuel Ugwu.
In his homily, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Damian Akpunonu commended Dr. Ugwuozor for what he described as his contributions to building an egalitarian society. He said the celebrant had distinguished himself through integrity, discipline and service, adding that younger leaders had lessons to learn from his lifestyle.
The facilitator of the event, Rev. Fr. Prof. Felix Ugwuozor, expressed appreciation to guests for honouring his elder brother. He said Dr. Ugwuozor had been a source of inspiration to the family and many others.
An indigene of Awhum community, Nze Uche Okolie, described the celebrant as a philanthropist and disciplinarian who had impacted many lives.
Responding, Barr. Dr. Samuel Ugwuozor said he was overwhelmed by the celebration, noting that he did not expect such recognition. He attributed his achievements to divine grace and the moral upbringing he received.
He recalled losing a hand in an auto crash, a situation many thought would end his public career, but said he went on to serve as Chairman of Udi Local Government, Permanent Secretary, and has remained in government since the administration of Governor Chimaroke Nnamani.
The ceremony also featured the unveiling of an 800-page book titled “Sam Ugwuozor: The Philosopher-Technocrat,” written by Rev. Fr. Prof. Felix Ugwuozor and co-edited by Prof. Chidozie Chukwuokolo and Ezechi Kingsley Chukwuka.
A special musical rendition and documentary produced by KC Best and Mekanand Musical Enterprise added colour to the event.
