By Emmanuel Agbo, Abakaliki
The Wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Mary Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, has warmly welcomed her new namesake, baby Maudline Chimelumogor Ogodo, describing the gesture as a profound honour and a symbol of love.
The child was named after the First Lady by Hon. Nnamaka Ogodo, Member I of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly Service Commission, during a colourful naming ceremony held at the family’s residence in Abakaliki. The event attracted top government officials and dignitaries from across the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs. Nwifuru expressed deep gratitude to God for the safe delivery of the child and thanked the Ogodo family for naming their daughter after her. She assured the family of her love and support, praying for divine grace, protection, and outstanding success for the child.
“I wholeheartedly accept this child and I am deeply honoured. Naming her after me is a clear indication of the love you have for me,” she said. “I assure you that this child will be a blessing to this family. The grace that follows me will continue to follow my namesake.”
The First Lady prayed that the child would grow in wisdom and favour, excel beyond her peers globally, and become a source of pride to her family and society. She also conveyed the appreciation of her husband, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to the family for the honour bestowed on her.
Mrs. Nwifuru further urged the parents to raise the child in the fear of God and instil in her sound moral values that would enable her to contribute meaningfully to society.
Earlier in his remarks, Hon. Nnamaka Ogodo explained that he named his daughter after the First Lady in appreciation of the love and support she and the Governor have shown to his family.
“In Izzi culture, naming a child after someone is the highest form of appreciation. His Excellency and his dear wife have done so much for my family, and this is our way of expressing our gratitude,” he said.
He thanked the First Lady for accepting the child as her namesake and pledged to give the girl a proper upbringing.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Office of the Governor, Hon. Uchenna Nwamkpuma, described Hon. Ogodo’s action as a demonstration of gratitude.
He prayed that God would guide the child on the right path as she grows and urged the family to provide her with the proper upbringing she deserves.
Also speaking, Member I of the Ebonyi State Universal Basic Education Board, Hon. Chijioke Nwuzor, described the birth of the child as a great honour to the family. He prayed that God would provide the family with all the resources necessary to nurture and train her.
He noted that children are a heritage from God and expressed hope that the child’s dedication would bring joy to families trusting God for the fruit of the womb.
On his part, Hon. Felix Okemini Jango commended the family for naming their daughter after the First Lady of the state.
“It is the good works of Governor Nwifuru and his dear wife that inspired Hon. Nnamaka Ogodo to name her daughter after Her Excellency,” he said, while extolling the Governor for his developmental strides in the state.
Other dignitaries at the event, including Chief Thomas Izuinya, Chief Moses Chukwuma Ofoke, and Mr. Okon Aligwe, congratulated the family and described the naming as a remarkable show of honour and appreciation.
They prayed for the child to grow in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, and to become a blessing not only to her family but to Ebonyi State and Nigeria at large.
