‘Hearty Felicitations to a Man of  Peace, Barr. Prince Uche Achi-Okpaga’ -Onyeoma Kingsley 

On this auspicious day, it’s Happy Birthday to the Prince of Ekwashi Ngboejeogu, a towering figure, philanthropist, advocate of peace and love, leader per excellence, corporate boardroom guru, role model extraordinary for youths, quintessential family man, a Man in the true sense of the word and above all, a fine and humble human being. That is Barr. Prince Uche Achi-Okpaga.

He had served as Special Assistant to Governor David Umahi on primary Education and received a special congratulatory message from Ebonyi state government for his leadership roles in primary Education. He had served as Publicity secretary, Ag Secretary of Ohaneze Ndigbo World Wide and many more.

I cannot celebrate his birthday without a toast to the history of his undying love for the growth of Ngboejeogu and the fight against social vices in the Ngbo clan. Indeed, this is also an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate the roles of the Achi-Okpaga dynasty (started by the Patriarch, HRH Eze Achi-Okpaga), among other iconic members of the family, in laying Ngbo’s economic and political foundation in post-independence.

I join with many well-wishers, your family, and friends wishing you more blessings and God’s continued guidance. As a politician par excellence, your carriage and how you have held yourself in a non-partisanship style is highly respected across Ohaukwu and Ebonyi states.

The passionate brothers and Ngboejeogu youth remain a voice of truth, courage, and social justice to this day, thanks to Barr. Uche-Achi for being among the pillars sustaining that institution to this day.

However, Aristotle, one of the wisest men ever lived once said: “Those who see things from their beginnings shall have the finest view of them.” I don’t have any best view, but I only had an opportunity to witness the early years of Prince Uche’s rise as an outsider and observer. My flare for writing took me occasionally to his approaches to issues, his love and leadership styles, and how humble he is despite coming from a rich family. One thing that’s hard to forget is how he manages the coverage of an event as ‘MC’ (Master of Ceremony), very professional.

Today’s celebration of the 51st anniversary, after having worked closely with him, I have come to admire and respect Prince Uche-Achi-Okpaga’s leadership qualities since I have known him. Again, it’s a toast to him, the Achi-Okpaga dynasty where he came from.

He is a fine human being, and I have learned more about good etiquette. Like most good leaders, he would always ask about your personal welfare, spouses, and children. Also, what most people rarely ask physicians, is how well you take good care of yourselves while providing care for others! Who’s caring for the caregiver?

I celebrate Prince Uche today, an achiever in his own right: from the prestigious Winners Academy to Boys’ Secondary School Ezzangbo, then to undergraduate studies at Ebonyi State University, and later to Nigeria Law School Enugu. He earned it all through diligence and hard work.

Prince by marriage, never left Ngbo his ancestry! Born in Ndume in Ekwashi Ngbo to a Royal father, HRH Eze Achi-Okpaga, who settled in Ngbo, and a Ngbo mother, Her Majesty Achi Grace, a great mother to the wife of the Vice Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ikwo; former Special Assistant to Governor Martin Elechi on Tourism, SSA on Special Education to Governor Umahi, former Chairperson, Ohaukwu Local Government Area. Dr Princes Elom Chinyere Ori.

I wish Prince Uche-Achi-Okpaga many more productive years of happiness, good health, more success, and continued God’s speed in her journey of life. I appreciate your steadfast leadership today and always. Am very honored and privileged to have witnessed your continuous worthy, noble, and patriotic cause.

“Happy Birthday to you……, Happy Birthday….. Prince