Valentine Ozigbo, a 2021 Anambra Governorship candidate, on Saturday, April 29, 2023, joined family, friends, clergies and well-wishers at the Blessed Iwene Tansi Seminary, Onitsha, to felicitate with the Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Peter Damian Akpunonu, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday anniversary.
Mr Ozigbo was a guest of honour and also served as the Chairman as Very Rev Akpunonu launched two books titled “Emerging Pastoral Issues of the 21st Century (Reflections and Homilies)” and “Biblical Reflections on God and on the Church.”
While speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the event, Ozigbo described Very Rev Fr Akpunonu as “a man of generations, just like Abraham.”
“If there is any set of human beings in this world to celebrate and honour, it is people who have made tremendous sacrifice and done so for decades, and for the Very Rev Akpunonu, he is trans-generational in impacts,” Ozigbo said.
“I was marvelled when I heard the number of Bishops he has lectured, mentored, tutored, and it goes to tell you that he is that type of man you describe as a man of generations, just like Abraham, who is the father of nations. That is the kind of father Very Rev Akpunonu is to us.
“Very Rev Akpunonu is an impressive priest and doesn’t look like a man who is 80 years old. I pray God grants him strength and good health as I will be delighted and honoured to be a part of the celebration of his centenary celebration.
“It’s a great privilege for me and I am so excited to have been part of this. I wish him many more years in the service of the vineyard.
“I know he is retired but not tired. He is going to continue the great work of inspiring people, drawing them to God and enlarging the coast for the kingdom of God.”
A host of clergy members were present at the celebration, including Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Awka; Bishop Jonas Benson Okoye, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi; Most Rev. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka; Bishop Ernest Ugodo, Bishop Martin Igwemezie Uzoukwu of Minna Diocese who led the Mass, among others.
