By Chuks NZEH
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Lagos State Chairperson, Comrade Funmi Sessi, and the Chairman of the Nigeria National League, NNL, Mr. George Aluo, were among the dignitaries who joined the 85th birthday celebrations of Hon. Sylvester Onwuliri Nzeh, a former Vice Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area, Lagos State.
The milestone event, which also marked the 75th birthday of Barr. Nzeh’s wife, Ezinne Celestina Promise Nzeh, was celebrated with a Thanksgiving Mass at St. Pio Catholic Church, Aiyeteju, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
Comrade Sessi lauded the celebrator and his wife, describing them as exemplary parents whose values are evident in their children, particularly Comrade Chukwuma Nzeh of the NLC Headquarters in Abuja.
She praised Chukwuma’s professionalism, attributing it to his upbringing in a responsible home.
The chairman, Nigeria National League, NNL, George Aluo, spoke glowingly about the celebrator, who is also his uncle, and wished him many graceful years ahead in good health of mind and body.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Ephraim Ugodu, Parish Priest of St. Pio Catholic Church, reflected on the significance of the third Sunday of Advent, known as “Gaudete” Sunday.
He urged Christians to rejoice in anticipation of Christ’s coming, emphasizing that the Nzeh family’s celebration exemplifies this joy.
Fr. Ugodu praised the couple for their enduring faith and gratitude, calling on all to trust God in times of challenges and take their worries to Him in prayer.
Fr. Ugodu also highlighted the humility of John the Baptist, whose impactful preaching resonated with society yet never overshadowed the coming of Christ.
He further congratulated Barr. Alex Asuquo, a guest at the event, for his recent investiture as a Knight of St. John International (KSJI), reiterating the importance of Knights in protecting and upholding the teachings of the Church.
In his remarks, Nzeh expressed profound gratitude to God and all who joined the family to mark the occasion.
His eldest son, Mr. Frankwhite Nzeh, sent a goodwill message from Canada, acknowledging his parents’ commitment to human development and their determination to ensure all seven of their children attained tertiary education.
“We celebrate their success story and thank God for the privilege of being their children,” he remarked.
Mr. Ben Igbokwe, an in-law to the celebrant and CEO of a digital communications firm in Lagos, commended the Nzeh family for their dedication to human relations and development. He expressed pride in his connection to the family, noting how their values have positively influenced his life.
The event was a joyful celebration of faith, family, and community, as the Nzeh family reflected on God’s grace in their lives and the enduring legacy of their patriarch and matriarch.
