Friends, associates and family members have called on Mr Chinedu Ezekwesili, to use the occasion of his 70th birthday to make himself more visible for societal impact.
The pastor is husband to former Education Minister, Dr Oby Ezekwesili.
Speaking during a virtual tributes and prayer evening in honour of Mr Ezekwesili, who turned 70 this month, they said his strenght of character and commitment to better the society should be made more visible for others to emulate.
Many of the participants extolled the virtues of patience, empathy, sacrifice for community good and love for God in the life of the celebrant.
Mr Okey Ikechukwu described him as a man that is widely loved because of his empathy and sacrifice to make the society a better place.
According to him, Mr Ezekwesili is always interested in people’s welfare and has a good knowledge of the scripture.
Ikechukwu said, “As a pastor, his example should be emulated and he should find ways to become more visible in this new phase of life, to impact more people in his service to God and humanity.”
On his part, Allen Manssah, spoke glowingly of Mr Ezekwesili’s role in the return of 132 Chibok girls in the last 10 years. He said, the celebrant, along with his wife, Obiageli, sacrificed so much time and resources to ensure that a large number of the kidnapped Chibok girls were released.
“The couple have been fighting for us in the last 10 years through their lawyers, advocacy and commitment of time and resources to ensure that the 132 Chibok girls returned safely to their homes and continue working to ensure that the remaining 87 of them are returned,” Manssah said.
Another speaker, Rimu Oduaka, described the celebrant as a sunlight in the lives of many people.
She said, “We are happy he is marking his 70th birthday. God will continually strengthen him and give him many more years in good health.”
James Komolafe said there is no dull moment with Mr Ezekwesili.
He said, “In the last 24 years I have known him, Mr Ezekwesili fits into all sizes and shapes, as he steps in to solve people’s problems and provide his fatherly advice.
For Obi Almona, the celebrant is a calm problem solver, who passes same attributes to others.
Akaoma Onyemelukwe said the celebrant is not only spiritual, but encourages people with kind and motivational words. “Your words hold a lot of water. You live by example,” she said.
Dr Otive Igbuzor described the celebrant as a confident man, who supports his wife to achieve her life’s goals.
“Only a strong, quality man can marry a strong woman like Oby. I wish you many more years in the service of God and humanity,” he prayed.
Other speakers include Rama Dialo N’Diaye, James Komolafe, Florence Egopija, Ikechukwu Uzoma, Marshall Gloria Adegbu, Olumuyiwa Ajayi, Fidelis Okei and Aboki Zhara.
In his response, Mr Ezekwesili thanked the participants for their kind words and prayers. He said, “Your words about me are energising me to live up to what is expected of me. By God’s grace, I will never fall short of your great expectations.
“Whenever you meet someone, there is always what to give or learn about ways you can impact positively in the life of that person because you may never meet that person again. Only few people have opportunity to correct their wrongs. I pray that God continues to bless you all.”
