Story by Dili Utomi and McAnthony Onuoha.
It was a moment of celebration, outpouring accolades, prayers and eulogies on the 21st of January 2025 as members of the Association of Igbo Maritime Practitioners in Nigeria (ASIMPIN) paid a courtesy call on the President General on his birthday.
The President General of ASIMPIN, HRM, Eze Amb. Damian Emeka Obianigwe KSM, JP, marked his birthday in his palatial Lagos office.
Notable members of the association trooped in to identify with the PG who was in his best of moods, “firing from all cylinders,” cracking jokes and exchanging pleasantries and banters to the admiration of everyone present.
Those who visited were, HRH Eze Demude,
Eze Ndigbo of Apapa, and his beautiful wife, the Chairman of ASIMPIN, KLT Chapter, Chief Chukwunonso Chukwudinma (Ebube Igbo), the Mobile encyclopedia of Igbo History and Tradition, and Chieftain of ANLCA, Chief Pius Ujubuonu, the Incoming Chairman of ASIMPIN, Tincan Chapter, Mazi Isaac Ndukwe (Okwadike), The Chairman of ASIMPIN, Apapa Chapter, Chief Tony Onuora, ANLCA Chieftain, Ogbueshi Sonniel Onochie(Agbalusia Ngene), the Chairmanship candidate of ANLCA, KLT Chapter, Hon. Chibuzo Valentine Ogamba, the Chairman of ASIMPIN Electoral Commission, and ANLCA Chieftain, Mr. Chijioke Nkwazema, the “Cerebral Old Man of ANLCA,” Elder Chukwudi Ike, the Secretary of ASIMPEC, Dr. Arthur Igwilo, the Treasurer of ASIMPIN, Tincan Chapter, Ezinwa Louis Eze, the National Secretary of ASIMPIN, Prince Okey Egbuchulam, Chief Kandi Ogu among other dignitaries who attended the occasion.
Inspite of the fact of the unexpected trooping in of guests and that he was unaware that he would be playing host to over 40 people in his office, the Royal Father did not disappoint in his ever hospitable manner. Everyone present was treated to sumptuous meal as assorted wines, spirit, malt and beer were excessively available.
A befittingly delicious cake was not missing at the event, courtesy of ASIMPIN Chapter Chairmen who were led by Chief Tony Onuora, Chairman ASIMPIN, Apapa Chapter.
Expressing his joy over yet another milestone, and his appreciation to God Almighty for granting him the grace, the PG of ASIMPIN in his usual favourite adage of “charity begins at home” pledged to remain a rallying point for Ndigbo wherever he finds himself, he advised Ndigbo to promote unity among themselves and always remain their brothers keepers.
Chief Pius Ujubuonu, expressed gratitude to God Almighty for sustaining the PG. He prayed for his longevity, wishing him good health and continued prosperity in all ramifications.
In his words, Eze Ndigbo of Apapa, His Royal Highness, Eze Demude, cautioned Ndigbo against circumvention of laid down rules while in the discharge of their duties or in the course of business. He promised to always come in defense of any Igbo indigene who faces police harassment or in custody without an established criminal case.
He urged everyone to be law abiding as they go about their daily businesses.
The event got to its crescendo the moment the President General cut his birthday cake after a fervent prayer said by Elder Chukwudi Ike.
Eze Demude proposed a toast as everyone toasted to long life in good health, happiness and prosperity.
The event was coordinated by the SSA to the PG of ASIMPIN, on Media, Comrade Emeka Nwosu, KSM. It all ended on a very happy and resoundingly joyous note of celebration as virtually all guests spoke glowingly about the true leadership qualities of Eze Obianigwe.
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