04/04/2025
IHEDIOHA AT 60: A GRAND CELEBRATION OF UNWAVERING SOLIDARITY AND POLITICAL EMINENCE
..Peter Obi, Other Dignitaries Attend Birthday Thanksgiving
By Prince Ebube Mbah.
It was a massive celebration, and an undeniable display of political strength as the former Governor of Imo State and erstwhile Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, CON, KSC, Omenkeahuruanya, marked his diamond jubilee with a grand thanksgiving and civic reception on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
The celebration commenced with a solemn yet joyous thanksgiving service at the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord (CATOL), where notable dignitaries, including the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party and former Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency Peter Obi, gathered to honor Ihedioha. The festivities continued at the Kanu Nwankwo Sports Complex, where an overwhelming crowd of Imo citizens from all walks of life congregated to celebrate a leader they admire and follow with unwavering loyalty.
The event at Kanu Nwankwo Sports Complex was not just a celebration—it was a symbolic and historic affirmation of Ihedioha’s political stature. Rarely in Nigeria has a politician not in power commanded such an immense and diverse gathering. While the Abuja edition of the celebration united Nigerians from all regions, the Owerri event brought together virtually every segment of Imo State, showcasing the vast reach of Ihedioha’s influence.
Supporters from all 27 Local Government Areas of the state, spanning from the wards to the LGAs and across the three senatorial zones, flooded the venue in solidarity. Thousands of members of the Rebuild Imo Movement, led by Dr. Vin Udokwu, made their presence felt. Other prominent support groups, including Imo Critical Stakeholders led by Ugwumba Damian Ezeagu, Imo Liberation Movement under the leadership of Emeka Nwokeke (Iroko), Imo Women on the Move with Lady Ann Njoku as chairperson, Ihedioha Youth Movement led by Hon. Engr. Rex Okoro, turned out in their hundreds, while Ihedioha New Media Center, under the leadership of Prince Ebube Mbah, was fully activated, managing the online media space.
Women leaders from the Rebuild Imo Movement, along with the three zonal coordinators, stood in solidarity with Ihedioha, underscoring the breadth of his support base. The event also witnessed an impressive digital turnout, with over 10 thousand online viewers streaming live via YouTube and Facebook through the Ihedioha New Media Center platforms.
In his address, the chairman of the occasion, Prof. Francis D**e (SAN), extolled Ihedioha’s sterling leadership qualities, highlighting his commitment to due process, rule of law, and community-driven development. He emphasized that Ihedioha embodies what many Nigerian politicians lack—a steadfast dedication to constitutionalism and good governance.
The occasion was further enlivened by vibrant cultural displays, musical performances by iconic Imo-born artists like Ababanna, Nonso Jubilee, Saro Wiwa, Oku Nwamama, and heartfelt presentations of gifts from the 27 RIM coordinators and state women leaders...
In his brief but poignant remarks, Ihedioha, accompanied by his elegant wife, Lady Ebere Ihedioha, expressed profound gratitude to all who honored him despite it being Mother’s Sunday for both Catholic and Anglican faithful. He lauded the unwavering commitment of his supporters, emphasizing that he did not contribute a dime towards the thanksgiving and civic reception, which was spearheaded by Rt. Hon. Gerald Irona and other prominent leaders across the state. “This extraordinary outpouring of love is humbling,” he remarked.
With the remarkable turnout and unwavering solidarity displayed, Ihedioha’s 60th birthday celebration was not just an event—it was a resounding testament to his political resilience and enduring leadership in Imo State and beyond.