By George Ozalla
On 1st. May, 2024, Ozubulu town, in Anambra State was literally agog with various serial, yet segmented joyous celebrations that attracted many dignitaries to the ancient town!
No doubt, Chief Aloysius Ikegwuonu, otherwise known as Bishop Ozubulu and Ebubechukwu Uzo who is also the Founder of Ebubechukwu Uzo Foundation needs no introduction, he is a prominent energetic young and passionate philanthropist with both wide networks and net worth, who derives immense joy from putting smiles across the faces of those that comes in contact with him without any form of discriminations.
Chief Ikegwuonu being an astute international business mogul with intense philosophical inclination to not only- reach out to alleviate poverty but also spread out to solidly empower; a man of unique destiny and total faith in God Almighty who he proudly acknowledges and gives all glory to, because he has indeed seen both trials and triumphs!
Bishop Ozubulu has an unwavering and towering desire for turning his immediate environment, especially his home town, Ozubulu and Anambra State; nay Nigeria into cynosure of all eyes- by well planned and calculated acts of simultaneous massive infrastructural developments, buildings, investments and empowerment initiatives which in turn keeps stimulating viable economic activities.
Chief Ikegwuonu right from his relatively tender age when he had a rare and divine opportunity to travel overseas, perfectly imbibed that Igbo age long adage which says that: aku luo uno, ama ra onye kpara ya, loosely translated to mean “if wealth reached home, the maker of that wealth will be known”.
It was in the light of the above stated description that Ebubechukwu Uzo decided to first of all thank God Almighty early in the Thanksgiving Mass on 1st May, 2024 for his numerous blessings and mercies upon his life and his family and used the time of his testimony to openly recognize and acknowledge those who assisted him one way or another to arrive at where he is today!
Marking his birthday this year, he did as it is typical of him; Bishop Ozubulu embarked on massive donations of bags of rice, ground nut oil cans, tomatoes etc and equally gave out various sums of cash gifts to a lot of beneficiaries!
Chief Ikegwuonu climaxed the celebration with the grand opening of his master piece magnificent Stonehills Signature Hotel, located at his home town Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, a world class edifice worthy to behold of the imposing eye-catching modern architectural design, tasteful finishings, well furnished luxurious accomodations and quality service delivery at its peak!
The star-studded event attracted very important guests from all walks of life, it was by every standard rating a carnival-like event featuring live band performances by popular musicians such as: Mr. Chinedu Okoli, popularly called Flavour N’bania, popular Gospel Music Singer Mrs. Chinyere Udoma, Ayaka Ozubulu amongst other different entertainers that colorfully made every minute spent worthwhile.
Major highlights of the event was opening prayer and special prayer for Ebubechukwu Uzo by Reverend Father Emmanuel Obimma, popularly known as Ebube Muo Nso, who quoted popular bible scripture; Isaiah 54:17, which stated that: “no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that rise against thee in judgement thou shall condemn.This is the heritage of the servant of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord”.
Reverend Obimma stated that the number five depicting month of May represents grace, mercy and kindness in theology of divineolgy!
Reverend Obimma thereafter, declared Stonehills Signature Hotel open, cutting of birthday cake with beautiful glittering fireworks, breaking of kola nuts, various dances, special dance by the celebrator and his family and presentation of birthday gifts/awards followed with enough assorted meals to eat and a lot of choice drinks.
Earlier in his welcome remark after his grand entrance into the arena, Bishop Ozubulu used the occasion to deliver message of hope, focus and absolute faith in God who enabled him to achieve his aim, he urged Anambrarians and Ndi Igbo in general to prioritize bringing back their substantial investments back to the state and Igbo land in order to enhance its development, jump start job creation opportunities and prosperity.
Chief Ikegwuonu further emphasized on the importance of nurturing investment opportunities in Anambra State and Igbo land as well to gear up top-notch massive economic growth; thereby creating a better future for her residents and thanked specifically the Governor and all well wishers and those who sent in goodwill messages and those who physically attended the event from far and near despite their various busy schedules.
He equally stated that commununal efforts, co-operation, peaceful co-habitation and adequate security will attract more investments and developments.
Reflecting on his own experiences, and achievements, Bishop Ozubulu emphasized his belief in the potentials for growth and success in Anambra State anchored first on God’s factor, hard work, deliberate solid plan and grace, promising that he would not relent.
He highlighted the need for collective efforts to harness the state’s abundant resources and potentials while also calling on other people to embrace entrepreneurship zeal, innovations, and collaborations to build a vibrant and prosperous economy for the benefit of all.
In his goodwill speech, the representative of the executive Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Soludo, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi commended the great initiative of Chief Ikegwuonu describing it as spectacular and worthy of emulation, given all the efforts the Governor has put in place to ensure and encourage smooth investments actualization in the state.
Other goodwill messages as well as words of encouragements were delivered during the occassion, many who spoke, described Chief Ikegwuonu as a thorough bred compassionate philanthropist with enormous zeal to impact upon the lives of others and his society, stating that his think home philosophy is worthy of emulation and commendation!
Some of the important guests who graced the colorful occasion included the Traditional Ruler of Ozubulu, His Royal Highness: Igwe Nnamdi Oruche, Okeife the Second of Ozubulu, High Chief Agbalanze Kenneth Ejiofor Ifekudu: Chairman Pinnacle Billionaires Club, Honorable Ikenna Ofodeme, the Majority Leader of Anambra State House of Assembly, Honorable Nkechi Ogbuefi Anyanwu: the Honorable Member Representing Anaocha 1 Constituency of Anambra State, Chief Dr. Ignatius I. Nnubia, Anya of Ihembosi: Chairman Annig and Nowas Limited, Chief Eze Mentus Mbonu: Akunaesiobi Ike of Ihembosi (Baba Dudu)
Honorable Chike Ezenduka,
Comrade U.K Charles Egwu, Mazi Ifeanyi Nwosu: Founder Onye Ije Media, Ambassador Karen James: Founder Pechilly Media Services, Chief Ken. Nwizu: Okenwa Ozubulu, P. Money, Lawmakers, Commissioners amongst numerous others.
