By George Ozalla
Preparations have commenced in earnest for the 60th birthday celebrations of Distinguished Senator Osita Bonaventure Izunaso popularly called Kpakpando, as political leaders, senior government officials, business executives, traditional figures and other eminent Nigerians gathered in Abuja to inaugurate a high-powered planning committee for the milestone event.
The inaugural meeting of the Planning Committee took place tuesday in Abuja, with the gathering drawing personalities from different sectors who pledged to work together to ensure a memorable celebration that reflects Senator Izunaso’s decades of public service, philanthropy and enduring relationships across the country.
The meeting was chaired by Senator Victor Umeh, while Chief Cosmas Agagbo, served as Deputy Chairman.
Addressing members, Senator Umeh described the attainment of 60 years as a remarkable milestone worthy of celebration, particularly for a man whose political career and humanitarian activities have touched many lives across the country.
He noted that the celebrations should not merely mark Senator Izunaso’s birthday but should also showcase the extensive network of relationships he has built over the years as well as his contributions to governance, community development and national service.
According to him, special attention should be given to the persons with disabilities community, which has remained one of Senator Izunaso’s most consistent areas of humanitarian intervention and social commitment.
The committee subsequently announced the constitution of various sub-committees to oversee different aspects of the celebrations.
Hon. Henry Nwawuba was confirmed as Secretary of the Planning Committee, while media strategist, Dr. Uche Nworah, was appointed Chairman of the Media Committee. Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ben Igwe, will coordinate security arrangements as Chairman of the Security Committee, while Prof. Okey Okechukwu was named Chairman of the Thanksgiving Committee.
Other appointments include Bobby Michael as Chairman of the Entertainment Committee; Chief Cosmas Agagbo as Chairman of the Finance Committee; Chief Mrs. Nkoli Imoh (Adadioranma) as Chairperson of the Contact and Mobilisation Committee; Dr. Ejike Chukwu, popularly known as Megadrill, as Chairman of the Logistics Committee; while Barrister Mrs. Uju Ohanenye will head the Protocol Committee.
The National Assembly Committee will be chaired by Senator Sadiq Sulaiman, with Hon. Alex Ikwechegh serving as Vice Chairman, while former Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Dr. James Lalu, was appointed Chairman of the Persons with Disabilities Committee.
Responding after the inauguration of the committees, Senator Izunaso expressed profound appreciation to members for accepting to serve and for demonstrating commitment towards making the celebrations successful.
He said that beyond the ceremonies, his greatest desire was to return all glory to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the age of 60.
The senator disclosed that he would continue his longstanding tradition of celebrating his birthday with members of the persons with disabilities community, announcing that this year’s outreach would take place in Owerri on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
According to him, the major birthday celebration will follow in Abuja on Friday, October 30, where friends, associates and well-wishers from across the country are expected to converge to honour the milestone.
Reflecting on his journey in public service, Senator Izunaso recalled that his political career began at the age of 26 when he was appointed Press Secretary to the then Speaker of the House of Representatives, describing the opportunity as the foundation upon which his subsequent public service career was built.
Speaking on behalf of the persons with disabilities community, Dr. James Lalu paid glowing tribute to Senator Izunaso, describing him as one of the few public officials who have consistently identified with persons with disabilities beyond official obligations.
Lalu recalled the senator’s longstanding support for him personally and for the disability community, saying his sustained commitment to inclusion, empowerment and welfare initiatives has continued to inspire confidence among members of the community.
Also speaking, Senator Sadiq Sulaiman proposed that a significant portion of the funds to be raised for the birthday celebrations should be dedicated to programmes aimed at supporting and empowering persons with disabilities, a suggestion that received widespread commendation from members present.
The fundraising process commenced immediately after the proposal, with Archbishop Dr. Onyeka Joseph Nzekwesi, Chief Executive Officer of Pineleaf Estates, making the first pledge of 10,000 U S dollars towards the successful hosting of the celebrations.
In his closing remarks, Senator Umeh reiterated the vision of the celebrant and encouraged members to indicate their preferred sub-committees through the Planning Committee’s WhatsApp platform in line with their professional backgrounds, competencies and areas of expertise to ensure effective coordination.
The proposed 60th birthday celebrations are expected to attract an impressive gathering of political associates, members of the National Assembly, government officials, traditional rulers, captains of industry, friends, community leaders, members of the persons with disabilities community and other stakeholders who have shared in Senator Izunaso’s journey of public service, leadership and national development over the years.
