Imo State Cock of the Bar, Chief Peter Mgbenwelu, has expressed profound gratitude to God for long life, good health and prosperity as he marked his 86th birthday celebration, adding that most, if not all, of his contemporaries, have died.
Mgbenwelu, who has spent 60 years at the Bar, and also ran for the Imo State governorship race in 1991 under the defunct National Republican Convention, noted that it was the grace of God that kept him so far to reach 86 years of age.
He said, “86 years is not 86 days or months. Why should I not be grateful to God? My contemporaries, who ran the governorship race of Imo State with me in 1991, have all died, but I am alive. It calls for one to glorify God Almighty. I have seen my children, my children’s children (grandsons and granddaughters) and two of my great-grandchildren. I am alive, and it is the favour of God for I am a sinner, and I give Him all the glories.”
Mgbenwelu spoke during the celebration of his 75th birthday in Owerri, the capital of Imo State. Among the dignitaries in attendance were: Justice Paul Onumajulu (retd.), the senator representing Imo West senatorial district, Osita Izunaso, HRH Eze Victor Okeukwu, the Igwe II of Ubulu, Barr. Donatus Onuigwe, Sir Ambrose Ejiogu, Chief Osita Nwaneri and HRH Eze Analyn Nwaneri of Umuodu Umuihugba kingdom, among numerous others.
The chairman of the occasion, Sir Ambrose Ejiogu, commended God for keeping the celebrant alive, stronger, and healthy.
He prayed to Him to grant him more years ahead in good health.
He described the celebrant as a highly intelligent man, who he said had used his wealth of experience to positively impact on society.
Adding his voice, Senator Izunaso, who spoke through his Personal Assistant, Chief Ekene Nnodumele, said that Mgbewelu was a gift to the Orlu geo-political zone and Imo State at large.
He implored God to grant him strength and longevity of life, and bless his family, as he said that he had meaningfully touched on the present generation.
Izunaso said, “I pray God to give you more 30 years ahead in strength and good health for l, he is a rare gem. I pray that your successors will be greater than you.”