Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
Wife of the Chief Whip of the Senate; Mrs. Ifunanya Kalu who became a year older on Monday, 26th October received tons of ecomiums from family, friends, business and political associates who converged at their Abuja residence to celebrate with her.
Notable amongst the dignitaries who graced the event was the President of the Nigerian Senate; Senator Ahmed Lawan who described the Mrs Ifunanya Kalu wife of the Senator Orji Uzor Kalu as “a shining example” to many women.
Senator Lawan who was accompanied by the deputy President of the Senate; Senator Ovie Omo Agege & leadership of the National Assembly extolled the roles played by Mrs. Ifunanya in the life of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. He pointed out how supportive she was during the six months incarceration of Senator Kalu at the Kuje correctional custodial centre.
In his words; “This event is to appreciate our wife and sister. Our brother Orji Uzor Kalu is lucky to have Ifunanya as a wife. Ifunanya has demonstrated practically what is being preached in church- marriage is for better for worse.
“She is a shining example to many women, in this life we go through so many experiences, when your better half is supporting you in any challenging situation, then you can survive any situation. Today is a day to congratulate our sister, appreciate what she has been able to go through, withstand and come out victorious.
Lawan in his address also commended Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for having faith in the nation’s judicial system which he said; attributed to his freedom.
In his words; “Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is not only the Chief Whip of the country’s Senate, he’s also our brother that is why you see the entire National Assembly gathered here today. I want to thank you, though you have gone through not a very good experience at all.
“But your belief in God, your faith and trust in the Judiciary and all the prayers from your family, friends and well wishers across the globe made you to survive. And when you came out, you became a better person.
The event was preceded by a Holy Mass celebration held at the private Catholic chapel at the Aso-Villa residence of the Kalus and they were joined by immediate family members and friends. The mass was officiated by Rev Fr Mike Okonkwo and Fr Francis Mario at Kalu’s Catholic Private Chapel .
The birthday reception which was expected to be a low key celebration attracted various dignitaries drawn from the business and political class.
They include; the leadership of the upper and lower legislative arms led by Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan; also among the dignitaries was the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege; the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Honourable Ahmed Idris Wase and the Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi.
Also at the celebration were; the immediate past Governor of Imo State, Rt Hon. Emeka Ihedioha; former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and his wife, Sulola; the Minister of Power, Mamman Saleh; the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige; the Minister of State, Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.
Others are; serving and former senators and Members of the House of Representatives. Amongst them were the Deputy Senate Leader, Ajayi Borrofice, Rochas Okorocha, Sam Egwu, Chukwuka Utazi, Akon Eyakenyi, Elisha Abbo, Peter Nwaoboshi, Chimaroke Nnnamani, Michael Nnachi, Umar Sadiq, Chris Adighije, Lee Maeba, Uche Ekwumife, Nkechi Nwaogu, and Hon. Benjamin Kalu among others.
