President Bola Tinubu’s former spokesman in the south east and and Chairman of Forum of Former Members of Enugu State House of Assembly, Denge Josef Onoh, has sent a humorous birthday message to his former boss and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Greece, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi.
Onoh served in Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration as Special Assistant on Security and as the Chairman of Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA).
Ugwuanyi turned 62 years today (Friday) March 20, shortly after he was posted to Greece by President Tinubu to become Nigeria’s Ambassador in the Gulf country.
In the birthday wish, Onoh wrote:
“Your Excellency, Ambassador Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Gburugburu himself, the man who walked around Enugu State so much that even the roads started calling him “boss”),
“On this special day—March 20th, the calendar’s way of reminding us that the world needs more calm, smiling, people-oriented leaders like you—Denge.Josef Onoh sends you the kind of birthday tribute that even the ancient Greek gods you’re now diplomatically charming would envy. Happy Birthday, sir!
“They say age is just a number, but in your case, 62 looks like the VIP section of wisdom, grace, and that legendary “I no dey carry last” energy. You’ve governed Enugu like a loving uncle who builds schools, fixes roads, and still finds time to wave at everybody—even the goats know your convoy. Now you’re in Greece, probably teaching the Acropolis how to do “Gburugburu” diplomacy: walk around, greet everybody, and leave the place better than you met it.
“I remember when you were Governor and people said you were too gentle. Gentle? Sir, you were so peaceful that even political opponents started feeling guilty for opposing you. You turned “peace and love” into actual infrastructure. While others were shouting, you were quietly commissioning projects. Legend has it that if you stared at a bad road long enough, it fixed itself out of respect.
“Now as Ambassador, you’re probably in Athens wondering why the Parthenon doesn’t have better lighting—because if anyone knows how to illuminate a state (or now a bilateral relationship), it’s you. The Greeks must be thinking: “This Nigerian man smiles too much… is he planning to conquer us with kindness?” Spoiler: yes, and it’s working.
“On your birthday, may your garri never run out (even in diplomatic circles), may your convoy always have clear roads (no Athens traffic can hold Gburugburu), and may every “Your Excellency” you hear come from genuine love and sincerity. May your wisdom increase, your laugh lines deepen from too much joy, and your opponents keep wondering how you do it all without raising your voice.
“From one who has always admired (and occasionally roasted) your style: thank you for being the boss who made loyalty feel easy, governance feel human, and politics feel like family. Keep shining, Ambassador. The world isn’t ready for a quieter, kinder version of power—but thanks to you, it’s getting one anyway.
“Happy Birthday, His Excellency Ambassador Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi! Long may you reign in peace, progress, and plenty of photo ops with olive branches.
“With highest regards, eternal loyalty, and just a tiny bit of envy for your ageless charm, Denge.Josef Onoh (Your forever brother).
