In a grand celebration marked by heartfelt thanksgiving, worship, and joy, family, friends, and well-wishers gathered weekend to honor Elder Uduma Onuoha (Rtd), who turned octogenarian.
The Umuahia capital city, played host to friends, colleagues and families, who gathered to celebrate the life of a selfless gentleman. It was an electrifying atmosphere, with attendees showering gratitude to God for the life of a man who has lived not just long, but well, leaving indelible marks in the lives of his family, community, and the church.
Elder Uduma Onuoha, a retired civil servant and an active community leader, is known not just for his age, but for the quality of life he has lived. Former President-General of the Okaigbo Ohafia Development Union, he has served in various leadership and service-oriented roles within the church and every estate he has resided in. A devout Christian, Elder Onuoha is a Sunday school teacher and chorister, whose passion for Godliness and contentment has become his life’s mantra.
In an interview with Journalists, Elder Uduma Onuoha shared some secrets of his success in life,. According to him, “Godliness with contentment is great gain. Whatever God gives to me at any point in time, I am happy. I have taught my children this. People should know that the cause of anxiety and many sicknesses is worrying too much”.
He speaks from deep personal experience, recounting how God’s grace carried him through a fragile infancy, gave him access to education at Government College Afikpo, and has sustained him through life’s many seasons. “A classmate who failed the entrance exam to the school selflessly transported me by bicycle to sit for the interview, a simple act of kindness that became a turning point in my life”.
Throughout his life, Elder Onuoha has stood for integrity and righteousness. He has always advocated for things to be done rightly. According to him, If you are on the side of truth, no weapon formed against you would prosper.
This unwavering commitment to justice and uprightness has earned him respect across communities, tribes, and social strata. It was no surprise that people from all walks of life came to honor him at his 80th birthday, proof of the seeds of kindness, wisdom, and service he has sown over the years.
He went further to add that life was about seed-sowing and harvest, urging people to sow into the lives of people, as someday they would reap of it.
Sharing his view about the celebrant, Dr. Chukwemeka Onuoha, Elder Uduma’s first son, paid a glowing tribute to his father, describing him as a “gentleman to the core” and father to the entire Okaigbo Ohafia community.” He recalled how his father shaped their lives with faith, discipline, and a deep love for God.
Dr Chukwemeka Onuoha
In his words, “He thought us what is Christianity. He instilled in us the virtue of prayer. Every morning, we wakes us up for devotions and we start our days with that. Daddy taught us hard work, always saying hard work doesn’t kill. He hated shortcuts and believed in doing things excellently”.
Continuing, Dr Chukwuemeka Onuoha, revealed that his father was not only deeply rooted spiritual but also profoundly detail-oriented. He said even at 80, he still checks in on each family member with thoughtful questions and remains active in both church and community affairs.
He said beyond his leadership and discipline, Elder Uduma is known for his calm and nurturing nature, recalling how he rarely resorted to punishment, choosing instead to counsel and reason with them.
“Daddy never really got angry. The worst he would do is spank our behinds lightly. He preferred to talk to us and that helped us become better”.
Looking ahead with gratitude, Dr Onuoha, disclosed that the entire Onuoha family feels blessed and honored to celebrate this milestone with their father.
In his tribute, Dr Onuoha expressed excitement over celebrating his Dad at 80, praying God to do even more for him. “We look forward to celebrating 90 years and possibly 100, by God’s grace”.
Elder Uduma Onuoha’s life is a testament to what it means to live with purpose, integrity, and love for both God and community. At 80, he stands not only as a patriarch of his family but as a beacon of light to everyone who has had the privilege to know him. His legacy continues to inspire and uplift, a legacy built on faith, service, and a life well-lived.
Highpoint of the event, was the cutting of the 80th birthday cake, with guests being treated to beautiful cuisines, assorted drinks and some items to snack on. Of course, there were melodious tunes from the Disc Jockey (DJ), to spice up the evening.
