The Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, PhD has sent a hearty birthday message to Nigeria’s former Number Two citizen, Admiral Oko Ebitu Ukiwe on the joyous occasion of his 80th birthday today.

Governor Ikpeazu describes Ukiwe as “an authentic Nigerian Elder Statesman and one of Abia’s most successful sons whose record of military service and leadership contributions remain a source of pride to every Abian”.

Continuing, Governor Ikpeazu stated that “Ukiwe remains a human encyclopedia of leadership experience having served as a Member of the defunct Supreme Military Council on two different occasions between 1975 and 1977, and 1983 and 1985, Military Governor of Niger State between 1977 and 1978, Military Governor of Lagos State between between 1978 and 1979, Flag Officer Western Naval Command between 1983 and 1985, and then as Chief Of General Staff, which was the equivalent of a Military Vice President between 1985 and 1986”.

Governor Ikpeazu is grateful to God for sustaining the life of Admiral Ukiwe and appreciates his sustained elderly interventions in the affairs of the state.

The Governor, on behalf of his family, Government and People of Abia State wishes Admiral Ebitu Ukiwe, the Ochiagha Ochimba of Abiriba, a happy 80th birthday and prays the Almighty God to grant him many more years of service and keep him in good health.