Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has expressed his sincere gratitude and those of his family to the good people of Abia State and his guests who identified with him last weekend during his Thanksgiving Service and launch of the Library Project in memory of his late father, Ishmael Uleanya Ikpeazu.

 

Governor Ikpeazu is particularly grateful to his brother Governors from Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and Imo States, Their Excellencies, Engr Dave Umahi, Mr Udom Emmanuel and Senator Hope Uzodinma who were physically present at the events.

The Governor also sincerely thanks the Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for sending his Secretary to Government and Director General of the South East Governors’ Forum, Professor Ortuanya to represent him.

 

Governor Ikpeazu is grateful to Her Excellency, Barrister Chioma Uzodinma, First Lady of Imo State for accompanying her husband to the event in what she personally described as a home coming for her having spent her early formative years in Aba.

Governor Hope Uzodinma attended the event with a very powerful delegation from the Government of Imo State including the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and members of the State Assembly, Members of the State Executive Council, Chief of Staff to the Governor and several other top officials of the State Government.

 

The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Sir, Rt. Hon Ude Oko Chukwu and his wife, Lady Vivian have always stood behind the Governor and his family throughout this period. They were part of the entire event, just as they have been supportive of the Governor since their election in 2015.

 

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly.

 

State Chief Judge, Honorable Justice Onuoha Arisa Kalu Ogwe and Honorable Judges of the Abia State Judiciary.

 

The Honorable Minister for Mines and Steel Development, Dr Sampson Uche Ogar, and former Deputy Governor and the Commissioner representing Abia State at the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, His Excellency, Comrade Chris Akomas.

 

Members of the National Assembly, especially Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Honorables Uko Nkole and Sam Onuigbo. Honorable Members of the Abia State House of Assembly.

 

The Secretary to the Government of Abia State and members of the Abia State Executive Council.

 

The Chief of Staff to the Governor and all aides of the Governor, Deputy Governor and Office of the Wife of the Governor.

 

The Governor is grateful to the President, Pastor Bassey Udoh, PhD and members of the East Nigeria Union Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Bishop Goddy Okafor and other leaders of the Christian Association of Nigwria, South East Chapter, Apostle Agomuoh and leaders of the Abia State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria and indeed all the Leaders of all Christian denominations in the State.

 

Former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party especially the National Organizing Secretary of the PDP, Col. Austin Akobundu (Rtd), Former Deputy Governor and member of the PDP Board of Trustees, His Excellency, Rt. Hon Eric Acho Nwakanma, Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba, State Chairman of PDP, Rt Hon Allwell Asiforo Okere and members of his Executive.

 

The State Head of Service, Sir Onyii Wamah, Body of Permanent Secretaries and indeed all members of the Public Service in Abia State.

 

Members of the Abia Business Community especially Chief Jerry Kalu, Ide John Udeagbala, Chief Ncheta Omerekpe, Engr Enyinnaya Nwafor, Chief Eric Opah, Ide Ifeanyi Okechukwu (BOK), Dr Chris Odinaka Igwe, and all the others.

 

The Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty, Eze Sir J N Nwabeke and all the Traditional Rulers in Abia State.

 

Service Commanders and Heads of all Security Agencies in the State.

 

Professor E Uche Ikonne, Vice Chancellor of the Abia State University.

 

Board of Trustees and Staff of Vicar Hope Foundation.

 

Leadership and members of the Abia State Chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and every single person who identified with him in any way whatsoever in these events.

 

Governor Ikpeazu regrets that the need to observe protocols for Covid-19 didn’t allow him make the ceremonies public events but is grateful to all those who joined the events through the various internet platforms, especially members of the Abia Community in the Diaspora.

 

As always, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is unapologetic about his stance that his recovery and survival from COVID-19 is a direct consequence of the grace and mercy of God through the prayers of the good people of Abia State and his other friends from far and near.

 

The Governor is deeply appreciative of the support he got for the building of the Ishmael Ikpeazu Memorial Library in honor of his late father, a project he is deeply emotionally attached to.

 

Governor reiterates his renewed dedication and commitment to the discharge of his duties as Governor to the best of his ability and with the fear of God.

 

God bless you all and may God bless Abia State.

Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
25th August, 2020.