– Honours others as patrons, celebrities
Mr Martin Opara
It was indeed a spectacular event, as the elitist and prestigious Orlu recreation club, Orlu in Imo State, inaugurated a distinguished scholar and oil industry expert, High Chief (Engr) Oliver Chukwudi Okparaojiako as its Grand Patron in recognition and appreciation of his contributions to the growth of the club, the human capital, socio-economic and infrastructural development of his community Amaruru, and the entire Orsu LGA of Imo State and his selfless services to God an humanity.
Engr. Okparaorjiako, who parades an intimidating C.V., graduated in Mechanical Engineering, from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka worked with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), from where he was posted to the Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR), where he was Zonal Operations controller, Lagos, Deputy Director, gas and retired as Deputy Director, Down Stream monitoring in 2014.
He was accompanied to the event by a high powered entourage, including the traditional ruler of Amaruru, HRH, Eze W. O. Igwe, and that of Ebenasaa Ozuomee, the Presidents General, cabinet members and entire exco of the two autonomous communities, who also affirmed that he is an illustrious and worthy son, “in whom we are well pleased”.
In his address, the president of the club, Barr. (Chief) Jude Oduoma (Akaraugo), said “this end of the year get together offers a special and unique opportunity, to recognize and honour distinguished sons, who have excelled in their various professions and made philanthropic and humanitarian gestures towards social, economic, political and sports development of the club and society, at large”. He thanked High Chief Okparaojiako for accepting their offer and for also promising to construct an ultra modern indoor sports complex with state of the art facilities for the club, “in addition to the two thousand dollars, he gave us recently for the lighting of the entire club premises. He is indeed, a man with a heart of gold”.
He also commended and appreciated all past presidents of the club, who worked hard to lay a solid foundation, all members of the past and present exco, the grand patrons, patrons, trustees, celebrities and the entire members of the club for their hard work, doggedness and immense contributions to the club. He congratulated others who were honoured as patrons and celebrities, and urged those who did not make it, to be patient and expectant.
Those honoured as patrons include Nnaoma Bonny Igwe, tony Ukagba and Ichie Ray in the interest of the club and humanity. He said though he may have achieved a lot, “it was not as smooth and easy as most people think”.
He said the problems of the oil sector and that of the entire country should be laid on the leadership. “The leadership of this country, at various times, should be held responsible for our woes. They often shot themselves in both legs by refusing to accept professional advice. If people like us are allowed to speak, act and operate freely, things will surely be better. He advised Orlu people to wake up from slumber, refused to be deceived and make wise use of their numerical strength, and also choose their leaders wisely.
Dignitaries present at the event include HRH, Eze C. O. Ihemegwo, Isi of Isiala, Amaifeke, Eze elect, F. U. Udeagwu, Ezi 1 of Ezioha, Okporo, both in Oru LGA of Imo State, the immediate past president of the club, Chief (Sir) Eddy Umeadi Dunu, member representing Orsu state constituency in the Imo House of Assembly, Hon. Uche Agabiga,Engr Achinike Onyeka O’Bright, Hon. Stan Dara, Rev. Fr. Amaechi Awurum of St. Anne’s Parish, Ebenator Ekwe, who said the opening prayer, Rev. Fr. (Dr) Ted Ihebinike, Rev. Nich Ejimabo, Rev. Fr. Ifeanyi Ohachu. Others include Ejesi Uche, Vice President, Eke Nicholas, Secretary, Ikeri Chinyere, assistant secretary, Ernest Okwara, financial secretary, Chief Nnajiofor Raph, treasurer, Peter-Clever Ojinnaka, Captain, Ifeanyi Nwabueze, Provost, Ejechi Patrick, assistant provost and other members of the club.
It was indeed a very grand occasion, as members ate, wined, danced and generally made merry, amidst pomp and pageantry.
