Celebrating An Icon, Mazi Bismarck Oji At 50

Enugu – It was a deluge of goodwill messages and encomium, as Mazi Ikechukwu Emmanuel Michael/Bismarck Oji, MNSE, COREN, (Ovu Moo Weru Nenwe) held an event captioned Chapter 50: For Ndigbo & For Blackkind, to mark his 50th birthday.

Below are selection of goodwill messages from heads of corporate society, traditional rulers, and the media who graced the event chaired by HRM Igwe Amb. L.O.C. Agubuzu, OON, CON, Former Chairman, South East Council of Traditional Rulers.

HRM Igwe Ambassdor L.O.C. Agubuzu, OON, CON.

“This season is a very hectic time in the Igbo society with so much activities ongoing.

However, it is commendable that we are all gathered here today to celebrate and express solidarity with our brother.

“Anyone here who doesn’t know Comrade Bismarck, should look at him and take note of him because he is a committed and solid Igbo man. Wherever a good deed is being done in Ala-Igbo, there you shall find Bismarck.

“He is not greedy or materialistic.His commitment to the Igbo cause is exceptional and he is not swayed by money or materialism He is humble and always works for peace and societal advancement. Therefore, I seize this opportunity to say to him, “Bismarck, keep it up”

“Everyone on earth has his own destiny, no one can collect another one’s destiny. Our prayer today is that all God has destined for him shall be fulfilled.

“Ala-Igbo needs people like you, who shall strive without seeking for personal gains while sacrificing for the betterment of the society. May God ensure that whatever you seek shall be your portion.

” Finally, I urge the younger ones here to emulate him.”

Igwe L.O.C. Agubuzu, & Mazi Bismarck Oji

Dr Olachi Chuks-Ronnie, Coordinator, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Southern Nigeria.

“He is a big asset to the society and I’m here in appreciation of the support he has given to me in my job”

AVM Chris Ndubuisi Chukwu, Rtd

“Mazi Bismarck is someone we’re all proud of in Nenwe. His commitment to community development is exceptional. He has brilliant ideas and has bountiful energy to execute such ideas. Although, he is a distant relation since his grandmother was our sister, he is indeed a younger brother to me and one in whom I’m well pleased.”

Comrade Sam Udekwe, Chairman, NUJ, Enugu State

“Mazi Bismarck is a sincere and committed colleague who speaks truth to power in line with the name of his news medium- hoo!haa!

Dame Ifeoma Amuta, Secretary, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State chapter

“I have known Mazi Bismarck from our yesteryears when our families lived opposite each other at Marcus Garvey Street, New Haven, Enugu. We have always known him as an Igbo activist. Eze Ndigbo, that’s what we call him because of his love and commitment to Ndigbo. He has been a friend and brother, long before we crossed paths in journalism. I wish him all the best.”

Chinedu Kama, Chairman, Nenwe Improvement Union (NIU), Enugu Branch

“I have known Bismarck from our undergraduate days in ESUT. He has always been committed to community service. We were both involved in students unionism and I attest to the fact that he has remained a worthy comrade. He has also been a key member of our town union – Nenwe Improvement Union (NIU). He is indeed a good brother because we are from adjoining communities in Emudo – Nenwe; Umulevo and Umungaranwu. I wish him all the best in life, Mazi Bismarck, keep it up.”

The event, held at Nemeria Suites, NUJ Press Centre, Independence Layout, Enugu was a gathering of close allies of the celebrant.

Highlights of the occasion included a review/presentation of two of his books, namely; His Soul (An anthology of Poetry) and Like Ndigbo, like Blackkind: Blessed yet Benighted (A collection of Essays).

Other dignitaries in attendance included;

HRH Igwe Kingley Uchechukwu Okeke (Kitikimkim) – Ogboha II of Ogboli-Ohaja, Awgu Egbeleli, Awgu LGA, Enugu (the celebrant’s senior at the College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu).

Engr Abel Orjinta (the author’s professional colleague).

Lt. Col. Jonah Eromsele Unuakhalu, Army Public Relations Officer, 82 Division, Nigerian Army.

AVM Chris Ndubuisi Chukwu, Rtd (represented by Comrade Adindu Okoro).

Dr Olachi Chuks-Ronnie, Coordinator, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Southern Nigeria.

Others were Comrade Sam Udekwe, Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State chapter.

Dame Ifeoma Amuta, Secretary, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State chapter.

Chinedu Kama, Chairman, Nenwe Improvement Union (NIU), Enugu branch.

Mazi ‘Zulu Ofoelue, former Provost, ATCOI College of Education, Enugu,

Mr Ogochukwu Unegbe (the celebrant’s classmate/class of 1992) and Mr Ossai Dereck, who represented College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu Old Boys Association, etc.

His immediate family was represented by his mother, Lolo Rebecca Nwogbonneye Oji, his wife, Mrs Dumebi Oji and his sons; Viawarum and Ogbedowo.

Mazi Bismarck Oji surrounded by friends and well wishers during the celebration