Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep Tajudeen Abbas, led a long list of colleagues, family, and associates who sent birthday congratulations to the member representing Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency of Imo State, Rep Chike Okafor as he turned 52 on Friday.
L-R: Rep Miriam Onuoha assisting Rep Chike Okafor to cut birthday cake.
Okafor who walked into a surprise party at his office, organised by his staff, and associates was immediately presented with a jumbo-sized birthday card from the Speaker.
In his welcome address, Okonkwo Vitus, the Senior Legislative Aide to Rep. Okafor, described the lawmaker as a blessing to his constituency. He noted that the lawmaker has earned the admiration and support of his constituents, courtesy of the projects he has attracted and the programmes he has implemented over the years. He noted that the lawmaker has remained accessible to the people even as they see him as a role model in leadership and service.
Speaking at the shindig, Rep Miriam Onuoha, the member representing Onuimo/Okigwe/Isiala Mbano Federal Constituency of Imo State described Rep. Okafor as a reliable ally in the quest to attract developmental projects and the best of opportunities to Imo State.
On her part, Millicent Egenti, Clerk of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, described Okafor as the most resourceful and productive chairman she has worked with. She commended him for galvanizing stakeholders in the fight against hunger and malnutrition. She prayed for the political elevation of the lawmaker.
In his response to the eulogy from staff and associates, Okafor, expressed gratitude for their show of love. He particularly thanked Speaker Abbas for trusting him with the important assignment of chairing the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security despite being sworn-in months after the House was inaugurated. The lawmaker reinstated his commitment to promoting food security and ending hunger in the country.
On a personal note, the lawmaker known for his Christian values thanked God for saving him in near-death circumstances as a youngster. He also expressed gratitude to his wife and kids, for being his strongest support system.
The lawmaker’s colleagues, staff of the National Assembly, associates, two of his children present at the ceremony and his office staff took turns cutting his birthday cake.
There was a lot to eat and drink as the organisers of the lawmaker’s get-together ensured that guests had the best of what was on offer.
