By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Feb. 12, 2022 (NAN) Dr Emeka Offor, a philanthropist and oil magnate, has called on Nigerians to elect compassionate and credible leaders in the forth coming general elections.
Offor said this on Saturday in Abuja at an event to celebrate his 64th birthday anniversary.
Offor, who is the Chairman, Chrome Group, a leading West African oil and gas conglomerate, and founder of the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, said his wish as he celebrated was to have a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
“My expectation is that Nigeria have a peaceful election and whoever that is qualified and the masses have chosen should be given the opportunity to rule the country so that there will be peace.
“Whoever has the fear of God and a good conscience that will make sure that the country is unified and insecurity is wiped out.
“People can go about their normal business and hunger and suffering will be reduced to the barest minimum.
“These are my wishes and prayers to God for the country,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the family and associate of the business mogul had, on Friday evening, organised an event to celebrate him.
Mrs Adaora Offor, wife of the celebrator, said the event was organised to celebrate and give thanks to God for the life of her husband.
“The idea behind the event was to celebrate my husband. It’s a special day and an opportunity to honour an icon.
“Everytime when one turns another year, is a privilege and one must not take it for granted,” she said.
Sen. Ifeanyi Uba, friend and associate of the celebrator, said Offor was a philanthropist that touched the lives of so many Nigerians.
“Sir Emeka Offor has touched a lot of lives in an extraordinary manner.
“If you go down to my constituency where he is a leader, you will see and hear of the many things he has done for the people and that’s why you can see the multitude of people here.
“He is the man of the people and loves God and people and that’s the most important thing in life,” Uba said.
ABC Orijiako, also a friend and associate of the celebrant said: “First of all, let me say a very Happy birthday to my friend and brother.
“Quite frankly, in many ways than one, Sir Emeka Offor has proven that he is not just a good friend but a brother from different parents.
“I wish him the very best. He has demonstrated over the years that he is indeed a philanthropist of an extraordinary proportion.
“I am sure many of us who came in here saw the many widows whose lives have been touched by the great man.
“Many of us have also followed what he has done and continues to do for the Rotary Club.
“Quite frankly, he has become a fellow of the club and the highest donor in Africa, which is a strong statement and testament of a great and phenomenal philanthropist.
“Our prayer for him is that God sustains him as he continues to live a very good healthy life and touch the lives of so many more people.
“I must also congratulate his wife who has stood by him all these while, as well as his Chief of Staff and all his friends who have made him proud,” he said.
Mrs. Ogechi Uzuka, leader of the widows from Oraifite stressed that Sir Offor had touched the lives of widows in Oraifite in so many ways than one.
“He has continually ensured that we are been taken care of medically, financially, materially and otherwise.
“He has constantly provided us with food, clothes and ensured that we don’t lack anything.
“He pays us stipends on a monthly basis and ensures that our children are well taken care of and so we don’t have any reason not to smile and celebrate him today,” she said.
The climax of the birthday celebration was a thanksgiving service in Abuja on Sunday.
NAN reports that President Muhammadu Buhari had on Thursday congratulated the business man on his birthday, describing him as a dynamic personality and a global figure in humanitarian affairs.
In a congratulatory message issued by the President’s spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, Buhari commended the celebrator for his humanitarian work.
Offor was born on February 10, 1959 and hails from Irefi Oraifite in Ekwusigo local government area of Anambra State.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
