Seventy Years, Countless Lives

Resilient , Rugged, Respected Rescuer!!! It was in 2003. I received a called from an unknown "engineer" for a supposed project that would fetch some millions of Naira in profit. The closest friend available and around to share the prospect with was the then Dr. Charles Omekwu. He was quick to smell rat, a deceit in the invitation of the faceless engineer. Bro Omekwu would not allow his friend to fall into the hand of dupes. He agreed to go with me on a journey to Ado-Ekiti. Characteristically, the "engineer" was desperate and mounted maximum pressure on his gullible, undiscerning prey that I was. But unknown to him was the protective friend and brother Omekwu. On our way to meet the deceiver at Ado-Ekiti the night caught up with us and we had to secure a safe place to sleep at Ibadan. The following morning, the prowling lion of an "engineer"waiting for his prey to enter into the trap, mde the monitoring call again. Without wasting time the sharp-sighted and wise- hearted Friend Charles Obiora Omekwu snatched the phone from me engaged the man in a contactless verbal context in igbo language. He finished the man. He pulled the veil off him and the real dupe and "419" " engineer" could not stand the charging roar of the rescuer: Charles Obiora Omekwu- a friend in need a friend indeed. That is one of the unforgetables episodes in our relationship. This is one out of many cases of real practical friendship and selfless display of love that I enjoy from Prof. Charles Obiora Omekwu. He provided the publication outlet that aided my strategic advancement to the professorial rank. He provided the support when I needed it most. The memory of that night of vigil by the trio of friends: Charles, Kunle and Tidings, still lingers. We fought through in prayer until nature prevailed over our mortal frames. When one came out of the inevitable slumber, the roar woke the others and contest continued. Thank God for keeping the steam of prayer boiling in him after decades. I am the only one who has the code to make him crack his ribs in tidings laughter. Now elder Charles Obiora Omekwu has joined the club of the septuagenarian, I cannot but give God the glory for bringing him this far. The grace that has superintended his life will envelope him in his ageing years and make him ever relevant in the rescuing of souls for Christ's kingdom, fitting him also for Christ's eternal kingdom. Happy birthday. Happy retirement. Holiness as you are matching along.

Wow, on this milestone of age and accomplishment, I pause to celebrate a don who has redefined what it means to age with grace. You are elegant in wisdom, strong in conviction, and influential beyond measure. For decades you have shaped minds, built careers, and raised the intellectual bar of our university. Your lectures were not just classes—they were masterclasses in clarity, rigor, and integrity. Retirement from service is not retirement from influence. Your ideas, your mentorship, and the standards you set will continue to guide students and colleagues long after we’ve left the hall. May this new chapter bring you robust health, deep peace, and the joy of seeing the seeds you planted grow into forests. The academy is richer because you served. Happy 70th birthday, Daddy! We honor you today and always. With profound respect and gratitude, Mmadu, Godwin Your PhD student

Daddy, my Daddy, Happy Birthday to a man of excellence and strength—my Dad. Daddy, I am truly grateful to God for how far He has brought you through the years, through the ups, downs, and everything in between. Words are not enough, and space is certainly not enough, to capture all the memories we share or express all the wishes and prayers I have for you. There were many things I did not understand while growing up, but now, as an adult, I understand them much better. Your love for God, for people, and especially for me has always been evident. You believed I could become a doctor when I was ready to give up on that dream. I remember trying to convince you that I could simply study MLS instead, and you replied that I would study medicine even if I had to retake JAMB. You said that not because you had anything against MLS, but because you knew medicine had always been my dream. Thank you for protecting and fighting for my dreams over the years. Thank you for showing me the love and respect of a father who was intentional about building my self-esteem. I remember you taking me out and buying things for me so that no boy would be able to use those things to entice me. Thank you for your prayers, support, and listening ear whenever I needed someone to talk to. Thank you for helping me grow in hearing God for myself, trusting Him for guidance, and supporting my decisions. I remember asking you where I should take my USMLE Step 1 exam. You told me to pray about it, and as I considered different locations, you were willing to support whichever one I chose. You have always been my cheerleader and pillar of support, and I am deeply grateful to God for your life. I want you to know that your labor and investment have not been in vain. You never made me feel small. You ensured that I knew I was loved, cherished, and valued. You gave and sacrificed so much and never asked for anything in return. Thank you also for modeling love within our family. To my grandmother, you became a son. You embraced her family as your own and never stopped loving us as yours. Thank you for living a life marked by such rich and impactful love. My prayer is that the Lord grants you all your heart's desires and preserves you to enjoy the rewards of your investment in the many lives you have touched, in Jesus' name. Amen. I love you deeply, Daddy. I am proud to have you as my father. Your child of love, Your angel from a far country (as you always say).

Dear Prof, I celebrate you on this auspicious occasion of your 70th birthday.Sir, you are an astute professional, one of the best I have come across in recent times.You planted your footprints on the sands of librarianship and your achievements will continue to seak. Joining Nnamdi Azikiwe Library as the University Librarian, I observed your exploits , awesomely demonstrated in practical terms. The staff you mentored when you headed the University Library have grown to Doctors and Professors in their own rights.The first day I interacted with you, I marveled at your wits. Indeed, within these few years, you have given me so much to remember. Thank you so much sir for all you have done and once more, happy birthday and many happy returns.

🎂 🎈 🎈 sir and successful years of service 💐💐 to God and humanity. Pst & Mrs Paul chukwubuihe

Happy 70th belated birthday 🎉 and successful years of service to you sir. We thank God for seeing You through all this years. We thank God for giving us a personality like you who have been serving God and humanity with vigour, honour and blessings. As you celebrate 🥳 this year, God will replenish your years, and you will see countless reasons to give him thanks. Bravoooooo 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 to you our great hero.

Happy Birthday Prof!!!! Wishing you good health, endless joy, and God's abundant blessings in the year ahead. May your days be filled with happiness, peace, and many more reasons to celebrate. Thank you Sir for the teachings and advice you give me from time to time.. Congratulations Sir on reaching the seventh floor....many many more years to come

A very happy birthday to you, Sir. You have been a guiding light to so many of us. You give of yourself, and yet you never run empty. You are a trailblazer, a voice that speaks for the voiceless, a man of justice, and so much more. You made most of us what we are today by nudging, encouraging, and when necessary, scolding us to action. You are a mentor in the true sense of the word. You are able to be everything to everyone because of your conviction that like a candle, you do not lose anything by lighting others. On this epoch-making birthday, I pray that God will remember you for good. You will have a most fulfilling time, and you will continue to be a force to reckon with. Happy birthday,again. .

Happy Birthday to my amazing Big Daddy! 🎉🎂❤️ Today, I celebrate not just your birthday but the incredible man that you are. Thank you for your love, guidance, sacrifices, and unwavering support over the years. Your strength, wisdom, and kindness have been a source of inspiration to me and everyone privileged to know you. I am truly grateful for all the ways you have cared for me, encouraged me, and stood by me through life's journey. Your presence brings comfort, your advice brings direction, and your love brings joy. As you celebrate another beautiful year, I pray that God blesses you abundantly with good health, long life, happiness, peace of mind, and continued success in all that you do. May this new chapter bring you countless reasons to smile and may all your heart's desires be fulfilled. Thank you for being such a wonderful father and role model. I love and appreciate you more than words can express. Happy Birthday once again, Big Daddy! May your day be as special and amazing as you are. 🎉🎁🎂❤️ With love, Your Daughter Eunice

Happy 70th Birthday, Prof. Omekwu. It is difficult to put into words how much your guidance, mentorship, and support have meant to me over the years. From my days as an undergraduate student in the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, through my journey as a lecturer and now a software engineer/PhD researcher in New Zealand, you have remained a constant source of encouragement and inspiration. You believed in me when others doubted me, defended me when challenges arose, and opened doors of opportunity through your mentorship and generous references. Many of the scholarships, grants, and achievements I have been privileged to receive carry your fingerprints. Beyond your academic accomplishments, I admire your integrity, kindness, and commitment to nurturing the next generation of scholars. Your impact extends far beyond the classroom and beyond the university; it lives on in the many lives you have transformed. As you celebrate this remarkable milestone, I pray that God grants you continued good health, strength, peace, and many more years of fulfilment. Thank you for investing in my life and the lives of countless others. Happy 70th Birthday, Prof. May your legacy continue to inspire generations to come. Chibuike Uzoechina, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

Happy Birthday to My Esteemed Birthday-Mate, Professor Chinedu Ositadinma Nebo, CON, OON, NPOM My Dear Professor Nebo, It is with immense joy and profound gratitude to God that I celebrate you today as not only a distinguished scholar, statesman, and transformational leader, but also as my cherished birthday-mate, sharing the special privilege of being born on the same day—June 3rd. As we mark another milestone in the journey of life, I rejoice with you and thank Almighty God for the extraordinary gift that your life has been to the academic community, the Church, our nation, and humanity at large. Your life is a compelling testimony that true greatness is measured not merely by the offices one occupies, but by the lives one touches, the institutions one transforms, and the values one leaves behind. From the halls of academia to the corridors of national leadership, your footprints are indelibly engraved on the sands of history. As Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, Federal Minister, mentor, engineer, administrator, and Christian leader, you have consistently exemplified excellence, integrity, humility, and visionary leadership. On this special day, I celebrate God's faithfulness in your life, His grace upon your family, and His favour upon your numerous endeavours. I celebrate your enduring contributions to education, your passion for nation-building, your commitment to mentoring future leaders, and your unwavering dedication to the service of God and humanity. As fellow celebrants of June 3rd, I consider it a special honour to share this memorable date with a personality of your stature and accomplishments. May the years ahead be filled with greater strength, deeper wisdom, renewed health, unprecedented accomplishments, and increasing divine favour. May the God whom you have faithfully served continue to enlarge your coast, preserve your legacy, and make your latter years even more glorious than the former. Happy Birthday, my distinguished birthday-mate! May your light continue to shine brightly, inspiring generations yet unborn. With warmest congratulations, highest esteem, and brotherly affection, Professor Charles O. Omekwu Birthday-Mate, Brother, Colleague, Friend, and Admirer.

*Happy 70th Birthday* Daddy, On this milestone, I celebrate not just 70 years of life, but 70 years of impact. Thank you for being a mentor whose wisdom shaped my thinking, whose integrity shaped my character, and whose encouragement opened doors I never thought possible. May this new decade bring you renewed strength, joy, and the deep satisfaction of seeing the lives you have touched keep growing. Proverbs 16:31 says *Gray hair is a crown of glory*, and yours shines brightly. With deepest gratitude and respect, I say thank you for your mentorship, wisdom, and for believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. May God bless you with more years in health, honor, and joy. We celebrate you and always. With love and respect, Your son, Dr Olorunsaye J.O.

Father of professors, I congratulate you as you mark this landmark birthday and ask our Lord to continue to bless and protect you and your family in very sound health. Happy birthday my mentor.

Happy Birthday to you, Daddy! Thank you for modelling excellence and impact. Thank you for pouring into our generation and insisting that we live purposefully. May God continue to preserve you. And, May His face continue to shine upon you. Amen.

Indeed, by the grace of God, you have touched so many lives including mine! A courageous mentor, and still interested in mentorship even in one's difficult moments. You taught me core principles of life with solid exemplified lifestyle(in wealth, forgiveness, etc). I'm grateful for your life daddy! May God himself keep you and bless you immensely for your labour of love and care towards my life and my entire family. God will answer all your prayers in Jesus name. Amen 🙏

*MY SPECIAL PRAYER FOR YOU ON YOUR 70th YEAR BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION.* Almighty and Evernal Father, I, specially, thank and praise Your holy name for Your goodness and mercies upon the life of Your dear son, dedicated servant, and my own beloved brother (Charly Unem, Obiorah unem), Pastor Barr. Prof. Charles Obiorah Omekwu. Father, thank You for seeing him through every day of his life since he was born (from 70 years ago). Thank you for being there for him, overcoming several severe challenges he faced. LORD, You have been his victory. Thank you for the great Grace upon him all through this 70 years. Thank You, LORD, for making him more honorable than his brethren (like Jabez prayed for). This is the LORD'S doing and it's marvelous in our eyes. O wonder working GOD, I pray that you continue to keep him strong, happy, healthy, graced, wealthy, and with all-around soundness in every way (spiritually/physically). Keep his heart attuned to the Holy Spirit as never before. Keep him attuned more to Your Word and Your Assignment to him at all levels. Fill him with Your presence, immersed in your shekinar Glory, LORD. Open him up to deeper, exact, concise revelation of Your Word. Keep him on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report.. Father, do mighty things through him even beyond what he had been available for. Make more powerful favors available to him so that he can see and experience unprecedented success in life and ministry than he had ever had. Abba Father, remove wrong people far from him and his family. Protect and provide for them everything they need. Ancient of Days, I pray you bring the highest ministry experience and financiers into his work, people who will sacrifice more than he had done in all the ministries he held and still hold now. Let committed people (right people) always be available and be ready suppliers (of skills, cash, and kind) for massive achievements from now on. I appreciate You, Gracious Father, more and more for the divine encounters and blessings he experienced within the 70 years. Let his years be long. Keep adversaries far from him. Keep mistakes far from him. Fill him with your divine wisdom, peace, humility, and manifestation of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Amen, Amen, Amen. *Rev Prof Oluchukwu Patricia Crown'd Iroele*

Congratulations, Prof on your 70th birthday and the end of a successful career as an erudite scholar at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, my Alma mater. It is not really an end but a pause and transition to the beginning of greater services that you are destined to render to humanity. We met some three to four decades ago when you were honourably building up yourself. I watched with admiration the paths of honour that you have trodden to get to the exalted position that God has taken you to. By dint of hard work, perseverance, resilience and humane disposition you have attained the enviable height that is being celebrated at 70. I remember our service together in the Constitution Review Committee of the Nigerian Library Association and your strong commitment to our assignment despite your engagement then at the Nigerian Law School. I remember the diligence with which you have navigated the Library and Information Science field and the great footprints that you have left. I praise the Lord on your behalf for His great investments in your life. I pray that as you look forward to the years ahead, His goodness will continue to be upon you. You have built vineyards and God will grant you long life and good health to eat their fruits. You will not labour in vain. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God abide with you forever.

Happy birthday, my Prof. You are truly a gift to librarianship and humanity. I treasure your mentoring. The value you added and still add. Your warm and smart personality. The totality of what you offer without expecting anything in return. This is wishing you well. May God continue to shield you, Protect and guide you. All through and through, Amen. Golibe Sir! 70 is no mean feat.