Minority Leader of Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu has congratulated the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah at the occasion of his 52nd birthday.

Describing the Minister as a special gift to Abians and the country at large, Hon. Chukwu representing Bende North Constituency in a birthday message to Dr. Ogah on Wednesday said he stands tall among men who have distinguished themselves in selfless service to fatherland with utmost integrity and honour.

He said, “A dogged fighter and ardent believer in an equitable society, Dr. Uche Ogah has continually committed his energy and resources in ensuring the enthronement of a society for which generations to come will be proud of. “He is not only a loud voice in canvassing for fairness, he walks the talk and leads by example, which indeed has endeared him to many.

“A gentleman, lover of peace and promoter of unity, his milk of human kindness spreads on all irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliation.

“As a seasoned manager and administrator, he has replicated his success as a private sector player in the country’s solid mineral sector where he holds sway as the Minister of State for Mines and Steel.

“He has no doubt exhibited statesmanship in his service to fatherland for which posterity will be kind to him. I, therefore, join friends, well-wishers, and associates across the globe to felicitate with such a result-oriented leader as he becomes a year older” Chukwu said.

He also prayed God to grant Ogah many more years of fulfillment and joy.

The Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, Anglican Archbishop of Enugu, has called on Nigerians to reconcile for peace and the enduring progress of the nation.

The Archbishop made the call on Tuesday in Enugu while delivering his Christmas message in the Bishop’s Court.

Chukwuma said that the essence of Christmas was reconciliation, adding that God Almighty exemplified it by giving us Jesus Christ to reconcile the whole world back to Himself.

According to him, reconciliation in this special season should be across board at the levels of individuals, friends, families, neighborhoods, communities, tribal and the state.

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He said: “Reconciliation has become necessary for us to reunite, build a prosperous and progressive nation.

“We need each other to succeed as a nation.”

Chukwuma said that the season called for sharing with the less privileged around us, adding: “It is time to remember the downtrodden living around us.

“We have a large range of people we should put smiles on their faces this season; starting with that poor household around you, to the destitute, those in custodial centres, orphans, widows, among others.”

The Archbishop, however, urged Christians to celebrate responsibly and to shun immorality, alcoholism and hard drugs use.

He specifically called on the youth to be wary of friends they moved around with this season, adding that the merriment might lure some youths into alcoholism and tasting of hard drugs and other substances.

Chukwuma said: “Our youths should shun the use of hard drugs, especially the infamous mkpurumiri, formally known as crystal methamphetamine.

“I will also advice that youths should identify and report the various places and persons selling the dangerous drug within their community.”

The cleric urged all Nigerians to draw closer to God for the healing and prosperity of the land as God Almighty holds the power to transform any situation.

“I wish all Nigerians, irrespective of religion, as Jesus Christ died for the whole world, a merry Christmas and prosperous New Year in advance,” he said.