It was an out pouring of love and show of solidarity; as people from all walks of life converged on Saint Patrick’s Catholic cathedral, Awka to felicitate with the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, as he celebrated his seventieth birthday anniversary.
Activities marking the Bishop’s birthday celebration commenced with a pontifical holy mass at the cathedral.
The event was attended by seventeen Bishops and Archbishops led by the Secretary, Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Most Reverend Donatus Kogun, over one hundred priests, over one hundred Reverend sisters, the religious, politicians, government functionaries, family members, friends and well-wishers.
Bishop Ezeokafor’s seventieth birthday celebration was chaired by an Umuawulu-born philanthropist and the founder of Ide Global foundation, Chief Azubuike Ekweozor.
In a homily, the Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke, who traced the life of Bishop Ezeokafor as a priest, said that the prelate is a father to all and a true definition of what a priest should be, adding that Bishop Ezeokafor does not discriminate, but accommodates all and sundry, praying God to continue to bless him with long life and good health.
On behalf of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, the Secretary and Bishop of Uromi Diocese, Most Reverend Kogun, said the conference rejoice with Bishop Ezeokafor for attaining seventy years of age, adding that his contributions to the conference have been enormous, praying God to give him the grace to continue to work for him.
The Minister of State for Science and Technology, Mr Henry Ikoh, said Bishop Ezeokafor’s prayers and contributions to the development of the nation have not gone unnoticed, urging him not to relent as efforts are being made to make Nigeria better.
Many government functionaries used the opportunity to wish the Bishop well, among whom were the member representing Awka South one at the state House of Assembly, Honourable Chuma Okoye, member representing Njikoka Two constituency, Honourable Pete Ibida, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, Head of Service, Mrs Okwy Igwegbe. 
Others were Commissioners for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, Science and Technology, Chief Tony Ifeanya, Budget, Ms Chiamaka Nnake and Housing, Honourable Paully Onyeka, who prayed God to bless the Bishop with long life in good health.
Later at a reception organised in honour of Bishop Ezeokafor, the Chairman on the occasion, Chief Ekweozor,noted that nothing is too much to spend on the Bishop, even as he thanked all who gathered to be with him, praying God to continue to grant the Bishop good health so that people can continue to learn from his wealth of knowledge and experience.
Responding, Most Reverend Dr. Ezeokafor thanked God for giving him the grace, the strength and wisdom to pilot affairs of the Diocese for fifteen years running, thanking God that he has not slept in the hospital all these years, and appreciated all who worked to make the event memorable.
A younger brother to Bishop Ezeokafor, Mr. Aloy Ezeokafor, said although it was very difficult at the early stage since it was a problem then to allow a first son to be a priest, but said the Ezeokafor family of Nanka in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state are happy that God is touching many lives through their son.
The event featured cutting of anniversary cake, welcome song, display of masquerade and traditional dances, as well as presentation of gifts to the Bishop.
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