It was an atmosphere filled with gratitude, reflection and solemn worship as the former lawmaker who represented Umuahia/Ikwuano Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Sam Onuigbo, alongside members of his family, gathered to return thanks to God for His faithfulness throughout their years of public service.
The thanksgiving service, held at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, Obuohia Obi-Ibere, in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, drew a large congregation of worshippers and dignitaries from within and outside the state, turning the historic church into a hub of fellowship and thanksgiving.
Top on the list of dignitaries at the service was the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, whose presence underscored the significance of the event. Also in attendance were notable political leaders, captains of industry, traditional rulers, clergy, friends and well-wishers who came to identify with the Onuigbo family.
Rt Hon Sam Onuigbo, who has served Abia State and Nigeria in various capacities, is currently a member representing the South East on the Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC). His years in public office, marked by legislative service and national appointments, formed the backdrop for the thanksgiving.
Delivering the homily, the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, emphasized the spiritual importance of gratitude, describing thanksgiving as a core principle of Christian living. Drawing reference from the biblical account of the ten lepers healed by Jesus Christ, the Prelate noted that while nine went their way, only one returned to give thanks and was made whole.
Quoting Christ’s words, “Stand up and go your way, your faith has made you whole”, the Prelate stressed that thanksgiving opens the door to completeness and divine restoration, urging Christians to cultivate the habit of gratitude at all times, irrespective of life’s circumstances.
“Life has its grades. Whatever grade you find yourself in, thank God. Every phase of life deserves thanksgiving”, he remarked.
Dr. Ali Aba further commended the Onuigbo family for their conscious decision to publicly return thanks to God, describing it as a demonstration of humility and spiritual maturity.
In his address, Rt Hon Onuigbo reflected on his journey in public service and the family’s decision to acknowledge God’s unwavering faithfulness over the years.
According to him, the thanksgiving was borne out of deep reflection on God’s mercies upon his family.
“God has been faithful”, Onuigbo said. “We have come to prostrate before Him. Over time, we have taken record of what God has done in our lives. My wife retired this year as a Director in a Federal Ministry. I was appointed as a Board Member of the North East Development Commission after representing my people for eight years in the House of Representatives. All these are acts of God’s grace”.
He added that the family felt compelled to publicly appreciate God, acknowledging that no amount of thanksgiving could fully capture their gratitude.
As a demonstration of continued service to God, Rt Hon Onuigbo announced the family’s decision to rebuild and reconstruct St. Paul’s Methodist Church, describing the project as a commitment to sustaining the house of God.
“We have agreed to rebuild this church as a continuation of our service to God. This is where I started from. I served as a chorister here in my early days”, he recounted.
The thanksgiving service was graced by several eminent personalities, including Senator Austin Akobundu (rtd), representing Abia Central Senatorial District; Chief Henry Ikoh, Chief Executive Officer of Harmony Foams; former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Charles Ogbonnaya; as well as traditional rulers, clergymen, political associates, friends and well-wishers.
