By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
It was an emotional and joyous occasion in Okposi, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on Monday as philanthropist Chief Okorie Kingsley, also known as Okpata Ozuoha and Chief Ojiefi Emeogo 1 of Okposi–Ohaozara Kingdom, Umuekuma Community, celebrated his mother, Madam Okorie Grace, on her 80th birthday in grand style.
Speaking during the event, Chief Okorie attributed his success in life to his mother’s patience, resilience, and sacrifices while raising him and his siblings. He recalled how she struggled as a single mother, selling groundnuts and other items in Owerri markets to provide for the family.
“She is everything to me. Without her, I am nothing. My father married many wives and hardly came to see us, but my mother singlehandedly raised us. She suffered so much, and I was always by her side in the market, helping her sell while my siblings went to school. When things became more difficult, I had to drop out of secondary school to support her,” he recounted.
To honor her sacrifices, Chief Okorie showered his mother with numerous gifts, including a Toyota Rav4, assorted wrappers, food items, toiletries, a big-size mattress, and other essentials. He emphasized that, according to Igbo tradition, taking care of one’s parents while they are alive is called ‘Ori na ndu’, meaning “giving them enough to eat while they live.”
Beyond celebrating his mother, Chief Okorie also revealed his ongoing project to build houses and shops for widows in the community. While the buildings are still under construction, he assured that once completed, they would be handed over to widows in need, as part of his commitment to giving back to society.
“She taught me the spirit of giving. If she had not instilled that value in me, I might not have developed a heart for philanthropy. I am who I am today because of her,” he stated.
Madam Grace Okorie, overwhelmed with gratitude, appreciated her son for his love and generosity, praying for God’s continuous blessings upon him. She also encouraged struggling parents never to give up on their children but to keep praying for their success.
Family members and well-wishers, including her daughter-in-law, daughter, and son-in-law—Lolo Esther Okorie, Ngozi Okorie, and Williams Okoroafor, respectively—all described the celebrant as a woman of virtue who sacrificed everything to ensure her children had a better future.
“My prayer is that she will live long. The mandate for every man or woman is 120 years, and I ask God to keep her alive to see that age, so we can celebrate her again,” one of them remarked.
The celebration was filled with joy, love, and heartfelt appreciation as Chief Okpata Ozuoha not only honored his mother but also extended his generosity to the community, reaffirming his commitment to empowering the less privileged by constructing free shops and houses for widows and those in need.