The atmosphere was charged on 9th May 2025 with fun fair, presence of dignitaries, government officials, business and captains of industries, relations, friends and well wishers at the residence of Emesiobi (Obi) Barth Oyibo Thompson during the celebration of his 80th birthday.
As many people attended the ceremony from far and near, others suspended their daily work especially civil servants from and within Olokoro, farmers, traders as well as those who have enjoyed the benevolence of the celebrant.
A native of Umuajata Olokoro in Umuahia South LGA of Abia State, Nigeria. De Oyibo as fondly called is a philantropist of note, calm but active in social services, community development and caring for the needy.
According to many who spoke with our correspondent, De Oyibo “does not make noise, but his charity work has singled him out from others”.
Howevere, it is worthy to note that Engineer Oyibo Thompson’s 80th birthday drew many cultural displays from Olokoro and beyond. This is in addition flavour added by the youths of his immediate community, Umuajata in their powerful regalier as they performed their “Ekpe cultural dance”.
In his speech, the chairman of the occasion, Dr Ume commended the celebrant for hia philantropic gesture.
He noted that 80 years is not 80 days, hence, Enrg Thompson has touched many lives positively.
Dr Ume described him as an intelligent man, fearless and has made a mark in his community and beyond. He further prayed God to sustain His grace upon him and shower him with good health.
Contributing, the former senator that represented Abia central senatorial district and former Pro-chancellor, Federal University of Lokoja, Senator Chris Adighije identified the celebrant as an amazing figure.
Sen Adighije added that Engr Oyibo Thompson is a great patriot in Olokoro and Abia State, stressing that it is difficult to say all he knows about him.
He maintained that he is a jolly good fellow and has contributed to the development of Olokoro especially the tarring of road from Ebo Amizi to Amakama, numerous human empowerment to mention but a few.
Presenting the autobiography of Oyibo Thompson, Chief B. O. C Ume who was represented by his son, Chinonso Ume described Engr Oyibo Thompson as an enigma.
Nonso said he was around to celebrate his uncle, whom he said is a wonderful man, a mentor and has an undying spirit.
According to him, Engr Oyibo Thompson has been a source of encouragement and has giving wealth of wisdom, nice, granded and has always being that schoolar who has a sound mind.
He maintained that he is not easily pressed to avoid putting barriess.
Nonso Ume therefore wished his uncle long life, prosperity, all of life goodness, happiness and joy, just as he prayed that as he has watered the lives of many, “he will be always be watered and like a tree planted by rivers by living waters, his leave shall not wither and whatever he lays his hands, prospers, he shall bear fruits in and out of seasons”.
In his reaction, the chief celebrant, Engineer Oyibo Thompson expressed his happiness to his friends, well wishers, family members for the shlow of ove shown to him from people from different parts of the world.
He noted that Nigeria is a country that accommodate people from other places and those present at the event can attest to that.
While thanking God for His grace upon him and his family, he stressed that good health is the greatest arm one needs on his side and prayed God to give everyone long life to actualize their dream.
His words, “today we celebrate long life that started 80th years ago and must of our prayers have been answered.
“The most thing I want you to take away, the greatest wealth is dianamyte is the human mind”, a parents is not fair if you dont give a child opportunity to be what God created him or her to be”.
“My life was almost aborted when any body was not there for me in 1962 to pay school fees. It was a great challenge, if not my mother. Give a child education and not money and that is what my mother did for me”.
He said “when we celebrant life, we should also celebrant death because they are twince”.
“We know, one Day, we will say goodbye to each other”.
As the occasion was drawing into conclusion, the celebrant announced that the party will continue till the following day.
The member representing the people of Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency, mayor of Umuahia South LGA, Engineer Chinedu Enwereuzo honourable Obi Aguocha, OCDU president World wide, Chief Umekwe, High Chief Engr Godswill Ubani etc attended the event.
Highpoints of the occasion were distribution of two books, namely “The Candle and the Wind, Autobiography of Obi Barth Oyibo Thompson and “Centuries of Igbo Civillisation, Origin, Cosmology and Epistemology of the Igbo People” which he distributed free of charge to encourage education which he revealed was the secret of his success in life, cutting of birthday cake, presentation of gifts among others. Also, many organisations and communities graced the event with various uniforms.
