…We are here to celebrate impact, resilience – former President Jonathan
…God will continue to bless you as you continue to do good – former President Obasanjo
BY SAM OTUONYE
The Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has showered encomiums on Chief Barr. Obioma Success Akagburuonye who celebrated his 60th birthday on Sunday, February 22, 2026 in his hometown, Ogbor Uvuru, Mbaise, Imo State.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Her Excellency Dr Mrs Chinyere Ekomaru, described Akagburuonye as a trail blazing lawyer, dedicated philanthropist and passionate politician, God fearing and an amazing personality.
“Chief Dr, Barr, Engr, Obioma Success Akagburuonye, JP, is a trail blazing Nigerian lawyer, Visionary, a dedicated philanthropist, and passionate politician. Attracting two former Presidents, (Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan) and , wife of a former President (Prof. Mrs Uche Azikiwe) makes you an amazing person.”
“We are celebrating a God fearing man, an illustrous son, whose endeavours span, civil engineering, hospitality, manufacturing and property development,” she highlighted.
“Celebrating 60th birthday, you have done well. On behalf of the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, we wish you happy birthday.”
She eulogised the mother of Chief Success, ‘Mama Success’, for the grace upon her life to have lived 105 years in good health and sound mind, describing it as “amazing.”
Also celebrating Akagburuonye at 60, former President Goodluck Jonathan, expressed his delight, describing the event as a celebration of impact, resilience, and determination.
He said: “I’m truly delighted to celebrate with you. We are here to celebrate impact, resilience, and enterprise. He rose through determination to become an Engineer, Lawyer, and entrepreneur, proving that determination opens the door.”
He lauded his philanthropic spirit and initiatives, highlighting that through his Hope Rising for Imolites he has empowered many youths, women, and communities, in health, scholarships, business, and skills acquisition.
Former President Obasanjo, a father figure and friend of Chief Success Akagburuonye, lavished encomiums on him, but reminded him that he must continue to do good to sustain his success.
“Goodluck Jonathan was named Goodluck and good luck followed him, you were named Success and Success followed you – you are therefore to be a success to your community, state, nation, and beyond. God will continue to bless and prosper you as you continue to do good as Jesus Christ went about doing good,” he admonished.
He also congratulated the mother of Chief Akagburuonye, Mama Success, noting that he is not congratulating Mama Success primarily because of her age (105 years) but because she has have given humanity a rare gem.
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, lauded Chief Akagburuonye, through his goodwill message read by Gen. Lincoln Ogunewe (rtd), described the Celebrant as “a problem solver and great philanthropist”, who has empowered communities, youths, and women, with scholarships, and entreprenual support.
In his remarks, the ‘Birthday Boy’, Chief Dr Barr. Engr. Obioma Success Akagburuonye reflected on his life’s journey, returning all glory to God for making him see his dreams come through.
He also recalled how he had written Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as a sitting President, when he was being persecuted over his properties he acquired legitimately in Abuja, asking for his intervention, that if EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) finds any criminal records against him in Nigeria or outside, he should not help him. And no crimes were found against him.
“I owe God all I have in life and all I will become. Most things I desired and wished God has accomplished them at his time. I dreamt of meeting President Obasanjo and God did it for me, today we are like father and son. I used to wish that I have direct contact with Super Eagles players, today, it is done.
“I wrote Obasanjo when I was in the wilderness experience to tell EFCC to check, if I have criminal records anywhere in the world let him not help me.”
He praised Governor Hope Uzodimma, for doing a great job in Imo State. “I thank God for Governor Uzodimma, for his impact in Imo State. I tell people that God sent him, looking at the way he came.”
The mother of Chief Akagburuonye, fondly called ‘Mama Success’, a Centenarian, at the age of 105 years, still hail and hearty, prayed for everyone that celebrated her son, for God’s mercy, protection and prosperity, admonishing that “he who God blesses, should not eat alone but bless others as well.”
Akagburuonye’s biography, ‘Me and My God’, a 399 page book, on his life’s journey, written by Drs Jeff Unegbu and Ken Ahaiwe, of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, was launched. The book chronicles his life experiences, family background, growing up, education, business, morality, marriage, relationships, and above all, how Grace of God lifted him above all odds. Dr Reuben Abati of popular Arise Television, did the review while Billionaire Businessman, Femi Otedola, the Chief launcher, represented by one of his associates, launched the book
handsomely.
