By Michael Ezenwata
An industrialist and CEO Orpet Petroleum Limited Chief Joseph Nwakpadolu turned 78 years on July 27.
Born on July 27, 1948, Chief Nwakpadolu rose from grass to grace and today boasts of abundant grace from God including a happy marriage blessed with Successful offsprings.
The celebrant every year draws inspiration from the fact that his birthday coincides with the commemoration of the coming of the Christ Missionary Society CMS to Nigeria in 1857, marking the church’s now (Anglican Communion’s),169th anniversary celebration.
Every July 27, he joins the Anglican Communion in service and worship to thank God for sparing his life.
This year, he performed the annual ritual of celebrating now his 78th birthday to the glory of God.
Sharing his life experience with the press in Awka, the celebrant told the world that growing up, he performed many jobs such as farming, trading, human waste disposal, bus conductor, among others.
According to Chief Nwakpadolu, during his heydays, he drove his bicycle from Aguata to Atani, Odekpe, Achi, Inyi, Ogbakuba, and Orlu seeking for greener pastures, and bought goods at Achi which he conveyed to Orlu for sales.
From the proceeds he made, he narrated that he saved them and religiously used the remaining money to make ends meet.
The celebrant went down memory lane to educate the growing world population about the wisdom of Igbo forbearers who valued integrity encapsulated in noble deeds such as returning missing items such as money to the original owners, missing stray goats and their kids to the appropriate quarters, among others.
Chief Nwakpadolu made bold to say that, ill gotten wealth is a taboo in Igbo land and people who excelled through such proceeds are treated with disdain in the then Igbo society of old.
He advised parents and guardians to interrogate the source of wealth of their children and wards to ensure that they have not derailed.
On the part of those growing up, the celebrant cautioned them to reject all negative means of making money and to embrace honesty in their dealings.
On the secret of his longevity and success in life, he attributed it to honesty, trust in God, hardwork, contentment and integrity of purpose.
Chief Nwakpadolu has since congratulated Governor Chukwuma Soludo who celebrated his 66th birthday on July 28 and his wife Nonye who will celebrate her birthday on July 31.
He wished the duo more years of success in life.
Michael Ezenwata is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
