By Regina Igwebuike
The immediate past All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) party National Chairman, Chief Dr. Victor Ike Oye, Ozonkpu Amawbia, has attributed his life, political journey, and the stability of the APGA party to God’s grace and the support of his family.
Speaking during his vote of thanks at the Thanksgiving Mass held at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Amawbia, to mark his 70th birthday on July 18, Chief Oye said: “There’s God’s hand in it. I worked for APGA for 10 years, and God in His infinite mercy saw us through. If not for God and my family, I wouldn’t have made it. For 8 years my family hardly saw me because I carried APGA on my shoulders.”
The elder statesman recalled the turbulent periods in the party, noting that there was a time it seemed APGA had “gone into exile.” He, however, expressed gratitude that the party survived and remained strong today.
Chief Oye used the occasion to appreciate key personalities who graced the event. He thanked the Traditional Ruler of Amawbia, Igwe Uche Okonkwo, praying that he would reign longer than the first Okpaligwe who ruled for 44 years. He also commended the Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Pius Okoye, for his contributions to the Church and community, and the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev Jonas Benson Okoye, for his presence and support.
He further appreciated all the priests in attendance, including Fr. Patrick Okafor, former Chaplain to ex-Governor Willie Obiano, as well as priests from Sts. Matthew, Edward, and Joseph parishes. He also acknowledged the presence of the current APGA National Chairman, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, whom he described as his son.
Speaking at the Church, Barr. Ezeokenwa described Chief Oye as a visionary leader whose courage, commitment, and unwavering dedication helped to strengthen APGA and deepen its democratic ideals across Anambra State and beyond. He noted that Ozonkpu’s legacy of purposeful leadership continues to inspire the next generation of political leaders within and outside the party.
Barr. Ezeokenwa prayed for God’s continued grace, good health, wisdom, and strength upon Chief Oye, expressing confidence that his wealth of experience would remain invaluable to the progress of Anambra State, APGA, and Nigeria.
Earlier, the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, delivering the homily during a Thanksgiving Mass, described Ozonkpu Oye, as a man whose life epitomizes faith, mission, and service to God and humanity, noting that the celebrant lived a life of devotion that extended beyond politics into the life of the Church.
He recalled that Chief Oye served as Chairman of the Bazaar Committee for 16 years, a period during which he deployed his knowledge, time, talent, and resources to transform the parish. “Chief Oye set the ball rolling. He was a pacesetter. Through his wealth of experience and commitment to reaching out to people, St. Matthew’s Parish witnessed tremendous growth and development, and later gave birth to Sts. Edward and Joseph parishes,” Bishop Okoye noted.
The prelate thanked Chief Oye for his dedication and contributions to the Church and society at large, praying God to grant him sound health, long life, and continued strength to serve.
The Thanksgiving Mass, attended by family, clergy, traditional rulers, friends, and political associates, was described as a fitting reflection of a life dedicated to faith, service, and transformational leadership.
Regina Igwebuike is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
