TURNING THE 49TH PAGE: REFLECTIONS ON MY BIRTHDAY
Today is another beautiful day and an ultra special one for me. Today is a great reminder of how thankful I should be for all the blessings that the Almighty God has brought my way.
As I turn 49 and celebrate my last birthday in the 40’s age bracket today, this occasion certainly deserves a moment of sobriety and deep reflection as I have always envisaged birthdays as a day to reflect on one’s ultimate purpose of existence on earth which should be to better lives and serve humanity.
Birthdays mean different things to different people; to some, it is a time for celebration and merrymaking while to others it is a time for sober reflections and stock taking . Whichever angle it is viewed from or celebrated, the major factor is that birthdays avail us with the opportunity to examine our lives circumspectly and make amendments where necessary so as to consolidate in the course of accomplishing our mission here on earth.
Looking back at my life over the past 49 years, I am overwhelmed with a deluge of nostalgia and gratitude; the tremendous level of blessings, sacrifices, trials, triumphs and growth that have taken place in the past decades has been an experience that I remain eternally grateful to Almighty God for.
Truly, the Almighty God has been compassionate and merciful to me. He has been faithful and the best words I have to express his greatness are all understatements, I am lost for words as I reflect on his immense blessings and wonderful deeds which are marvellous in my sight.
While I appreciate the spontaneous goodwill messages and kind wishes from family, friends and well wishers each year that God in his infinite mercy adds to my life. Now that I am getting older, birthday celebrations have become less grand, but more significant to me as I prefer to observe each birthday in quiet reflection of God’s unmatched kindness or in the warm company of family and loved ones.
Few weeks ago, I was inspired by Hon. Uche Ogbuagu who gave out wheelchairs to the physically disabled on his 45th birthday. This year, I have decided to celebrate my birthday in the company of the physically challenged and downtrodden whom I have passion for and always advocate for, as an inspiration to raise their hopes and brighten their future aspirations irrespective of their physical impairments, background and social class.
I have always believed that the political, economic and social needs of Anambra South Senatorial District can be properly addressed through a grassroot based open door dynamic representation that would create a level playing ground for all to thrive.I hereby reiterate once again my determination at driving policies that would help harness our human capital and commercial resources in order to address our developmental challenges and enable my Senatorial district which plays host to a tremendous number of industrial establishments assume it’s rightful place as a key growth pillar for Nigeria particularly and the entire West African sub region in general.
To my wonderful wife and children, amazing friends, dependable allies and supporters, I cannot thank you all enough for the unforgettable moments that each and everyone of you have made me witness over the past years, it also gives me great pleasure to know that my personal relationships with people have added inestimable value to your lives. I appreciate you all for your profound and continued support, as well as your steadfastness, well wishes and most importantly fervent prayers which have been the cornerstone of my giant leap through the low valleys and high hills of my journey.
Conclusively, I urge all my family, friends and well wishers to reach out and give to the physically challenged, downtrodden and the less privileged amongst us in the society today. This is the simple, yet memorable and meaningful way that I want my 49th birthday to be commemorated.
May God protect, bless, and continually prosper us.
Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Ubah.
Anambra South Senatorial District.
