The city of Onitsha went agog on Sunday as friends, allies, the creme de la creme in the political and business sphere stormed the Cathedral Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha in honour of the outstanding philanthropist and Oil mogul, Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo on the occasion of his thanksgiving on behalf of his baby boy and the official commissioning and handover of a gigantic edifice for the Archbishop Valerian Okeke Music Academy (AVOMA).
The event began with a pontifical high mass which was followed by the commissioning of the architectural masterpiece adjudged the best in the area and a special Christmas carnival in honour of the renowned philanthropist and humanitarian.
Speaking during the Mass, Archbishop Okeke extolled Engr. Onunkwo for his unalloyed expression of generosity to the AVOMA. He disclosed that the benefactor had since 2017 shown immense support to the group. While expressing gratitude to the philanthropist, the Archbishop prayed that God’s blessing would continue to abide with the benefactor. He described Engr. Onunkwo as a rare gift to humanity and a politician with a difference. He maintained that his love for AVOMA is exceptional, while calling on other wealthy individuals to emulate this singular act of generosity.
Addressing the unprecedented crowd that graced the event, Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo, in company of his wife, expressed appreciation to God for making a journey of barely 10 months a success. Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo averred that his appreciation to God for the gift of his new baby prompted him to embark on the onerous task. He posited that he is always guided by the fact that there is a divinity guiding the ways of man, hence his commitment to developing potentials and investing in the vineyard of God, as these remain the password to enviable success.
In his words, “These children are exceptional and I continue to thank the Archbishop for his commitment towards nurturing these kids in discovering and equally brushing up their talents. My covenant with AVOMA remains in future continuous tense.
“As a humanitarian, I won’t relent in investing in human capacity development, as this is the surest way of empowering individuals and ameliorating the spate of criminality in society.”
“I thank the Almighty God for providing the funds for this project despite the way the year turned out, especially the COVID-induced lockdown. I believe in sowing in pain as the multiplying effect is exhilarating. This edifice is in honour of God’s gift of a baby boy to my family,” Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo said.
“AVOMA is non-denominational, where young people from all walks of life irrespective of religious affiliation could be trained under the auspices of the Archbishop. I implore all lovers of music to identify with the Academy,” he added.
Highlights of the event were scintillating musical performances by members of AVOMA and the A-list sensational Artist, Mr. Flavour.
Many who spoke to #teamifediche commended Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo for “high-level demonstration of magnanimity”.
The event had in attendance the Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Charles Esimone, the AIG of Police, Zone 13, DIG Mohammed Danmallam, Member Representing Njikoka, Dunukofia and Anaocha Federal Constituency, Hon. Ferdinand Dozie Nwankwo, the DG, National Inland and Waterways Authority (NIWA), Chief George Moghalu, Gubernatorial aspirants whom include Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, Dr. Chidozie Nwankwo, Dr. Godwin Maduka, business associates of the benefactor, the Rotary club of Port Harcourt, party chieftains, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Members of Team Ifediche Grassroots Movement, clergymen among numerous others.
