By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The members of the Soludo Fan Club (SFC), over the weekend, visited the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barr. Sylvester Ezeokenwa, both to congratulate him once again on his Supreme Court victory in the protracted legal battle over the national leadership of the party, as well as to condole with him over the recent demise of his father, Chief Sir Sylvester Chukwudozie Ezeokenwa, KSJI (Ezeudo-Umuchu).
Led by its National Convener and Anambra State Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, the SFC delegation paid the dual-purpose visit at Barr. Ezeokenwa’s residence in Awka, the Anambra State capital, where they also reassured him of their continued support and solidarity throughout the mourning period.
Speaking during the visit, Engr. Chukwuemeka described Barr. Ezeokenwa Jnr. as a resilient leader whose doggedness and composure have continued to inspire confidence and unity within the APGA family. He extolled the APGA boss for weathering the storm of the party’s leadership tussle with grace and emerging victorious at the Supreme Court — a feat he said rekindled hope in the party’s strength and internal democracy.
He also used the opportunity to sympathize with him and the entire Ezeokenwa Family over the painful loss of their patriarch, Chief Sir Sylvester Chukwudozie Ezeokenwa, who recently passed away. According to him, the late Chief Ezeokenwa was not only a father to the APGA Chairman, but also to other Progressives in the state, as well as a symbol of humility and mentorship to many who encountered him.
While praying for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased, he also encouraged the family to be comforted by the legacies their father left behind and the positive impact he made on society during his lifetime.
Commissioner Chukwuemeka reiterated the commitment of the Soludo Fan Club to continue supporting and promoting the ideals of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration and the APGA party at large, even as he also reiterated his optimism that the state will continue to be on a progressive rise.
Responding, the APGA National Chairman, Barr. Ezeokenwa, expressed gratitude to the SFC delegation for the visit, their solidarity, and their kind words of encouragement.
He described the loss of his father as a deeply painful and personal experience, but noted that such outpouring of love and support from the Soludo Fan Club, party faithful, political allies, friends, and even non-party members has helped strengthen him and his family during this trying period, being himself the only son of his father.
Recounting fond memories of his late father, he described him as a man of honour, discipline, and quiet strength — values which he said greatly influenced his own life and leadership path. He emphasized that his father was the person who made the most impact in his life, while also noting that the family’s deep regret for his demise was borne out of their respect for the kind of humble life their father lived.
According to him, the late Chief Ezeokenwa was a committed Christian, a community leader, and a man who lived his life for others. He also recalled his father’s unending love for APGA and his staunch commitment to the ideals, unity and progress of the party, recalling that he learnt loyalty, commitment and the ‘APGA First’ mantra from his father, who himself was a pioneer officer of the party and first Chairman of APGA in Onitsha South Local Government Area, from 2003 to 2015.
He further thanked the members and the leadership of the Soludo Fan Club for finding time to visit, while also urging them to sustain their selfless support for the APGA-led government in Anambra State.
The visit was joined by the SFC Deputy Convener, Hon. Onyebuchi Dike; the SFC Finance Director and Dean, Faculty of Physical Science, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Prof. Onyema Iloh, among other Think Tank members of the Club.
The visit, which was marked by deep moments of reflection, prayer, and fraternal warmth, also featured the Commissioner and some members of the SFC delegation signing the condolence register to honour the memory of Late Chief Ezeokenwa.
Among other highlights, tribute presentation, special prayer for the Ezeokenwa Family and the observation of one-minute silence in honour of the late patriarch formed the high points of the event.
More photos from the visit:
