By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Willie Obiano on Political Matters, Chief Oseloka Ogabido (Ichie Edom Nnabuenyi Edom), has extolled Anambra philanthropist and businesswoman, Dr. Lady Loretta Ukeji, describing her four decades of marriage and lifetime commitment to humanity as a rare blend of grace, discipline, sacrifice and purposeful living worthy of admiration and emulation.
Chief Ogabido made the remarks while felicitating with Dr. Lady Loretta Ukeji and her husband, High Chief Dr. Sir J.I. Ukeji of the Ejison Group of Companies, on the occasion of their 40th wedding anniversary celebration.
The milestone celebration, which held over the weekend at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, Anambra State, with a grand reception later at 9 Hill Crescent, G.R.A., Onitsha, attracted clerics, captains of industry, political leaders, traditional rulers, family members, friends and well-wishers from different parts of the country.
The colourful and spiritually uplifting ceremony witnessed the renewal of marital vows by the noble couple before God, as they marked forty years of steadfast union anchored on faith, love, patience and mutual respect.
Already blessed with six children — three males and three females — Chief Dr. Sir J.I. Ukeji and Dr. Lady Loretta Ukeji (Ejison) were celebrated not only for the longevity of their marriage but also for the values they have consistently upheld both within their family and the larger society.
Reports have it that Dr. Lady Ukeji, fondly known as Adadịọramma, has continued to live up to her reputation as a compassionate mother, humanitarian and pillar of support to thousands of women, widows and vulnerable persons across Anambra State and beyond through various philanthropic gestures.
True to form, the 40th wedding anniversary celebration was not without the usual display of kindness, as the couple extended gestures of goodwill to guests and beneficiaries, reinforcing their long-standing commitment to giving, sharing and lifting others.
This funfair and fanfare celebration is coming barely one month after Lady Ukeji once again turned the field of the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, into a scene of overwhelming joy, gratitude and emotional outpouring, as hundreds of women, widows and indigent persons from across Anambra State benefitted from one of her latest humanitarian outreaches and empowerment programmes, where they got both bags of rice, cartons of noodles, salt, wrappers, sewing machines, foodstuffs, tissues, drinks, attachments and financial support, among several other items.
This reporter, Izunna Okafor, gathered that these gestures, which Lady Ukeji has consistently sustained for over fifteen years now and still counting, have directly and indirectly supported, uplifted and transformed thousands of beneficiaries, restoring dignity, hope and stability to many households within and outside Anambra State.
Congratulating the couple for their remarkable marital journey and societal impact, Chief Ogabido, in an interview with this reporter, described the Ukejis as a model family whose lives reflect service, discipline and fear of God.
According to him, Lady Ukeji’s rare compassion, consistency in humanitarian service and commitment to uplifting the downtrodden stand her out as a woman of exceptional character whose contributions to social development deserve greater recognition and also stands her out as a rare asset for government that prioritizes social development and general well-being of the masses.
Chief Ogabido further noted that Ukeji’s philanthropic engagements over the years have obviously complemented government efforts in alleviating hardship and empowering women, stressing that such selfless individuals remain invaluable assets to society.
“Lady Ukeji is not just celebrating forty years of marriage; she is celebrating decades of impact, sacrifice and service to humanity. People like her make society better and inspire others to give back,” Chief Ogabido said, while urging the younger generation to draw lessons from the couple’s marriage and lifestyle.
Earlier in his homily during the thanksgiving Mass, the Chief Celebrant of the Mass, Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Mmaduka Okeke, described marriage as a divine vocation that thrives on love, forgiveness, patience and commitment.
The revered prelate commended the Ukejis for sustaining their union for forty years, urging couples to anchor their marriages on God, mutual understanding and shared responsibility.
He reminded the congregation that true success in marriage is measured not by material wealth but by peace, unity, service to God and positive impact on humanity.
In his vote of thanks, High Chief Dr. Sir J.I. Ukeji, Chairman of Ejison Group of Companies, expressed gratitude to God for sustaining their marriage through four decades, describing the journey as one marked by grace, challenges, lessons and victories.
The Oraukwu-born business mogul thanked guests, clerics, family members and well-wishers for celebrating with them, noting that the support and prayers of the people contributed immensely to the stability of their home.
According to him, marriage thrives when partners understand that love is a daily commitment, not an occasional feeling, adding that giving back to society remains a responsibility God places on those He blesses.
Also reacting, the celebrant, Dr. Lady Loretta Ukeji, expressed deep appreciation to God for the gift of life, family and the privilege to serve humanity.
In her words, the philanthropist described the anniversary as a moment of thanksgiving, reflection and renewed commitment to God, family and service to others.
Lady Ukeji, popularly known as Adadịọramma, noted that her passion for philanthropy is deeply rooted in gratitude to God and her belief that wealth finds meaning only when it is used to uplift others.
She emphasized that empowering women and the needy remains central to her mission, explaining that when a woman is lifted, a home, family and community are automatically strengthened.
The Amazon further stated that her humanitarian engagements are not seasonal gestures but a lifelong calling she intends to sustain as long as God gives her strength and resources.
She encouraged young couple to remain prayerful, mutually respectful, hardworking and hopeful, stressing that consistency, integrity and fear of God remain the keys to lasting success both in marriage and in life.
This reporter gathered that the event also attracted top dignitaries, including the Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Marbles, Chief Franklin Anazodo, alongside other prominent personalities from within and outside Anambra State.
More photos and videos from the event
