By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Preparations have gathered momentum for the thanksgiving service and grand 70th birthday celebration of respected educationist and community leader, Noble Dr. Michael Cosmas Omenugha (Ichie Obama Nnobi), as his family has rolled out a series of activities ahead of the event.
The celebration will also feature a thanksgiving Mass in appreciation to God for the substantive appointment of Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, FNIPR, as the Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU).
According to an invitation earlier issued by son of the celebrants, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, on behalf of the family, the thanksgiving service will hold on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Nnobi, beginning at 10:00 a.m., while a reception will immediately follow at the Community Central Primary School, Umuru, Nnobi.
Dr. Nelson Omenugha called on friends, associates, colleagues and members of the public to join the family in celebrating what he described as two significant milestones — the substantive elevation of Prof. Omenugha to the helm of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University and the 70th birthday anniversary of his father, Noble Dr. Michael Omenugha.
Meanwhile, activities marking the celebrations have already commenced with the official kick-off of what was tagged the “Ichie Obama @ 70 Football Tournament.”
Confirming this in a statement issued to newsmen on Tuesday, Dr. Omenugha week-long competition was declared open on Monday at the Community Central Primary School, Nnobi, with an entertaining opening fixture between Team Nigeria Medical Association (Nnewi Branch) and Team Faithspiration Initiative.
The opening ceremony attracted a large gathering of family members, political leaders, traditional institutions, youth organisations and community stakeholders who came to identify with the celebrant and support the initiative.
Among those in attendance were Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, FNIPR; the Okpala of Nnobi, Chief Sir Onyechi Ifezue; members of the Nnobi Welfare Organisation and Ebenesi Community; the member representing Idemili South Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Ebuka Igwe; and the member representing Nnewi North Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Youth and Sports, Hon. Augustine Onyekachukwu Ike.
Officials of the Anambra State Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, leaders of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) at the ward level, youth groups, women organisations, community leaders, friends and well-wishers also graced the event.
Speaking on the essence of the tournament, the Lead organiser and son of the celebrants, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, explained that it was conceived not merely as a football competition but as a platform to celebrate the enduring values of leadership, selfless service, mentorship and community development for which Noble Dr. Michael Omenugha has become widely respected over the years.
He noted that beyond heralding and commemorating his father’s platinum jubilee, the tournament is expected to foster unity among youths, encourage healthy living, discover budding football talents and further strengthen social cohesion within Nnobi and neighbouring communities.
He expressed optimism that the remaining fixtures would continue to attract active community participation and provide memorable moments leading to the grand finale of the celebrations.
Born into the renowned Omenugha family of Nnobi, Noble Dr. Michael Cosmas Omenugha has earned recognition over the decades for his contributions to community development, philanthropy, mentorship and support for youth advancement, qualities that have endeared him to many within and outside Anambra State.
Similarly, the appointment of Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha as the substantive Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University has continued to attract felicitations and goodwill messages from academics, professional bodies, government officials and admirers, who have described her emergence as well deserved and indicative of her distinguished career in academia, public service and the communication sector, among others.
With the week-long activities already kicked off in full force to herald the event, and with the viral invitations to friends, associates and members of the public to join in the thanksgiving and celebration, expectations are high that the events would not only honour remarkable personal milestones but also reinforce the values of faith, familyhood, service and community development that the Omenugha family has consistently promoted.
More photos from the event:
