Hon  Uzoma Francis Osuoha


 By Citizen Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha


It was  a surprise birthday bash as  Hon  Uzoma Francis Osuoha (Eze Buguma), member representing Ohaji/Egbema State Constituency in the  Imo State House Of Assembly And House Committee Chairman on ISOPADEC, Oil and Gas, chose to celebrate his birthday with widows (both serving and retired staff) in the Assembly. This is unprecedented in the history of Imo State House of Assembly.


Monday, 19th August 2024 will therefore remain indelible in the minds and hearts of these widows, other staff and political appointees in the legislative arm of Government, as Eze Buguma, variously described as a God fearing leader, poured out his heart of love, his heart of compassion, his heart of giving and his heart of affection to the widows in appreciation for what Almighty God has done for him, as a successful business tycoon, lawmaker and being in good health.


The venue for the birthday party, Imo State House Of Assembly complex, was adorned with splendor and joyous celebrations as it showcased the Assembly as one united family.


It was, indeed, an affirmation of love and affection showcasing Eze Buguma's relationship with the leadership, management and staff of IMHA, as all the staff and political appointees of the Assembly were in attendance, in solidarity with the very vibrant and outstanding lawmaker.


Leading the staff was the Big Mummy herself, a woman known for her large heartedness, doggedness, openness, good spirit and workaholic per excellence, the Clerk And Administrative Head of the Assembly, Chinelo Adaora Emeghara, Esq.  Other senior staff present include: Deputy Clerk,  Mr Austin Okubuike;  Director of Accounts, Mr Humphrey Igiri;  Director of Finance And Administration (DAF), Mrs Ejiogu and  Head Of Information, Dr Dorothy Okafor.


Others were Chairman Parliamentary Staff Association Of Nigeria (PASAN), Mr Chukwuma Nwokememe Anya; National Welfare Officer Of PASAN, Comrade Ikechukwu Ugochukwu; Assistant Director Of   Finance and Administration, Mrs Ngozi Ononiwu and  Director of Planning, Research And Statistics, Mr Felix Ugo.



Their presence underscored the significance of the birthday event and the esteem in which the celebrant, Eze Buguma  is held and appreciated in the legislative Arm Of Government.


 Also present were members of Eze Buguma Foundation, a humanitarian Organization that ensures lives are touched and uplifted, through empowerment, scholarship schemes and political emancipation in Ohaji/Egbema LGA and across the state. They were led by its Director General, Hon Kenneth  Ekwueme.


The former Majority Leader of IMHA, Rt Hon. Jones Uzoka was also present, to identify with the celebrant.


In her remarks, the ebullient and dynamic Clerk of the Assembly, Chinelo Adaora Emeghara,  expressed her profound appreciation for Hon  Osuoha for identifying with widows on the occasion of his birthday.  In her words, the Clerk of the Assembly said,  "Today is a remarkable day in Imo Assembly.  Eze Buguma could have gone to any of the prestigious hotels to celebrate his birthday, but in his wisdom and to the Glory of God, he chose to do so with the widows, here in the Assembly complex. This is unprecedented in the history of the Imo State House Of Assembly. We are impressed and happy with this reality. This goes to show the quality of Eze Buguma's character and indeed, the way he relates with people. I can't thank him enough. We wish him long life, good health and more prosperity, in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen".


In his speech, the celebrant,, Hon  Osuoha gave reasons why he has always identified with widows and the less privileged in the society. Hear him, "I lost my mother when I was 8 years. A widow took me in and saw me through my primary school and secondary school. It wasn't easy for the widow and her children, but she accommodated and saw me through school. 


"On my part, I pledged to God that till I die, I will always associate myself with widows and the less privileged. Last year, 2023, I empowered over 450 widows in Ohaji/Egbema local government area. My Foundation is involved with a lot of Humanitarian and Charity work. This is the story of my life and I owe Almighty God a lot of gratitude ".


Earlier, the opening prayer was said by Mrs  Ogechi Ibekwe, while the kolanut was blessed by Chief Okechukwu Livinus Esiobi.


The highlight of the occasion was the cutting of the birthday cake by the celebrant, Hon  Osuoha, assisted by all the widows present.


Of course, food and drinks were served in surplus quantity, and we all ate and drank to our satisfaction, celebrating a  man who values kindness, who values togetherness and who values selfless service to humanity.


Happy Birthday, Eze Buguma!