Former Senior Special Adviser to Governor of Anambra State, Dr Nelson Omenugha has penned down a heartwarming tribute for his father, Lord Dr. Michael Cosmas Omenugha, who is popularly known as Ichie Obama Nnobi, to celebrate his 70th birthday.
Below is the tribute…
Our Patriarch, Lord Dr. Michael Cosmas Omenugha (Ichie Obama Nnobi), Turns 70
By Nelson Omenugha
July 16: Today, our patriarch, Lord Dr. Michael Cosmas Omenugha (Ichie Obama Nnobi), turns 70. We celebrate not just a birthday, but a life of purpose, sacrifice, service, and enduring impact.
This celebration has been intentionally built around the values and passions that define him. In honour of his lifelong love for football, we commenced the festivities with a week-long novelty football tournament, celebrating the man who founded Omens Football Club, Nnobi, in the 1990s and inspired generations of young people through sports.
To honour his educational roots, we also donated a brand-new library to Community Central Primary School, Nnobi – the very school where his educational journey began – so that many more children can dream, learn, and succeed.
Today, as his children, we had the rare privilege of presenting our father with a live cow. In Igbo culture, the presentation of a live cow is one of the highest expressions of honour, gratitude and reverence. It symbolizes abundance, prosperity, dignity, longevity and profound respect. It is a rare gift traditionally reserved for men and women whose lives have left extraordinary footprints in their families, communities and society.
It was our heartfelt way of saying:“Thank you, Daddy, for your sacrifices, your love, your leadership, and for building a legacy worthy of celebration.”
This gesture was made even more memorable through the generosity of Mr. Elochukwu Mmadubuike (CEO, Rotic Aluminium), Dr. Innocent Ezuma (CEO, ETA-Zuma Abuja), Rt. Hon. Dozie Nwankwo (APGA Anambra Central Senatorial Candidate), Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa (APGA National Chairman), and Engr. Chimaobi Vincent Anene, who each donated a live cow in support of the children’s presentation. We remain deeply grateful for their kindness and solidarity.
Our father’s greatest wealth has never been material possessions, but the countless lives he has continued to transform, the values he continues to instill, and the enduring legacy he is building.
The celebration continues with a Pontifical Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday, July 19, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Nnobi, where we will also give thanks to God for the substantive appointment of our matriarch, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, fnipr, as Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. The Mass will be concelebrated by Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye (Bishop of Ekiti Diocese), Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye (Bishop of Nnewi Diocese), and Most Rev. Thomas Ifeanyichukwu Obiatuegwu (Auxiliary Bishop of Orlu Diocese).
As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we give all glory to God for a life so richly blessed and so generously lived. We pray that the Almighty grants our father many more years in sound health, divine wisdom, and greater fulfilment as he continues to inspire, mentor, and serve humanity.
Happy 70th Birthday, Daddy. Your legacy lives on, and your best years are still ahead.
