By Chika Okorie
Celebration of birthdays reminds people of the passage of time, milestones attained in terms of growth, experiences, and memories as well as the privilege to celebrate the precious gift of life itself.
More often than not, many people mark their birthdays lavishly with a luncheon flanked by friends and family while a few others prefer a solemn assembly to reminisce about the ups and downs of life and re-strategize for greater and positive imprint in the years to come.
Whichever way one marks the womb escape, an incredible humanitarian worthy of emulation, charming in character, giving in intelligence and unassumingly amazing, Hon. Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha who is the Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State sees February 20th annually as not only the day he was born but when he discovered the reason for his existence as postulated by William Barclay.
Brought forth five decades and three years ago by the family of Late Chief Oko Emegha Okoro of Ezi-oji Ameke Ekoli Edda in the present day Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria, the young Stanley as the only son of his mother with a polygamous father had a deep romance with a cavernous poverty that made his childhood experience sour, unpleasant and hapless.
In the course of struggling for survival as a covenant child born to bring succour not only to his family both to a larger society, the ever smiling and talented Emegha acquired education alongside other legally permissible skills that skyrocketed him to where he is today through Divine assistance.
As an industrious and energetic youth who loves to explore all possible and pragmatic avenues to make ends meet, Hon. Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, despite being challenged by abject poverty early in life dusted himself off every impediment that enslaved others and ventured into different types of businesses. For instance as a produce merchant with influence in other trades residence in Abia state, Stanley Okoro Emegha gained popularity with speed because he adopted globally accepted economic transaction ethics.
However, the return to democratic rule in 1999 became another turning point in his life as it provided the needed leverage for the dynamic Emegha to venture into politics following his desires to serve his people selflessly and impact lives positively in a very large scale.
Hon. Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha subsequently due to his cheerful dispositions and sheer determination to legitimately navigate through the pebbles before him enamoured himself to the then governor of Abia State, Dr. Oji Uzor Kalu who became his mentor and role model in the field of politics and qualitative leadership.
Due to his commitment, resilience and resourcefulness in all his assigned responsibilities as the then Coordinator of OUK Actualization Youth Movement, Stanley Okoro Emegha was appointed the Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government Matters in 2005, a prestigious position many thought was an exclusive reserve of the indigenous people of the state.
The unparalleled contributions of the rare gem, extraordinary treasure as well as the enchanting portrait of decency and generosity exhibited by Hon. Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha under OUK spurred the administration of Governor Theodore Oji to re-appoint him as Special Assistant in-charge of Youth Affairs in 2007.
For the love of his people, the self motivated and advocate of the less privileged in 2009, Emegha voluntarily resigned his appointment in Chief Theodore Orji's led administration in Abia State and returned to his home State, Ebonyi to help bring succour to many who wallowed in penury due to ignorance and some other redeemable factors.
The story of how Hon. Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha came to stardom would send goose bumps to even thick skinned people because it wasn't a bed of roses or lap of luxury. He upholds the belief that loyalty to superiors and constituted authorities must be total but promoting welfarism for the common good must not be negotiable.
Determined to fight poverty, the precarious situation that took pounds of flesh out of him as a child, the ever conscious and consummate politician cum leader launched a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) christened "O. Emegha Foundation'. The foundation since its inauguration has contributed immensely in alleviating the plights of the less privileged; women and youths in their thousands. The foundation also awards scholarships to indigent students at different levels of education.
It's no longer news that the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Right Honourable Builder (Dr) Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has buried the galloping ditch between the haves and have-nots through his commendable economic blueprint.
Interestingly enough, Hon. Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha in his little measure is emulating the Governor's gesture by assisting the needy not minding political party inclination or any other considerations.
Through sheer commitment, dedication and dexterity, the highly revered philanthropist, bridge builder, astute administrator and dependable party juggernaut whose ability and wizardry in reconciliatory moves stand tall, Hon. Chief Emegha brought peace to his party and millions of suffering humanity.
Like every other influential person, Emegha has continued to soar higher because of God's infinite mercy which has been sufficient and absolute. The goodwill of people especially good spirited individuals cannot be dismissed too, with special mention of his principal and father, His Excellency Right Honourable Builder (Dr) Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, such has remained indispensable in this journey.
Although the countdown to the 2023 general elections was filled with debilitating experiences for the vanguard of peace and tranquility, but God preserved his life. From December 26th, 2022, Emegha witnessed an avoidable and heinous crime against humanity which many tagged "Edda bloodbath". The barbaric act that swept lives and property worth millions of naira down the drain like a hurricane preceded a ghastly road mishap on February 10th, 2023.
The February 10th experience happened while then Honourable Speaker of the State House of Assembly and Candidate of the APC, now Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Right Honourable (Dr) Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru alongside the duo of Emegha and Ambassador Frank Nchita Ogbuewu were returning from the last Council Area campaigns in Ohaozara. The sight of the incident was horrible but God spared his elect.
A glimpse of the hideous and separate scenarios before his 52nd birthday last year, points to the fact that the APC boss, paragon of wisdom and convivial fellow of impeccable record, Hon. Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha is a man whose palm kernel was cracked by the gods and enjoyed by people of different societal strata.
The charismatic, proactive and versatile leader who is uncompromising in executing the People's Charter of Needs Agenda of his Boss, His Excellency Right Honourable Builder (Dr) Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru would today as an annual ritual, celebrate his 53rd birthday anniversary in the midst of the downtrodden.
The man of the day, Hon. Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha is happily married to his heartbeat and beautiful wife, Stella. The marriage is blessed with amazing children.
Let's join the jolly good fellow who eschews injustice and hatred by appreciating God whose Holy Gaze Has sustained. Also, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru deserves commendations for his fatherly roles in the life of the young and philanthropic Emegha.
53 HEARTY CHEERS AND WISHING YOU MANY BEAUTIFUL EXPERIENCES IN THE YEARS AHEAD, THE INIMITABLE PARTY ADMINISTRATOR AND LEADER!
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