Ambrose George Ugwu.
By Collins Ugwu
My Heartfelt and Sincere birthday applauses to an amazing friend and brother, whose dreams became his realities, and whose gratitude to God and humanity have remained a sparkling emblem of faith in service, devotion and purpose. Named Ambrose George Ugwu, and birthed same year as yours truly, this amazing son of Imilike Town, a serene suburb in Nsukka cultural zone, also gave Enugu State and Nigeria, the irrepressible apostolic revelation, Rev. Prof. Godfrey Onah, the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese. Ambrose, who never missed morning Mass since I know him in 1976, at our then virgin Alma Mater, Boys Secondary School Aku, is beginning another incredible year of love and fulfillment in his journey of life’s adventure, frills and peels. He deserves every bit of it and more really.
More popularly known as “Amboy” for his permanent zest as a youth at heart, this my Man of Today, so early in life, cultivated faith in God, and domesticated personal modesty as his signature byline. We actually took it for too much pretence at that age of riotous exuberance and intentional mischiefs. But “Ojiofor Ga Ana” (One with God will triumph), a name he later added as response whenever you tickle him with Amboy, made me pause to review my assessment as we matured in friendship seamlessly. For him, every step, everyday, at all moments, are God’s gifts and perfect designs in pain or comfort. And today by God’s perfection and mercy, he serves as the Registrar of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) and Secretary to the Council, Congregation and Convocation.
He is essentially a born and bred, Made in ESUT and for ESUT, professionally and careerwise. He rose through the labyrinth of that great citadel as a rank and file junior staff, student, senior staff, promotions, and now the Registrar, to earn his typical portrait of grace unusual. Beautifully too, the blessings of God that add no sorrow, enlarged his coast with a wife he met there, and harvested without looking back. That young capture as a student then, has become “Ugegbe Amboy”, (Amboy’s Mirror), the restless mother of their nations, and proudly now, Dr. (Mrs.) Chinenye Ugwu, a lecturer in the Political Science Department of same University. So our birthday Amboy, has had it, seen it, and kept giving his all to a school that has made him proud, grateful happy and accomplished.
So on this his birthday as always, I’m grateful to celebrate our friendship and the memories we’ve shared and nurtured, years of tested brotherhood and unforgettable moments. A true confidant and partner in joy and stress, close or far. Happy birthday to an incredible individual who brings so much love into life and relationships without ill will or malice.
More wins my favorite brother, whose store house of laughter and celebrations must remain endless bliss and grace, as you age wiser and better.
At this glorious and vibrant three score and three today, it’s still morning and shining for you, because the humble nectar of accommodation and compassion you are to so many, will ensure that your awesome charity of heart, is safe by their daily prayers and testimonies.
You will achieve more greatness by the sceptre of His anointing to lift your dreams and sustain your passion to be there for your family and community.
To another year of growth, learning, increase and dedication, I join many others to toast for abundant good health in your new year, with every excitement I have, and all unction of the spiritual that hear me.
Happy birthday, dear Amboy.
Collins Steve Ugwu is Director of Communications, Aka Ikenga, the Igbo Think-Tank.
