PROF. BARTH NNAJI MARKS 70TH BIRTHDAY WITH THANKSGIVING, COMMUNITY PROJECTS
The grand finale of activities marking the 70th birthday of renowned engineer, entrepreneur and former Minister of Power, Professor Bartholomew Okechukwu Nnaji, has been held in Enugu State.
The celebration featured a thanksgiving Mass, and the inauguration of landmark community development projects and glowing tributes to man widely acknowledged for his contributions to engineering, education, innovation and Nigeria’s power sector.
It was a day of gratitude, celebration and reflection as family members, friends, associates and dignitaries gathered to honour one of Nigeria’s foremost engineers and industrialists, Professor Bartholomew Nnaji, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
The celebration commenced with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Umuode, in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Reverend Callistus Onaga.
Preaching the sermon at the service, a renowned Catholic priest, scholar and development expert, Professor Obiora Ike described Professor Nnaji as a man whose life has been defined by integrity, excellence and selfless service to humanity.
He urged Christians, especially leaders in public and private life, to emulate the celebrant’s commitment to hard work, humility and philanthropy.
The thanksgiving service attracted an array of Catholic bishops, priests and religious leaders, including the Bishop Emeritus of Enugu Diocese, Most Reverend Anthony Okonkwo Gbuji, alongside political leaders, captains of industry, academics, traditional rulers, business associates and well-wishers from different parts of the country.
The celebration later shifted to the Umuode community where Professor Nnaji formally unveiled the Echeribe Biodiversity Park, an ambitious environmental conservation initiative aimed at preserving indigenous plant and animal species.
It also featured the inauguration of a Solar-Powered Information Technology Laboratory and E-Library, equipped to provide access to computers, internet connectivity, electronic learning resources and digital research tools.
Guests and dignitaries who spoke at the event described the projects as practical investments in human capital development and sustainable community growth.
The atmosphere was further enlivened by colourful cultural displays, traditional music, dance performances.
The event was indeed a celebration of a man whose life continues to shape lives, communities and institutions across Nigeria.
