Enugu: Members of the College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu, Old Boys Association (CICOBA),, Enugu Branch gathered at the Enugu residence of AIG Alloy Okorie, Rtd on February 14th, 2022 in celebration of his birthday anniversary, as he clocked the biblical three scores and ten.
Indeed, it was a double celebration, as the old boys celebrated the Valentine’s Day with Okorie, who they all referred to as an exceptional old boy and an epitome of love.
In his speech, Dr Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, Chairman, CICOBA, Enugu Branch said that the old boys all gathered to “celebrate an exceptional old boy”
“We’re all gathered here today to celebrate an exceptional old boy. Igwe Alloysius Okorie is a shining example of what an old boy of CIC should be; he is always faithful and always involved in the Association’s activities”
Dr Ogbu – Nwobodo, a former Enugu State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry who was recently appointed as the Managing Director of the Enugu State Investment Board, prayed God to to grant the celebrant more happy returns, till he marks a hundred years.
In his own speech, Chief Azubuike Echetebu, the Branch Vice Chairman and as well Gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Party (APP) in the last Anambra State Governorship Election eulogized AIG Okorie, who is also the Igwe elect of Obe-Agbo Kingdom, Nkanu West LGA of Enugu State for being a father and friend to younger old boys
“Igwe, as we celebrate your 70th birthday today, we appreciate you for being a father and friend to younger old boys”
In his own speech, Engr Stan Udeh, Branch Corporate Welfare Committee (CWC) Chairman and Chairman of the Organizing Committee recalled how the celebrant always made himself available to honour invitations from old boys, irrespective of differences in age or social status
“Igwe honours invitations to attend functions being held by old boys irrespective of differences in age or social status.
“Again, his door is always open to receive any old boy who comes knocking. That is why we are celebrating him today”.
He also explained that his committee has resolved to organize similar celebrations for all members who are seventy years and above, as a way of celebrating them in their lifetime.
In his response, AIG Okorie was full of praises for the old boys of CIC, for honouring him on his 70th birthday.
“I thank the old boys for honouring me on my 70th birthday. I thank God for making me an old boy of CIC. In fact, there are only two colleges, CIC and the rest.
“The best foundation parents can lay for their sons is to ensure that they attend CIC”.
In his vote of thanks, Dr Chukwuani, the Igwe Elect’s Onowu thanked the old boys profusely for honouring his brother and “Igwe”
Highlight of the event was the cutting of the birthday cake and the presentation of a 70th birthday commemorative plaque to the Celebrant with his amiable wife, Lolo Susan Okorie by his side.
Certainly, there is no better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than celebrating with a man who epitomizes Love, a man who believes in sharing his love with all, a fine officer and a gentleman, most importantly, an old boy of CIC whose life exemplifies the college’s motto, “Semper Fidelis”, meaning “Always Faithful”
