Family, Friends, Well Wishers Celebrate Jones Ofunne at 70, As ‘Ada Anioma’ Harps On Divine Grace Of God

By Charlie Nwabardi

It was a massive gathering of friends, associates, old school mates, well-wishers, immediate and extended family members of Dr. Jones Ofunne last Sunday in Asaba, Delta State when they joined him to thank God and celebrate his 70th birthday in a manner that was befitting of his personality.

The event which had begun at Anglican Church, located on Direct Labour Agency Road, with a thanksgiving service was a time for Ofunne to reminisce and reflect on God’s countless blessings upon him. Hence he settled with “God’s Grace” as the theme of his 70th birthday, a testimony of God’s faithfulness upon his life and members of his family.

Speaking on the theme “Grace”, the guest preacher at the event and former lawmaker, Rt. Hon. Joan Onyemaechi explained that divine grace is unmerited favour from God, a spiritual blessing given freely to mankind.”

Anchoring her sermon on Ephesians 2: 8-9, Evangelist Onyemaechi emphasized that since grace is a gift from God, nobody can boast of working for it. However, she was quick to explain that grace does not cover iniquity, rather it is a life of goodness.

She went ahead to categorize grace into three namely: Saving grace, Sanctifying grace and Sustaining grace. However, she was quick to caution that grace can be withdrawn especially when a child of God goes back to his old sinful ways and refuses to repent. She called on those who had not encountered God to acknowledge the grace of God and accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour.

In a subtle personal testimony, she recalled the trials she had gone through and how it was only the grace of God that made her triumph at the end.

Extolling the virtues of the birthday celebrant, the Parish Priest of the Anglican Church; Rev. Canon Peter O.O. Okonji, briefly dwelt on the humble life of Sir Jones Ofunne, describing him as a

father and a true supporter of Kingdom works. Remarkably, he noted that “Ofunne is a man who is not in a hurry in life, a man who waits for his turn.”

The Reverend also lauded Lady Stella Ofunne, currently the Head of Personnel Management (HPM) in Delta State Local Government Ministry, for being a great companion and help mate to her husband Dr. Jones Ofunne.

Interestingly the celebrant is at present, the Executive Secretary, Aniocha South Local Education Authority. Both of them are blessed with children.

In the social activism arena, Jones Ofunne who is popularly called a comrade is a man who has modestly achieved in different spheres with a good record to show for it. Soon after graduating from secondary school,

he had opted for the health sector by first acquiring some education in public health. As a starting point, he
obtained the Royal Society of Health Diploma in Public Health with which he began his career as a Public Health Officer.

Subsequently, he went for a Degree in Health Education at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and later a Master’s degree in Health Planning & Management at the University of Benin. Not satisfied yet with the pursuit of knowledge, Ofunne enrolled for a doctorate degree programme at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a few years later, he graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Health Economics, Policy & Management.

As an activist in the industrial union space, Jones Ofunne had paid his dues beginning with being the State Public Relations Officer of Delta State chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) for two terms, National Deputy President, NULGE also for two terms.

With his motto as service to God and humanity, Ofunne never relents in any sphere. At the community service level, he had also excelled in serving his home town of Ubulu-Uku. At a time, he was the National Public Relations Officer of Ubulu-Uku Development Council, President General of the Council and subsequently the Chairman, Forum of President Generals of Aniocha South Local Government Area. He is widely travelled and over the years one activity or the other had taken him to countries in East and South Africa, Asia, Europe and America.

One of the high points of the Church Service was the Thanksgiving with some ‘substance’ by Ofunne, his family, colleagues and friends.

The birthday celebration later shifted to Ofunne’s private residence located on the same Direct Labour Agency Road, Asaba with a robust reception where guests were lavishly entertained with different culinary items, choice drinks.

In a brief chat with ATLANTICNEWSONLINE,on the sideline of the event, Dr. Ofunne said he used the Theme, “God’s Grace” to celebrate his 70th birthday, as a testimony of God’s faithfulness upon his life and members of his family.

Speaking further, he said that within the 70 years of his life, he has faced challenges but God saw him through. “There were challenges within the past 70 years but the faithful God has seen me through hence this my birthday celebration is tagged celebration of God’s grace”.

“My dear wife and my entire family have been my prop and I can say thank you to my dear wife, Lady Stella Ofune.

” I offer Thanksgiving to God from the bottom of my heart to the Almighty God as I ask Him for more grace to sustain me in the years to come” said Ofunne. He said that he would also remain grateful to his colleagues and friends for finding time to celebrate with him.

The guests were lavishly refreshed while tunes from DJ, FYAZO kept guests nodding and moving their bodies as refreshment went on.

The celebration drew personalities from all walks of life both in Nigeria and in the Diaspora. Who is who from Ubulu Uku, hometown of the Celebrant, Aniocha South, Aniocha North, Delta State and Nigeria were present. They included Hon. Jude Chukwunweike, Chairman, Aniocha South Local Government, Dr. Emma Ejiofor, Dr. Felix Nwokolo, Comrade Patrick Ugbaja, Engr. Johny Ofulue, Barrister Azinge, Hon. Francis Ikezue, Mr and Mrs Emma Okwudili Emordi, Mr. Kingsley Nwani and so on were all there.