Former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Afenifere Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; and the Obi of Onistha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, have eulogised the humanity and virtuous lifestyle of a former President-General of Pan-Igbo umbrella organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Nnia Nwodo.

Obasanjo spoke yesterday during a church service to mark the 70th birthday and colloquium of the former Minister of Information at St. Mulumba’s Catholic Church, New Haven, Enugu.

He noted that “the age of a man does not matter much” as to his achievements and contributions to humanity.

“The life of a man really begins at 70.

“It is not the number of years you spend here on Earth, the most important thing is your positive contributions to humanity and God,” he said.

Obasanjo prayed God to continue to guide the celebrant as he continues to make positive contributions to development and unity of the country.

Pa Adebanjo also extolled Nwodo’s uncommon trait of building bridges and friendships across the country.

The Afenifere leader noted that Nwodo stood out for peace and equity of all parts and ethnicity of the country, saying he had done so by words and vivid actions.

“I congratulate him for his love for humanity and progress of everybody he comes across. We thank God for his life,” he said.

Igwe Achebe said Nwodo remained a man of many parts, having contributed so much to various fields of human endeavour and community development.

The monarch described the former minister as “a great nation builder and an outstanding bridge builder” who had continued to see all Nigerians as one and the same family.

“I pray that God will continue to grant him good health and drive to accomplish all He had set out to use Nwodo to achieve for our great nation,” he said.

In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Doicese, Most Rev. Geoffrey Onah, noted that God, at no time, does not limit the age of men but “it is our sinful nature that brought us to this limitation”.

He added: “However, long years do not make life honourable but wisdom and fear of God.

“Age is about your investment in doing good, extending positive tidings to others and spreading your daily work towards the common good of all.”

In a vote of thanks, Nwodo thanked those who came from various parts of the country to grace the thanksgiving service, attend the colloquium and launch his book, titled: John Nnia Nwodo: Great Speeches.

He said his 70th birthday came at a time that the country was at a crossroads of change and value re-orientation towards national progress and true unity.

Highlights of the service were the special thanksgiving by the Nwodo family on behalf of the celebrant and a special Papal blessing from Pope Francis on Nwodo.