My position is grace not merit, says Ikwuano Dpty Mayor Awuwa, as he Holds Thanksgiving
*Awuwa, a square peg in a square hole- House member Isienyi
By Charity Uwakwe
All roads led to Iberenta, in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, the home town of the Deputy Mayor of the council, Hon. Lucky Awuwa, yesterday, Sunday, January 12, 2024, as he held a thanksgiving service at The Apostolic Church Nigeria.
It was indeed a seemingly moment of endless praise in the presence of God, as the Deputy Mayor, alongside the member representing Ikwuano State Constituency of Abia State, Hon. Engr. Boniface Isienyi, Dr. Anthony Nwaubani, the Mayor of Ikwuano LGA, Hon. Emma Nwaka, a prominent son of Ikwuano, Hon. Osinachi Nwaka, the immediate past Mayor and other well meaning sons and daughters of the council, sang and danced in utter jubilation.
Famous Reporters reports that Awuwa and his superior, Nwaubani were elected the Mayor and deputy Mayor of Ikwuano Local Government Area, on November 2, 2024, under the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, the Executive Governor of the State.
According to emotionally ladden Awuwa, the Almighty God remembered him when he had almost thrown in the towel, thus elevating him to the position of the Deputy Mayor of Ikwuano council, during the November, 2024 Local Government Area election in Abia State.
Addressing the congregation, the deputy Mayor said;
“My family and I are here today to return all the glory to God Almighty who remembered us when all hope was lost.”
Awuwa reiterated that he was motivated by the biblical story of the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus Christ as recorded in the Holy Bible, hence his decision to gather his family, friends, loved ones and well-wishers to thank God.
Hear him: “My motivation to hold this thanksgiving is this; the Bible made me understand that Jesus healed 10 Lepers, 9 went away, rejoicing on their own, lacking gratitude but only one went back to the master to show his gratitude. So, I decided that my family and I would go to the presence of God to say thank you.
“That I was elected the Deputy Mayor of Ikwuano was not man’s making, it was divine. God came in when my strength failed; God did it when I became helpless and hopeless. As a human being, I was weak and I was about to give up but He remembered me. I remain grateful unto God. The moment I was rejoicing that I had been elected, my elder sister here, Dr. Starry Chidimma was decorated with a Doctorate Degree (PhD). Praise the Lord!!”
Continuing, he said: “That little family of Awuwa Lucky that was rejected, neglected and relegated, today, people can hear about us”, he added.
He used the medium to express profound gratitude to the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, the House House of Assembly member for Ikwuano State Constituency, and the entire Ikwuano Local Government.
“My sincere appreciation goes to the Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti who remembered me. This is 10 to 11 years since I’ve come to know the Governor. I remember in 2023 when people were calling me from different places saying, Lucky, I thought you knew the Governor and I answered them, saying that I was waiting for God’s time. And when God’s set time arrived, He showed up in my favour.
Recounting the tremendous goodness of God in his life which he pointed out could be traced to his birth, he said; “I was the first male child that survived in this hospital and when I was born, the owner of the hospital named me Lucky while my father called me Chibuike and since then, God has remained my source of power and strength.
“What God did for my family and me, our mouths cannot say it all. We remained faithful, prayerful and steadfast unto him, believing that he would do it. The bible said though it may tarry, but God’s plan must surely come to pass. When God’s time comes in your life, nothing stops it. Everyone’s time awaits him. It is my time to shine; it is your time to shine; only if you believe. There is nothing too difficult for him to do. He remembers the forgotten and lifts the poor from the dungeon to the throne.”
He, therefore, admonished the congregation and youths in general to be diligent in their service to God, saying, “if you want to serve God, serve Him diligently. He’s the rewarder of those that diligently seek Him and he doesn’t disappoint.
Moreso, the illustrious son of late Pastor Awuwa of Iberenta, who recalled his late father’s undeterred stewardship during his lifetime, charged believers to remain resolute and unyielding in their belief and walk with God, assuring that the Lord Almighty who remembered him and his family would always come through for them.
Fielding questions from journalists, Awuwa amidst euphoria, posited that his present position was not by merit, rather a glaring proof of God’s mercy, grace and divine favour.
In his words: “I’m just celebrating God; thanking God for what he has done for my family and me. I occupy a position I do not merit
He urged other youths to imbibe the attributes of patience, consistency and loyalty, saying it is the key to success in life, politics inclusive, while assuring the people of Ikwuano of effective representation.
Responding, the member representing Ikwuano State Constituency, Hon. (Engr.) Boniface Isienyi thanked God for elevating Awuwa, as well His benefits as seen in the entire family.
“I am very elated and I want to thank God for elevating Awuwa. I always tell him not to thank me but accord all the
glory to God Almighty. I tell him that no one is worthy to take the glory of God upon your head. It was God who remembered your family be when your family was praying, his prayers were banking and waiting for manifestation. Please, don’t try to see me as your God; don’t bring me in contention with God. I’m happy for him today. Several times, I met him praying with his wife and I continued to encourage them, reminding them that prayer solves all things. And today, it has manifested. So, I am happy and I pray for more lifting.
“Let me tell you, your contact will fail you, your money will fail you. So, take God seriously. “
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Isienyi who could not dissemble his intense joy, described Awuwa as an epitome of humility and loyalty, noting that he is ‘a square peg in a square hole”.
“He’s a big man now, he’s now the deputy chairman of the local government.
I’m so happy to be here today. I’m so elated to see Awuwa where he is today. I so much thank God.
Awuwa is a humble servant, and I am certain that he’ll work well with his chairman. He’s a good guy and his hunger for service is second to none and he’ll serve diligently. Ikwuano will be happy with him.
Asked how he felt working with Awuwa prior to the latter’s elevation, Isienyi said:
“He’s a wonderful guy to work with. He is very tolerant and full of inspiration.
On whether Awuwa is driven by money, Isienyi, with a sharp rebuff, dismissed the idea, describing the former as a true servant who puts service first with little or zero quest for money, but, however, described Awuwa as a man who would not give into intimidation or victimisation whatsoever.
“No, no! He’s not interested in money at all. But, do not trample on his right because he knew his onus.
Collaborating, Dr. Starry Awuwa, who has just recently bagged a Doctorate Degree (PhD.) from one of the prestigious Universities, amidst euphoria thanked God for lifting up their family and giving them a new name, as he advised the congregation to remain consistent and unwavering in their service and belief in God.
Meanwhile, attendance at the event were the Mayor of Ikwuano Local Government Area, Dr. Anthony Nwaubani; former Mayor Osinachi Nwaka
Hon. Chief Charles Ugboaja;
Hon. Emma Nwaka; Dr. Okoro Osike, Rector of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic;
and Chief Chinedu Nwoke Oriuwa, among others.
