CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GALLANT GRAND FATHER (“NNAAOCHE”)

“The world became bright 90 years ago on the day you were born and your light has shone brighter with each passing year”

Grandpa, you have enriched so many lives and made a powerful impact on everything you have undertaken so far.  You grace our lives with your unconditional love and kindness.  Your consciousness to be punctual at every occasion is worthy of emulation.  As our role model, you teach and guide us to be good children and our aim is to be more like you.  We are always amazed and entertained by the stories you share about your incredible life experiences with us.   

The Lord has blessed you with strong, brave, kingly, noble, gracious, obliging, phenomenal, indulgent, solicitous, smart, brilliant, renowned and charitable personality.  You are disciplined to the core, a philologist, jolly good-dutiful fellow, a voracious reader and a prolific writer with no dull moment.  An astute and very well informed fellow.  A sage, kind to a fault, and above all, a peaceful and God fearing man.  Hmm! You were specially made by your creator!  We look forward to wishing you happy birthdays in the years between 90 and 100th

To one whose spirit is like a new day adorned by the morning dew, we say BRAVO!

Happy many returns to the youngest and strongest 90 year old we have ever seen on earth!  

May God give you healthier and longer life to reap more of the fruits of your labour.

Kaa, Nnaa Oche!

Kaa, Anigo Orie!

Jokwa Onyochiri Oha Ehugbo!

Idike, Okorobia Horii!

We love you dearly and wish to have you as our grandfather in the next world.

From your loving children and grand children, Goddy Oko Oka, Orieotu, Oka, Agwo, Enyoto, Anwara, Chi, Orieoma.

This is a Tribute received from Chief/Bar Michael O. Njoku (KSJI)

The Tribute has been sent in an image document so please select the button to the right to open and read it.

Read the Tribute >

HORII AGWO: A SUBLIME MIND

Chief Gabriel Anigo Agwo [Horii] is a unique creature of God Almighty whose distinctiveness is analogous to the Hindustan Tale: He defies easy description given that he is a man of diverse resplendent parts. Not only is he accomplished in life as a father and a statesman, indeed a legend, he has over the years been an inspiration to a cross- section of the areas, places and people he has traversed and met on the journey of life. He has been the hero of many in my town of birth, Afikpo in particular, ranging from our childhood, youth to middle age. Besides peccadilloes and flaws, associated with all humans in degrees, the story of Chief Agwo reads like one of a gallant soldier in shining armour and unsullied garments.

That was perhaps why I sounded somewhat hyperbolic in my entry in my personal diary on the day, 14th July 2022 when the Association of Nigerian Authors {ANA], Ebonyi state chapter, honoured him with an award. I had enthused, “… among the honorees [awardees] on the occasion was the Elder statesman and notable writer known for his remarkable memoirs My Journey Through Life, whom I was honoured to have been called upon to present the award to. From virtually the lips of all poured forth tributes to Chief Horii Gabriel Agwo for his steadfastness as a principled teacher of teachers, writer, political cum opinion leader who epitomizes what a true Ebonyi elder should be…” [Emphasis is mine]

Perhaps, there may be nothing exceptionally new I would write about Horii here that I did not articulate in my review of his great memoirs on the 17th April 2022 at Afikpo. However, I have chosen here to capture the variegated attributes and footprints of the Elder statesman in the words of the title of this write up: A Sublime Mind. In all of Chief Agwo’s exploits- in the academia as a distinguished teacher, a statesman in the service of community at various levers in Ehugbo, public service and social engagements with regard to humanitarian services to the poor and indigent class, including his excursion into politics, he has come across as selfless, kind, and a man of deep resolve and integrity. In recorded history, it was the classical thinker, Longinus who theorized in great depth the idea of the Sublime, which is the title of his eponymous treatise. He, in a nutshell, defined Sublimity as “the echo of a noble {great} mind.”

A nexus of questions has recurred in basic contemplations of the sublime: What are the features of the Sublime? When does a mind become sublime seeing it is usually encumbered by mundane matters? Is this state attainable by a work of art and other objects of interest? An excerpt from Longinus’ vivid presentation provides persuasive answers to the above questions: “… For a piece is truly great only if it can stand up to repeated examination, and if it is difficult, or rather, impossible to resist its appeal and it remains firmly and ineffaceably in the memory… For when men who differ in their pursuits, their ways of life, their ambitions, their ages, and their languages all think in one and the same way about the same works, then the unanimous judgment, as it were, of men who have so little in common induces a strong and unshakeable faith in the object of admiration.”

You may not like Chief Agwo’s diminutive stature- however; many giants in history were not particularly noted for their Gulliver’s tallness against Lilliputians like Napoleon Bonarparte, Mother Theresa, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Prof. Charles Nnolim, Mr.Ken Sarowiwa, etc.- as he towers above many of his peers and contemporaries in the possession of ‘encyclopedic’ {his popular cognomen} and cerebral mind. You may be averse to his being a stickler for excellence- as he shuns bribery and corruption, is insupportable of mediocrity wherever seen- perhaps because you were born in a society where philistinism and mendacity seem the order of the day. But those who were weaned in the halcyon days on the elevated culture of discipline and hard work sure will applaud the sustenance of these traits by Agwo and people of like mettle.

Agwo has earned his apotheosis in both chronological age {as he turns 90 years of age, a rarity in a morally- dwarfish generation} and mental age, characterized by wisdom, self-restraint, tolerance and hard-boiled intellection. He is by public acclaim, a lover of knowledge, a bibliophile indeed who believes that the robustness of a civilization is contingent on the solidity of the ramparts of education and fear of God. In him is a smooth concatenation of the secular and the spiritual, for he is one of Afikpo’s credible auditors of culture who sift out staid traditional elements from the people’s genuine identity markers in language, cultural and visual entertainment, beliefs and family orientation. Indeed he is a sage of great repute. On a personal note, Chief Agwo was part of the troika of the publisher of Afikpo Today [A high brow News magazine}, Chief Emmanuel Mbeyi and the late Senior correspondent, Chief Lawrence Oko who offered patriotic service to Ebonyi state and beyond when I served as Information Commissioner of the state.

Not on a few occasions did they engage my principal and pioneer Executive Governor of Ebonyi state, Sen. Dr. Sam Egwu in honest conversations concerning the veritable hues of his stewardship. The highly prized pieces hewed from those interactions which are included in the three hefty volumes of the magazine’s iconic publications in decades and adorn a jaunty angle in my library attest to their labour of love for the state. In his service to Afikpo and other places where he worked in his heyday, he set unbeatable records as a genius in teaching, writing, journalism and unsurpassed leadership. Each time I contemplate his impressive record of achievements and contributions to humanity, the image of him that comes through in remarkable regularity is NELSON MANDELA- the prideful face of Africa to the world in perpetuity. Shine on Sir into the twilight zone…

- John Otu, PhD

Celebration of Life: Nna Dede @ 90!

We celebrate life while alive, not the other way round. I am excited with joy to learn that Horri Gabriel A. Agwo has clocked 90 and thus proudly joins the elite Nonagenerian Club, hale and hearty, bubbling with all vivaciousness in good health and longevity!

I congratulate you, sir, on the attainment of this highly cherished age, in ego integrity!

It is Jehovah's doing. True to God's Word, the Bible, eternity God has put in the hearts of men (Ecclesiastes 3:11). God did not purpose man to die but to live everlasting life on a paradise earth. That purpose, in spite of man's rebellion at the garden of Eden by listening to the voice of a stranger, has not been set aside, for the Omniscient God, a personification of Love, marshalled out a grand plan to restore man's grandeur to life everlasting on earth (Genesis 3:15; Psalm 37:29; John 3:16).

We rejoice with you my elder brother and friend, (the friendship that existed between David and Jonathan, true love, which age disparity (of 30) did not nullify)!

We are happy with you, nna Dede, on this occasion and quintessential age; we associate and identify with you at all times as our man of the people.

May Jehovah God continue to shower you with pleasant health status for many many many more years to come, for we need you. 

I shower encomium at you, a true celebration of live, which you deserve, for I would not do so at somebody's threshold of eternity of the Great Beyond!

Nna Dede, tokwuhu!

My elder brother, deje n!

My fellow Great Lion, ride on!

My fellow Alvanite, idi m oyii!

My fellow teacher of teachers, alaa n!

My fellow elite member of the Den, continue, unrelenting, to restore the dignity of man!

Jookwa sir!!!

Dr. Ngozi  Anyachonkeya

Akani Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana

On the occasion of your 90th birthday, I wish to join a host of family and friends to felicitate with you on this happy moment in your life.

Ninety is a special milestone which only the strong can attain.

It is a divine gift and I give God all the glory who makes all things beautiful on his own terms.

I admire your simplicity and grace, as well as your relationship with all people, high and low.

In good and in bad times, you are there to identify with your own people who you dearly love.

Your literary prowess and sense of history with in depth knowledge of Ehugbo culture is so amazing.

And your attention to details cannot simply be over looked.

Your scripts have served a reference point to so many who seek knowledge especially in Ehugbo culture and tradition.

We cannot have enough of you, papa.

And I pray to Almighty God to continue to bless you with many more happy years in good health and vitality as always.

Cheers Horii Chief G.A Agwo!

Happy birthday Pa Anigo Agwo

From Rosemary Anwara & Family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY THREE IN ONE

I cannot talk about my life without your name appearing as a recuring decimal. You have been there for me as my service provider extra ordinary.

Your life has always been a life of service to all that come around you.

As a small child, I knew you as my grand father

Growing up, I learnt you are my uncle

But my actual experience in life presents you as my father, for all a son should get from a father I got from you except your name. I am blessed to have you as my Three In One.

As we rejoice celebrating your 90th Birthday, I pray the good Lord to bless and keep you stronger to pass a Century. May you keep on growing younger. May your memory remain sharp for further consultations. I owe you a lot and you will enjoy my wealth while you are healthy and strong.

 May you experience laughter everyday of your life. We will always live our life to make you proud.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ONYOCHIRI OHA EHUGBO!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUPER CONSULTANT!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY THREE IN ONE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OKE NNA!

EMMANUEL IDAM OKO

(AGALA)

For PAPA, Horii Gabriel Anigo Agwo @ 90, from your ‘Daughter', as he refers to me, Ezonebi.

The Story of a PERSONALIZED UGBUGBO'.

One day, I received a gift from Papa. It was a beautiful piece of art work, (as far as I could see). It had my name engraved on it. I promptly displayed it on my coffee table in my living room.

Then I was told it is actually an article for use in the kitchen to cut vegetables!!!! Papa...only Papa would do such a lovely thing. As for me, I resolved not to cut up any vegetable on such a rare gift. So, that is the story. This story tells you a little of the kind of person Papa is.

Our dear Papa, it's an honour and a privilege for me to put these words in writing. You are a noble man, kind and cheerful. I can 'see' the smile on your  face when I speak with you on the phone. Honestly,  Papa accepted me and made me a Daughter from the first time I spoke with him.

I can see Papa's values in his children - calm, patient, friendly, with no airs??? Humble, generous, accommodating, warm, ever ready to give more than an arm and a leg.  Papa is a man of faith and this is also another value he has given his children.

He would call and check up on us.

I pray that God gives him more years for us all to continue to drink from his wisdom.

Very warm regards, sir.

Ezonebi Blessing Azorbo.

Tribute to Chief Horii Gabriel Anigo Agwo at 90!

Hurray! Glory be to God! Our cherished and Dear Horii Gabriel Anigo Agwo is four scores and ten years old. We hail and immensely thank Lord God Almighty for mercifully, amongst multiple other reasons, blessed our dear Horii with longevity, peace of mind, joy and good health. Our beloved Chief’s eyes and hearing etc, are not, and by God’s grace, will not be dim, nor will any of his natural vigour diminish.

THE family remain more thankful to God, as Horii Gabriel will soonest, be traditionally compelled to say bye bye to the highly respected traditional yellow cap adorned 'HORII AGE GROUP'. By tradition, with immense gratitude to the Lord, he will be compulsorily, but joyfully, upgraded to the prestigious "90 years to as it pleases the Lord" coveted BLACK CAP ADORNED new age group, "THE RIKWERI"

Precisely, on 20th Jan 1933, our revered Chief Anigo Agwo was peacefully birthed, parented by Ma Orie Otu and Pa Agwo Anigo, popularly known as Nwata Anigo. Anigo Agwo, the great son of Ibe Okwu! Understanding, progress and goodness have been some of the remarkable outcomes, ever since baby Gabriel, proudly announced with characteristic new-born baby shrieking outcry of “I have safely arrived, I am here with you my brethren” - the good people of Ezi Agwo in Amaha-Amaizu village, Ehugbo, Afikpo North LGA of Ebonyi State. Amaizu community, since then, with pride and joy witnessed, noted and confirmed a bright rising star in their midst in the firmament of education. To sum it up, in the eyes of his relatives, friends and contemporaries, Gabriel was a divinely ordained educationist, teacher, instructor and motivator and indeed a pride to their larger community.

Over a 70 year period, Horii Gabriel Anigo Agwo’s imbibed hard work, training and retraining, and adequately equipped and diligently dedicated himself to teaching, tutoring, mentoring and upbringing of the younger generation. He taught at all levels, repeat at ALL LEVELS! in educational institutions. From Primary Schools to Secondary, Post Primary/Secondary to tertiary institutions, both in High Teachers Training Institutions to Universities, including Post Graduate Courses and Studies.

Customarily to this calibre of high class quality educationist, Chief Agwo is a no-pie disciplinarian, highly cultured, dedicated and committed to the ways of God. He has championed and chaired many landmark Christian activities especially within the Roman Catholic Missionary fold.

Horii has cheerfully served either as the Sole or Chief Administrator, or participated in the administration of several institutions. An authority in culture and Igbo traditions, the motivational speaking Horii has authored and co-authored many books, some of which are adopted and approved as text books in Institutions.

He commands respect and is well revered by his colleagues and contemporaries. He had over the years, schooled, taught and mentored Nigerians who became eminent personalities in various professions. Personalities who rose to become State Governors, Federal Ministers, Prominent Senators, Federal & State Legislators, High Judicial Officers, Senior Military Officers etc.

The Chief is well appreciated, recognized and applauded by his peers and most of his former pupils/students and educational benefactors. Horii certainly derives a lot of joy and satisfaction, whenever a highly regarded personality identifies him, walks up and introduces him/herself to their beloved tutor ‘Agwo’.

Our families are closely bonded in love by the over 24 years of marriage of his son Austin and my daughter Furo, our lovely God fearing children.

Bravo! Chief Horii Gabriel Anigo Agwo, a teacher’s teacher, a tutor’s tutor, a lecturer’s lecturer, who has acquired nobility and become a reference point in Schools’ Administration.

Chief Rufus Ada George

Peripelebo Kirikise of Okrika

home page