Snippets from Pastor Luke Okpuruka’s 70th bash in Port Harcourt | How his 3 Pretty daughters shocked him with N10m Ford Explorer 2016 Model Car

Baba sharing toast with his lovely wife, Madam Lovina Chile Okpuruka

It is often said that there are three
major days in a man’s life—the day he is born, the day he gets married and
then, the day he bids the earth goodbye. But truth remains that there are
several other equally important days in a man’s life that all add up to a life
worth living among which would be the day children are born to him as well as
the day he records some grand breaking academic achievements.

Also, his first big break in life and
several big breaks afterwards are undoubtedly significant days of celebration and
the next sets of celebration days are mile stone birthday anniversaries that
reminds him just how far he has come in life, how much he has achieved and how
grateful he should be for all that providence has blessed him with.
It was one such days of tremendous
significant, pure joy, immense gratitude; unreserved thanksgiving and of
delightful reflection on the goodness of God that unfolded on Saturday April
16, 2016 in far away  Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Southern Nigeria as elder statesman and man of God, Pastor Luke Chukwumaeze Madukwem Okpuruka
clocked the septuagenarian age of 70.

Pastor Okpuruka, a Redeemed Christian Church of
God
Pastor and comforter of Widows in Port
Harcourt
city (He runs a Widow care giving NGO alongside his wife Lady Evangelist Lovena Chile Okpuruka)
relished the special occasion with his family, relations, guests from all walks
of life and well-wishers.  The event took
place at The Grace Place by Evo Road, Port Harcourt GRA.  
 The peak of the event was when the pastor’s
three lovely daughters and their spouses presented a brand new Ford Explorer Jeep (2016 Model) car to
the celebrant. The Obowo, Imo State born ex-NITEL executive burst
into a stream of joyful tears as he received the key of the very inspiring gift
from his daughters at the GRACE PLACE venue of the birthday party; it was his
most inspiring moment in life and it happened in the presence of the large
gathering of guests and well-wishers who congregated to celebrate Baba @ 70.
Your Africa’s number 1 Celebrity
Encounter Blog, Asabeafrika was official
blog for the event. Today, we finally bring to you behind-the-scene snippets
from the historic event after series of videos on our youtube channel
(www/GbengadanAsabe/Youtube)
Enjoy the excerpts.

Ma Lovina’s Nkem shows affection to ‘His Choice’ Lovina Okpuruka

Untold Story of the “Birthday Boy”
You will
never know that the clergy man was once a war veteran until you read through
his short biography. Another thing his profile will reveal to you is that
despite the fact that he hails from Obowo,
Imo State
in South Eastern
Nigeria, Pa Okpuruka is a Rivers man by birth and
socialization. 
He was born
on 16th of April 1946 at Elelenwa in Obio-Akpo LGA of Rivers State, to Mr. Johnson Madukwem Okpuruka
and Mrs.
Becky Ochanyauwa Okpuruka
both of Umuosimaku Umokeh in Obowo LGA of Imo State.
Baba had his
pre-primary education firstly in Saint Luke’s Anglican School Akpaja Eleme
in Rivers State where he read up to the then Nursery
2
.
His father brought him back to the village and registered him in C.K.S
Umokeh
for his Primary Education proper. In the school he studied up to
the then Standard One. His father later sent him to stay with an uncle
(Dad’s younger brother) Mr. Edmund Okpuruka in Port
Harcourt,
who put Luke in St. Andrew Anglican School,
Diobu,
where he started from Standard Six
in 1961, when he wrote his first school leaving certificate examination.

Celebrant’s only sister, Madam Chinyere Ezeogu

…And Luke joined the Army…
He got
administered to Ife Grammar School Ezinhitte Mbaise where he read the
then Secondary Class One to Secondary Class five from 1962 to 1967 when he
joined the Biafran Army at the breaking of the 1967-1970 Nigerian
Civil War
. He enlisted in the Biafran Commandoes and later in the S-Division of that army.
After the
War, Pa
Okpuruka
stayed briefly in Aba from where he went to Enugu. He lived briefly in Enugu before moving to Lagos. Despite the post-war era
challenges, the ex-Biafra War veteran had to get jobs in Lagos, God granted Luke
favor with which he got a clerical job in the then Government Coastal Agency (G.C.A.) Apapa Lagos. In his first year of service in GCA, he passed the
agency’s promotion examination for his grade, with acceleration by the reason
of this success; he was skyrocketed from Coastal Assistant grade III to Coastal
Assistant
Grade I.  In December 1974, he was transferred to GCA
Kano
to head the documentation section of the Agency in Kano.
From GCA
Kano
he moved over to the Federal Ministry of Aviation, Lagos
which sent him on aviation training at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Training Center
(N.C.A.T.C.), Zaria in Kaduna State.
After his
training in the NCATC, Zaria, he got a job in the then Nigeria
External
Telecommunications (N.E.T.) Lagos where he worked for few years
before he requested for transfer to the Port Harcourt branch of the company.
He worked in NET Port Harcourt till the merger of NET and the defunct P&T to give birth to the Nigeria
Telecommunications Limited
(NITEL). He worked in NITEL till January 2004
when he voluntarily retired from the company and the service of the Federal
Government.

Baba’s
Son-In-Law, Pastor Emmanuel Okolo of RCCG, Bayelsa Province 1 with host
Pastor, Edisomi Opokiti of RCCG, Chapel of Testimony, Rivers State

…And Luke joined God’s Army
Before his
retirement, Pastor Luke Okpuruka registered
two private enterprises, namely; Luke Chuma Enterprises Nigeria and Chuma-Chill
Enterprises Nigeria
with the intention to go into business on
retirement but surprisingly God, who controls the affairs of his people from
heaven, called him and asked him to go into ministry work. He said God
specifically asked him to go to the Bible College at Akpaja in
Eleme
. After about six months of feet dragging, he reluctantly obeyed
and registered in the college for Diploma
in the theology.
He read this course for three years and graduated on.
After his graduation, he parted ways with his old church, Redemption Ministry and pitched tent with the Redeemed Christian Church
of God
where he is now a minister especially in the area of
philanthropic evangelism.
Pastor Luke Okpuruka is married to Lady Evangelist (Mrs.) Lovina
Chile
Okpuruka.
Their
marriage is blessed with three loving daughters namely, Adaku, Kelechi and Chinasa all of who are happily married.
The union had two unfortunate accidents of the loss of two sons at infant age.
However, the good Lord has replaced them with two loving sons in the person of Godswill
 Okpuruka and Favour Okpuruka.

Head
Pastor, Christ Followers Sanctuary, Portharcourt, Pastor Ikponmwosa
Ehogie with his pretty wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Ehiogie

The Event
The
Celebration of 70th birthday of Pastor Luke Chukwumaeze Okpuruka
started with arrival of guests from all walks of life into the Garden city of Port
Harcourt
a day before the event. 
The guests who came from major cities like Lagos, Abuja, Yenagoa
and from Britain and America all settled into the Garden City of Port Harcourt on Friday
15th 2016. Despite the high cost of accommodation in major hotels
and guest houses in Port Harcourt as a result of the ravaging petrol scarcity
(At the time), guests defied the economic situation to book major hotels in the
GRA area of Rivers State capital especially on Evo
Road
where the venue of event is situated. Majority of the guests were
Pastors from various provinces of Redeemed Christian Church of God
in the Southern part of Nigeria; politicians, expatriates, old staff of NITEL,
journalists and entrepreneurs.

Baba’s Son-In-Law and Redeemed Pastor, Emmanuel Okolo welcoming guests to the occassion

The Venue
The event
took place at The Grace Place on Evo Road adjacent one of the famous Port
Harcourt
based Super Market chains, Pepperoni. The external
side of the venue was well manned by a team of security personnel ranging from
Mobile Police men, members of secret services and other security agents. The
security for the event was provided by Baba’s in-laws who are all big boys. On
arrival, a red carpet section awaits dignitaries. The Red Carpet section of the
venue had the celebrant’s banner showing him in various traditional attires and
English suits, spiced with the dominant message of the occasion “Celebrating life @ 70”. Many dignitaries took pictures and had video interviews from
local Television Stations on the red carpet section of the venue
before they were ushered into the magnificent hall which was designed in a
banquet tradition for the ceremony. Inside the hall which has 1000 seats for
guests is the big stage designed in Glo colors of light green and white
with a dominant picture of the celebrant at the middle. Most of the seats were
tagged with the names of different groups both from the church, family,
corporate Nigeria, ex-staff of NITEL and NNPC and many other organizations
related to the celebrant, his in-laws, wife, in-laws and daughters.  The interior of the venue is said to be
designed by the celebrant’s second daughter, Mrs. Kelechi Anya who
runs an event firm in Port Harcourt.  The Grace Place according to very
reliable sources also serves as the Worship Venue for The Redeemed Christian
Church of God
,
Chapel of
Testimony
Port Harcourt under
the leadership of Pastor Edisemi Opokiti who was also at the occasion with some
of his members.  Oweifa Famous an
executive of the Bayelsa State Government was the Master of Ceremony.   
Celebrant’s 7 Grand Kids entertaining Guests with series of birthday and other anthems
Meet Baba’s most hardworking Son
in-law
This
handsome chap worked so hard likewise his beautiful wife that many arriving guests
took note of him. At first, many taught he was one of the pack boys at the
venue as he worked on all the gift items from a small room at the reception
side of the venue. His name is Mr. Uzoma
Iwuagwu
the Chief Executive Officer of Maconi Logistic and Engineering Ltd.
 The young and dynamic man is also on the
board of other companies where he is occupying same position. This handsome and
unassuming Imo born business man is married to Baba’s second daughter, now
Mrs. Chinasa Iwuagwu (Nee Okpuruka).
Unconfirmed report has it that his pretty wife (Baba’s third daughter is the DMD
of Alvis
and Hue Ltd
.
While he worked on re-packaging of gift items, his wife
was at the gate welcoming guests unto the red carpet and ensuring the ushers led
them to their various seat arenas.  What
a very humble couple?
Daddy & Mummy in a rare pose on the red carpet
Meet Baba’s 5 Lucky children
5 is the number of grace and the
celebrant is blessed with 5 lovely children with 3 ladies making the first set
namely Adaku who is married to Pastor Emmanuel Okolo, a top
Redeemed
Christian Church of God Pastor in Bayelsa State. She is equally an assistant Pastor and business
woman. The second one is Kelechi who is married to Engineer Sam Anya, a top Engineer and
business man in Rivers State.  The last
girl of the house Chinasa is married
to big boy, Uzoma Iwuagwu, MD/CEO Maconi
Engineering and Logistic Company
. The two boys who are still young are Godswill
Okpuruka
and Favour Okpuruka.  They are born by his pretty wife, Lady
Evangelist (Mrs.) Lovina Chile Okpuruka
.
Celebrant’s son, Godswill Okpuruka reading Dad’s Biography
What you don’t know about Baba’s wife
of 39 years
Her name is Lady
Evangelist Lovina Chile OKpuruka
(Nee
Ibe
), she is the pretty wife of Pastor Luke Chukwumaeze Okpuruka and
mother of his 5 lovely children. The two hail from same Obowo LGA of Imo
State
. They both married at the Anglican Church 39 years ago. Both Luke and Lovina have so many things in common; apart from sharing same
initials LC (Luke Chukwumaeze
and Lovina Chile) the veteran couple also has pet names for each other. While Papa
calls Mama “My Choice”, Mama equally calls him “Nkem”
(Mine). Their identical initials is said to surprise so many people who know
the two coupled with how both of them share their love life in public. That is
one aspect of their lives that has made many couple to learn so much from the
two.  Mama, like Papa, is
equally a retired Civil Servant; she worked for 26 years at Nigeria’s oil
corporation, NNPC before she retired couple of years back. Mama was
initially at the Research and Development group of NNPC, Port
Harcourt
zonal office before she was redeployed to Port Harcourt refinery
where she worked until God called her to start helping the widows. She later
joined a Christian Charity Group called Christian Help Outreach where she
worked as the Director of Widows. Lovina (Luke’s Choice) and her Nkem today run a Non Governmental
Organization called Widows Family Care Ministry where she held sway as the “Director
of Widows
and Orphans”. Mama is said to know how to equally cook Papa’s
favorite Pepper Soup with fresh fish and Akamu
meal; the reason why their marriage and love life is thick till date.  They arrived the venue in their old Nissan
Jeep oblivious of what their successful kids had planned for them. 
Pastors and Leaders of Redeemed Christian Church of God in Rivers State welcomes the celebrant to his 70th bash
Meet Baba’s 7 Grand kids…
Seven is a
number of luck and at 70 one couldn’t be luckier than Pastor Luke Okpuruka
who had his 7 grand children surround him on his celebration table.  Let’s tell you who gave Baba more grand
children among his three lovely daughters; they are Miss Samuela Sam-Anya, Master
Joseph Sam
Anya and Master Jeptha Sam Anya, all children of
Baba’s second daughter, Mrs. Kelechi Sam
Anya
. Others are Master Joshua Okolo
and Master Samuel Okolo all sons of
Baba’s first daughter, Mrs. Adaku Okolo.
We equally have Master Jaden Iwuagwu and Master Jamin Iwuagwu, sons of Baba’s pretty third daughter, Mrs. Chinasa Iwuagwu. They all rendered
a 15 minutes song and entertainment session at the event for their grand dad to
the admiration of guests and well-wishers. Mrs. Kelechi Anya won the award of
the one who gave dad more grand kids than the others.
Gift Loveday aka MC Aproko, the Comedian who tried breaking people’s jaws with his comedy
Meet Baba’s Son-in-law who has twins
This Port
Harcourt
big boy and Baba Ibeji is Engineer Sam Anya who invited some of the most influential Port
Harcourt
business men to the event. He is married to Baba’s second
daughter, Kelechi. His two lovely boys Joseph and
Jeptha
are twins. They came
after Samuela, his first child (A girl).
Celebrants’ grand kids warming up to give GrandPa a ‘Laughtime’ for his money
Meet Baba’s only sister
Her name is Mrs.
Chinyere Ezeogu
, a retired teacher and mother of three. Chinyere
Ezeogu
is said to be the only woman who grew with Pastor Luke Chukwumaeze
Okpuruka
while growing in his family. She was at the event with her
three lovely children Uche, Chibuike and Ifeoma
Kayla
an Airtel Executive
who is also a musician in the making.  Kayla rendered a birthday song for her
Uncle during the celebration.
One
of the Widows on the Celebrant’s NGO careline, Mummy Imoni giving
testimony to the good deeds of the celebrant as a kind giver
Baba’s only brother too…
Another
important family member that was at the event was Pa Ezekiel Asinobi Okpuruka
who is celebrant’s immediate younger and only blood brother as their
late mum had just the two of them while alive. Pa Ezekiel Asinobi
who is darker than his elder brother, Luke
was at the event with his wife and son, Ezekiel Jnr. who was there with his
wife and daughter as well.
The Celebrant with his only surviving younger brother, Pa Ezekiel Asinobi Okpuruka
 Here comes the Celebrant…
Although the
event was to officially start at 11 am but it ended up starting at 12
pm
with dignitaries arriving into an atmosphere of refreshing entertainment by a
famous Port Harcourt based music
band, Sensational Bamidele. The celebrant and his wife arrived at
12:30pm dot. They came in their old Nissan
Jeep
and were welcomed by a retinue of well-wishers, relatives, in-laws and
Pastors of the Redeemed Christian Church of God who all rushed out to welcome
the celebrant and his wife. Daddy and Mummy where ushered to
the red carpet arena where they took pictures with dignitaries on the red
carpet before they were marched into the venue with praise and worship amidst a
blaze of dance offering with well-wishers. 
The Magnificient & Highly Decorated Hall where the event took place
How Insurance Big Boy, Kayode Oladele
storm Portharcourt for the Okpurukas
By the time
he arrived the venue, the atmosphere wore a new look as Baba’s children and
in-laws struggled to welcome him into the red carpet arena. His name is Kayode
Oladele
, the Zonal Director, Leadway Assurance Plc. He stormed
the venue with another top executive of the insurance firm, Mrs.
Robo Bob Mike
who was looking radiant. The big boy first dodged the Red
Carpet
arena until Baba’s daughter; Mrs. Chinasa Iwuagwu gave
him a hot chase inside the hall and diplomatically brought him back for photo
ops on the red carpet coupled with TV interview as well.
So, who did what?
Apart from
some strategic parts of the event which were handled by Baba’s children and
in-laws, some other forces who made the event blossom are “The Redeemers’ Ushers” from Bayelsa
State
. They handled the
ushering aspect of the event with a team of neatly dressed and well mannered
ushers giving every one a taste of courtesy. 
The Redeemer’s Ushers which
is led by one Moses Enietie is said to have been supplied by Baba’s
son-in-law in the person of Pastor
Emmanuel Okolo
of RCCG, Yenagoa. Music was supplied by
Sensational
Bamidele
a Port Harcourt, Rivers
State
based music band while comedy was given by MC Akpororo.

The Celebrant with his wife with the MD & CEO of Annointed Scissors, Portharcourt, Mrs.  Ifeoma Okolo

The Foodies
There was
more than enough food to eat and assorted drinks for all guests courtesy Baba’s
children and in-laws. Guests were served delicious meal of Spring Roll Samosa, Puff-Puff Mosa, Barbeque Chicken, Spicy
Gizzard
and Chevron Pepper Soup  for starter while Main Course meals of Rice
(Ofada , Coconut, Fried& Jollof), Meat
Porridge Sauce, followed suit served
with Poulet for guests. Some guests
were equally lucky to have a meal of Oriental
Special Fried Rice
served with either shredded
beef in bell pepper sauce
or chicken
in chilli stew
. There was also Moi-moi,
green plantain all served with fish and
sambal
for many. However, majority of the guests opted for wheat meal,
fairly paired with Afang Soup or Melon Soup. There were also lots of
desert meals like Creamy Vanilla Cake,
Chocolate, Black Forest Gatuau, Red Valvet,
Caramel Ice-Cream, Strawberry and Cookies Cream. Outside the venue was a Suya Barbeque for those
who could discern the merriment. 
Meet Baba’s son-in-law who is a
powerful Redeemed Church Pastor
His name is Pastor Emmanuel Okolo, this gentle but
highly revered man of God is the Zonal Pastor of Redeemed Christian Church of God
(RCCG), Yenagoa Zonal Province. He was responsible for the
attendance of many Redeemed Pastors at the ceremony up to top Government
functionaries and politician from Bayelsa
State
Government who worship at
his parish in Yenagoa. Pastor Emmanuel
Okolo
for your information married Baba’s first daughter, Adaku and equally has two grand kids for
Baba, Joshua and Samuel.

A Couple pose with the Celebrant at the event

Opening Prayer
The
celebrant and his first lady soon took their seat at the VIP table in the front
side of the hall while the Opening Prayer was delivered by Pastor Barnabas Ikechukwu
Godspower
of RCCG, Bayelsa Province
1
. He prayed for the success of the occasion as the crowd of guests
thundered with a very loud “Amen”. His prayer was later answered as the
celebrant burst into joyful tears….why? Read on.
Engineer Sam Anya with wife Kelechi and their family friend Mr. Dan & Mrs. Chioma Udofia
Meet Ex-Lagos Commissioner Ben
Akabueze’s brother who is Portharcourt Oil & Gas Big Boy
This
handsome and unassuming guy was the cynosure of all eyes when he stormed the
event. He is famously known as PECLO in the entire city of Port
Harcourt
as he is one of those who play big in the oil and gas sector. Even
though he shares striking resemblance with his elder brother but you will never
know except you are informed. Charles
Akabueze
aka PECLO is the
immediate younger brother to ex-Lagos State commissioner for budget planning, Mr. Ben Akabueze who  is now the Special Adviser on Budget and National Planning to President Muhammad Buhari. Charles is a close friend to Baba’s son
in-law Engineer Sam Anya.
Dr. Oju Harry, Niece to former South-South Political Leader, Chief Harry Marshall
Jazzy Ni Courture boss, Ifeanyi Obi
in the house…
He is said
to be one of those who cloth the high and mighty in the city of Port
Harcourt
. He is the Dakova of Port Harcourt so to say.  His name is Ifeanyi Obi the CEO of Jazzy
Ni Couture
; he stormed the venue midday and sat with other Port Harcourt big boys like George
Amangala
,
Osele Ebodaghe, Oyibo Ovibo, Kattey O Kattey and Charles Akabueze. They are all
friends of Engineer Sam Anya (Baba
Ibeji)
Late Harry Marshal’s Niece in the
house
When this
very pretty Port Harcourt big babe
stormed the venue all eyes went her way as sea of cameras equally followed
suit. She is the pretty niece to late South-South Political juggernaut, Chief Harry Marshal. Her name is Doctor Oju Harry, an international
medical expert. Those who know her say she tours between Britain Nigeria and America
as a medical consultant. She is a friend to one of the celebrant’s daughter, Mrs.
Chinasa Iweagwu.

A top Portharcourt based Oil Expertriate at the event

Abuja big boy, Chinonso Ekezie in the house

He is the
MD/CEO of Emego Global Services in Abuja. His name is Chinonso Ekezie. His firm does top contracting jobs
for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and some other top ministries in Abuja. He stormed the event at noon
and didn’t leave till the end.
Former Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Honorable (Chief) Victor Sam-Ateki and his pretty wife, Madam Jennifer Ateki
Song bird Omawunmi’s in-law storm
Pastor Opuruka’s birthday
Never knew
famous song bird, Omawunmi Magbele
has a sister in-law as pretty as that until when Sylvia Magbele stormed The
Grace Place
in honor of Pastor
Luke Okpuruka’s 70th
birthday. Sylvia who works with one
of the Zenith Bank’s branches in Lagos is said to be married to Mofe
the elder brother to songbird Omawunmi. Sylvia Magbele is very close to some of Baba’s daughters, hence
her appearance at the event. She equally stole attention.
In-Law to the Celebrant, Sir Mishael Iwuagwu giving the toast for Pastor Luke Okpuruka’s 70th birthday bash
(Watch out for Part 2 of the Pastor
Luke Okpuruka’s 70th birthday gist with more exclusive Pictures)
…Always pray
to be among the Lucky Ones who will celebrate their
Events
on Asabeafrika …Talk to us on 081-0506-5267 or write
Asabeafrika@gmail.com!

A Wine Gourd being poured in preparation for a toast to long Live and good life of the celebrant
Entrance of the Venue of Ceremony; The Grace Place on Evo Road, Portharcourt
L-R; Honorable Justice Ebimi Okara, Pastor & Pastor (Mrs.) Alex Ogie-Patrick, Lady Evangelist Lovina Chile Okpuruka & Celebrant, Pastor Luke Okpuruka
Leader of Bayelsa State House of Assembly; Honorable Peter Akpe and his pretty wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Favor Akpe
Mama, Lady Evangelist Lovina Chile Okpuruka arrives for her husband’s 70th birthday bash
Members of Sensational Bamidele’s Band thrilling guests at the event
Mrs. Kelechi Anya with top friends who graced Dad’s birthday party
Pastor Barnabas Ikechukwu Godspower of RCCG, Bayelsa Province opening the Event with Prayer
Pastor Ikoli Reuben a former Assistant Manager at NITEL now Redeemed Pastor sharing testimony about celebrant’s leadership qualities at NITEL
Special Guest of Honor, Justice (Mrs.) Ebimi Okara of the Federal High Court, Yenagoa-Bayelsa State
The Arrival of Chief Diekivie B. Ikiogha, Former Chief of Staff to Bayelsa State Governor for Pastor Luke Okpuruka’s 70th bash
The Celebrant & his Household gets ecclessiastical blessings from 7 ministers of God
The Celebrant & his Wife Steps into  his 70th Celebration Venue
The Celebrant & his wife, enjoying the moment
The Celebrant with his only sister , Madam Chinyere Ezeogwu and only  brother, Pa Ezekiel Asinobi Okpuruka with their children
The Celebrant’s Pictorial banner adorned The Red Carpet
The Celebrant, Pastor Luke Okpuruka alighting from his Nissan Jeep Car on arrival
The Highly Decorated Stage strewn in Green & White Color
The Man who wants the Celebrant to live another 70 years, Sir (Evang.) Godson Ndubueze Onyeukwu
The Sermoner; Pastor Alex Ogie-Patrick of RCCG, Prevailing Word, Area 8, Rivers State with his pretty wife at Pa Okpuruka’s 70th bash
The Wine, The Brochure, The tradition of toast…
Well-wishers shares the toast with the celebrant  @ 70
Zonal Director, Leadway Insurance, Mr. Kayode Oladele with a female Colleague, Mrs. Robo Bob Mike stormed Pa Luke Okpuruka’s 70th