The Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Independence Layout, Enugu, was filled with thanksgiving and celebration on Saturday, December 6, 2025 as Dr. Barr. Sam Ugwuozor, a renowned academic, administrator, and elder brother of Rev. Fr. Prof. Felix Ugwuozor (Pro-Chancellor of Peaceland University, Enugu), marked his 70th birthday with a well-attended Thanksgiving Mass.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration, which commenced at 12 noon, was presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Awgu Diocese, Most Rev. John Ifeanyichukwu Okoye. Also in attendance was Most Rev. Thomas Obiatuegwu, Auxiliary Bishop of Orlu Diocese, alongside several priests, including Rev. Fr. Prof. Peter Damian Akpunonu, Rev. Fr. Prof. Leo Ilechukwu (Vice Chancellor, Peaceland University), Msgr. Geoffrey Ogbuene, Rev. Fr. Dr. Eugene Odo.
In a thought-provoking homily drawn from the Gospel account of the healing of the Ten Lepers, Rev. Fr. Prof. Peter Damian Akpunonu emphasized gratitude as a fundamental biblical virtue. “The Holy Mass is the perfect act of thanksgiving because in the Eucharist we re-enact the spotless sacrifice of Jesus to the Father,” he said.
Describing the celebrant as “a man of integrity to the core,” Fr. Akpunonu praised Dr. Ugwuozor’s selfless leadership after their father’s death, ensuring all his siblings received quality education. He noted that Dr. Ugwuozor retired from the Enugu State Civil Service “a poor man in material terms but rich in the eyes of God,” and urged him to continue living a life of thanksgiving and to pass the virtue on to his children and grandchildren.
Currently Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Godfrey Okoye University, Dr. Sam Ugwuozor is a seasoned scholar whose areas of specialization include Political Science, Political Philosophy, Public Administration, and International Relations. A prolific writer, he has published extensively in national and international journals and authored several books on politics, administration, sports, and development.
Towards the end of the Mass, Prof. Dozie Chukwuokolo, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, delivered the vote of thanks. Goodwill messages from the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Barr. Peter Mbah, and the Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial District, Senator Osita Ngwu, were read to the congregation.
The church premises buzzed with warmth as group photographs were taken and pleasantries exchanged before guests proceeded to the reception venue.
The reception attracted an array of dignitaries, including:
Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu, Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly; Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, former Labour Party gubernatorial candidate; Hon. Cornelius Nnaji, former Member, House of Representatives (Enugu East/Isi-Uzo); Prof. Aloysius Okolie, Vice Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT); Hon. Justice Harold Eya; Hon. Justice C. A. Ogbuabor, Hon. Justice Nnenna Madu, and Hon. Justice Uche Mogbo;
Tony Ani, SAN (former Attorney-General of Enugu State); Prof. Paschal Okolie, former Accountant-General of Enugu State.
Traditional rulers including HRH Igwe Emma Ugwu and Igwe Chinwendu Onuoha, among others.
Highlights of the reception included the presentation and breaking of the kola nut, cutting of the birthday cake, special musical renditions by the Ugwuozor family, cultural dance performances, and presentation of gifts.
A major moment was the launch of a 871-paged Festschrift in honour of the celebrant titled “Sam Ugwuozor: The Philosopher-Technocrat,” edited by Chidozie Chukwuokolo and Ezechi Kingsley. The book was reviewed by Rev. Fr. Prof. Leo Ilechukwu, Vice Chancellor of Peaceland University, Enugu.
Family members, colleagues, friends, and well-wishers described the event as a fitting tribute to a man widely admired for his intellect, humility, and unwavering integrity.
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