The first Rear Admiral from Mbaise Nation, Rear Admiral Julius Ahamba Nwagu (GSS PSC FDC MNIM FOSHA FCPA MUSNI MS) has celebrated his 35 years of service to Nigeria with a Thanksgiving Mass, which preceded the Grand Reception Ceremony organized by his people at St. Michael’s Catholic Parish, Lagwa in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
The Event, which attracted personalities from all walks of life saw Rear Admiral Nwagu, honoring and recognizing those who contributed in one way or the other in his long walk as a Nigerian Officer for 35 years.
He expressed happiness that he has been able to attain the heights by the Grace of Almighty God, and his people, Lagwa people were honoring him, the first time he was wearing his Uniform to Lagwa Community.
Rear Admiral Julius Nwagu explained that Perseverance and hard work leads to Success, adding that the remaining part of his life would be dedicated to let the Youths know that no one become great over night, as they should be able to tell where they started and where are going in order to tell a successful History.
“My children should be able to tell my Story. In my family we have always had people who took to Military. My Uncle’s fought in the War and my Parents lived in the North, I became what I saw.”
He said, and disclosed that his Tree Planting Project, which he is bringing home means Prosperity. “We can’t fight Insecurity without empowering the Youths positively so that their mind can go into positive reactions and actions. If we scale them up we can attain economic reality.”
He said, noting that Lagwa as a Monkey Colony has not yielded the much desired Economic benefit in the Tourism Industry.
“When you have animals you weigh the gains and losses. How much am I making out of Enwe being in Lagwa. Whatever is happening to Enwe is a natural causes.”
Rear Admiral Nwagu said, and emphasized that he is not against the Monkeys or Lagwa having a Monkey Colony for Tourist attraction.
He disclosed that God is his source of inspiration, and charged everyone to look on to God because He doesn’t disappoint, praying God to bless them, favor them and protect them.
The Echete Dike Ogu ahia, recalled that during his active days, he followed the Rules to the later because of his humble background, thanking his wife, the woman that takes all his rubbish, stressing that his life has been package by people who would never take it from him.
He equally Prayed God to bless Lagwa people and thanked God for the new Light in the land, pointing out that his new project of planting Economic Tree of prosperity in the land would change the Finances of his people.
Rear Admiral Nwagu thanked God for granting him the Grace to reached the peak of his Career, pointing out that It’s not only when one dies that he respected, Loved and appreciated, as his people has always shown him love, even bestowing the title of “Echete Dike Ogu ahia na Mbaise”.
He thanked them for beating him to shape when they were flogging him without him knowing that they were doing him good.
The retiring Nigerian gallant Officer expressed gratitude to People who contributed in Prayers, Sacrifices, especially; Head Master in Primary School, Mr LL Ike, Primary 1 Teacher, Lady Ana Opara, the man that inducted him as a Mass Server in 1988, Rev. Fr. Egege, late Mr. James Nwaogu, represented by Noel his Son, as well as Captain Victor Ogu who retired as Vice Admiral, Commander of the Federal Republic who he served under.
He prayed for the souls of his late Parents to Rest in Peace, and recalled his journey through the Nigeria Defense Academy with nostalgia, acknowledging the efforts of Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ogala, Umaru Idris elder brother to immediate past Empire of Kano, Most Rev Fr Camilus Ejike Mbaka, his Prophet, Dr. Mma Okoji from Awka Nigeria Association of Coconut Planters, whose wave is too positive, as well as Princess Maria.
On behalf of the Awardees, Mr. Frank Nneji said he was very delighted to receive the honor in his active 43 years of service, recalling that he taught Rear Admiral Nwagu in Primary 4, when he was an Auxiliary Teacher at 16 years old.
“I could say, I discovered him and paid attention to him”, he said, and thanked him for remembering to honor them on this historic day when they have gathered to celebrate him as their illustrious son, who is too Progressive.
Earlier in his Sermon, Rev. Fr. Adrian Osuagwu emphasized that the people of God are giving thanks to God for 35 years of service to Nigeria by Rear Admiral Julius Nwagu who was promoted to the Rank of Rear Admiral.
He thanked God for sustaining him so far and asking God to bless and prosper him the more, pointing out that its coincidence to the season of Christmas when God’s love through Christ, is celebrated, explains that Christ, who is the reason for the season means Love, exemplified in Rear Admiral Nwagu’s successful service to father Land.
In his remarks, HRM Eze Dr. Vitus Kasa, Okwa Dike, the Asaa 2 of Asaa Ngugo in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, explained that he was together with Rear Admiral Nwagu in the Nigeria Defense Academy, as well as in the Choir, back then, when he used to be his Choir Master.
“I went to the Civil University, and he graduated from the Nigeria Defense Academy. Today he is a General in his Profession, a Rear Admiral, and am a General in the Civil World, a King for that matter. To God be the Glory who has taken both of us to the Zenith of our life’s endeavors.”
He said, and recalled that as childhood friends they engaged in a lot of mischievous activities together, adding that his parents were in Kaduna, while Rear Admiral Nwagu’s parents were not there, and his house was a meeting point for all of them.
Also in his remarks, Muhammad Belo Umar Idris, recalled that from his JSS 1 in 1986, Rear Admiral Nwagu, has always been his Senior family member in his Hausa family where he (Idris) is the last Born.
“Our parents, we all grew up together. We are family. It doesn’t matter if am Muslim or Hausa. He is my Elder brother.”
Idris said, and encouraged every Nigerian to learn to respect each other no mater the Religion or Ethnicity.
“We are all one because that’s how God said we should be. There’s nothing we can do about it than love each other, and continue to live in Peace. We must understand each other”.
The Civil Servant in Research institute, Nita, preached, feeling very much at home, pointing out that he is enjoying his stay.
So Many dignitaries graced the occasion including: Monsignor Livinus Ukanwa, the first Priest of Lagwa, Jude Nneji, Frank Nneji Rtd Group Managing Director of ABC Transport, HRM Eze Vitus Kasa , Chief Ukaegbu Chairman of Nzuko Umu Lagwa Association (NULA), representative of Empire of Zaria, Alhaji Muhammad Belo Idris, all the way from Zaria, the first Prof in Lagwa, Sylvanus Ibe, Pastor Buchi from Port Harcourt Rivers State, amongst Others.
