Umuaka Community stands still for Raphael Duruji at 80.
3 min read
Uba Umuaka born high profile chieftaincy title holder and the chairman Umuezikoha Council of Chiefs, Nnaoma Chief Raphael Duruji today marked his 80 years birthday with fanfare. The epoch-making event which took off today at St Mary’s Catholic Church Umuaka where a high Mass was held in honour of the celebrater and others who were also marking their birthday, drew the attention of several high profile Akalites, friends and family members of the Durujis who came for the church service.
By the time Umuaka Times arrived at the church service, the members of the famous Duruji family had all gathered and each was clad in brown attire and one could notice their stylish appearance at the church service as the Mass went on. The priest who conducted the service spoke on the need for one to give thanks to God on anything that takes place in his or her life. By the time the church service came to an end, one of the children of Chief Raphael Duruji named Mr Chigozie Duruji who came all the way from Europe to attend the event, took the microphone and greeted everyone present at the church service and finally made a donation of N100,000 to support the church project. Some other persons also made some donations for the same purpose and shortly after that, the Mass came to an end and the Durujis together with their friends and well-wishers breezed outside the church auditorium where they took several photographs.
Without wasting time, the guests of the Durujis drove straight to their family compound where a grand reception was held in honour of the celebrater, Chief Raphael Duruji. The reception started by 3 pm on the dot after Mr Jude Nkorka introduced the ace MC, Chief Louis Duru as the master of the ceremonies who would anchor the event. Chief Duru took the microphone, greeted all the guests and called for an opening prayer. The opening prayer was said by the Reverend Father who had conducted the Mass service earlier in the day.
After the prayers were offered, the presentation of kola nuts was the next on the program of events. The kola nuts were presented to the public by Dr Obinna Duruji, a younger brother of the celebrater. After that came the cutting of the cake by Chief Raphael Duruji and his wife. The MC appealed to the members of the Duruji family to come forward and support the patriarch of the family as he cuts the cake. In few minutes time, they all appeared and the cake was cut.
When it was time for the presentation of gifts, the children of the celebrater presented some special gifts to him. The presentation of gifts was led by Dr Obinna Duruji who also presented a tribute designed in a big frame to his elder brother.
Time for dancing was the next practical action of the day which gave Chief Duruji and his wife a good opportunity to dance and thrill the audience in no small measure. The Umuaka Times reporter who covered the event reports that Chief Raphael Duruji is not only a man of the people but a man who is loved by many both the young and the old.
