It was pomp last Sunday 29th December 2024 as the cremé de la cremé of the Nigerian society; people from all walks of life throng the country home of Barr Jackson Agbai Abbah to pay tributes to him during his Ime Uché, ceremony, which marked his retirement from active community service in Abiriba, Ohafia LGA, Abia State.

Encomium poured in torrents, describing the great impacts he has made in the lives of people; how God has used him to transform lives, and also brought peace to Abiriba community.

According to the testimonies, Jackson’s love for his community is legendary and his love for mankind is phenomenal. It was against this background that the Abiriba community conferred on him a chieftaincy title, Kukunda 1 [the shining start] of Abiriba.

Guests were lavishly entertained and there were traditional dance troupes and masquerade to spice up the event – the Ekpe from Cross River State, and the Ajofia masquerade from Anambra State.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of gifts ranging from expensive wears, wares, treasure boxes, exotic wines, over 150 george wrappers, human sized frames.

The glamour of the event was the presentation of the latest Lexus 600 LX SUV by the Dover Hotel, Lagos, which was done by the MD of the hotel, Mrs Gloria Emordi.According to her, the vehicle was bought at N350 million.Also, a cash donation of N29 million was presented by a group of his friends.In the same vein, another cash donation of $20,000 by the family of his wife.

The Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti had a day before visited Jackson to congratulate him on this great feat. Some of the dignitaries were: Abia Deputy governor, Ikechukw EMETU;Former Nigerian Chief of Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe [retd] and his wife; former DG, Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Prof Anya O.Anya, and his wife; former GMD First Bank of Nigeria PLC, Elder Urum Eke.

Others include, former Abia Deputy governor, Sir Udeh Oko; CEO of Virgin Rose Hotel, Lagos, Chief Ebueme Ezikpe.Others were former Abia Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Chief Umeh Kalu, SAN; Chief Kelvin Jumbo, and other captains of industry and high ranking politicians.