A star has no hiding place, neither does a star seek to be noticed, rather, a star makes way where there is darkness.
Such a star has emerged in our State and has continued to shine beyond our expectations and imaginations, leaving trail of happiness, goodness and generosity on every of his trail.
It took the Catholic Diocese of Ohaji/Egbema to discover a son of the soil, Hon. Uju Kingsley Chima, a star among many of our tarnished politicians— and on Sunday, 19th June, St Anthony's Catholic Parish, Obokofia unveiled this star and bestowed him with an honour: "the Shining Star of the Diocese," one of the most prestigious honour in the Catholic Church.
The cliché, "a prophet is not recognized at home" has lost its taste with this singular honour, not only is he recognized at home, Hon. Uju has become a shining star that radiates light in the oil rich region and by extension the State.
The top functionaries of government, friends, associates, colleagues, family, aides who graced the occasion, despite the short notice is a testimony to his willingness and positivity to put smiles on the faces of people on every given opportunity.
The outpouring of support was palpable, and those who testified on the altar were all testifying of his generosity.
To Hon. Ebenezer Amadi, TC Chairman, Ohaji/Egbema, Hon. Uju is "Opata ozuo ru oha", (when he gathers, he spreads to the community). To Barr. Chima Asinobi: "He doesn't care about what is on the table, but rather, what he will put on the table for the people to eat".
Looking at him as tributes poured in torrents, I saw in him a man who personifies the virtues I read in the bible and humanizes the qualities I read about saints.
His passion for mankind has never been in doubt and was made manifest when the jubilant crowd followed him to his country home to celebrate with him. And testimonies continued to pour in from different associations who came to pay courtesy visit and those who came to testify of his magnanimity and philanthropic disposition towards his wonderful people of Ohaji/Egbema.

As the Deputy Chief of Staff, (Operations), he has continued to carry out the instructions, policies and the operational activities of the State to the maximum satisfaction of his boss, His Excellency, Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha. And back home, his people have not stopped thanking the Governor for appointing their son to such an exalted position. To his people of Ohaji/Egbema, his emergence came as a joyous day break; they have never had it so good.
As the acting MD of ISOPADEC, he piloted the affairs of the oil region and delivered the task given to him by the governor and left an indelible print that will never be erased in the annals of the Commission. This is the first time in the history of ISOPADEC that an MD will be drawing the curtain and we didn't hear of financial impropriety/misappropriation and job racketeering. At ISOPADEC, he came, saw and conquered. That was why he pleaded with the MD designate, "immediately you resume your official duties, you should make public your findings, how the finance of ISOPADEC was managed in the last one year". Such sincere and incorruptible men are few.
It is worthy of note that through his inclusive approach to governance, he is gradually rebuilding the bridges of trust between the government and the Oil Producing Area.
In the shadow of a shining star, I have seen a man of perpendicular integrity who through hard work and industry has built a reputation as the conscience of his people.
May Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Imo State as a whole never lack your type again. Congratulations!
Joseph Chimezie