For twenty-one long years, the home of Aka Eze Aka and his beloved wife Sylvia stood still in quiet, prayerful expectation. A dignified silence settled in the corridors of their love, broken only by whispered hopes and muted prayers. The world saw a man (a broadcaster) who made the airwaves joyful by day, lending his voice to the celebration of others. But by night, he returned to a home where the absence of a child echoed louder than any words spoken. In this society and age, where time tests faith and culture burdens the waiting, Aka’s household stood firm, choosing love over bitterness, and hope over despair.
It is said that “patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” And when destiny decides to dance, no protocol stands in its way. That dance began when a certain Nkanu-born technocrat, His Excellency Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, appeared on the political stage of Enugu State in 2023. With visionary zeal, he entrusted the power of words to Aka, first as the mouthpiece of his campaign, which translated into governance, as the Commissioner for Information and Communication, and later the Executive Chairman of Udenu Local Government Council.
But even amid public service and political accolades, the private yearning remained. Then came June 28, 2024, a date forever etched in the annals of the Aka family. On the eve of Catholic Church’s celebration of the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, the heavens staged their own celebration. Just as bells rang from Catholic cathedrals across the world, another bell, the cry of a newborn, rang from a hospital room, announcing to the world the arrival of Okikeabia Jesoeme AkaEzeAka, the child of long expectation and divine appointment.
Yesterday, 28 June 2025, marks one year since that cry lifted hearts and dampened eyes. And as the sun rises on this sacred anniversary, we reflect not merely on a birthday, but on a birth story, a story that teaches, even rebukes, and most of all, inspires. For Okikeabia is not just a child born to a man of prominence; he stands in the gap pointing to the power of enduring love, persistent prayer, and the mystery of God’s perfect timing.
His name, Okikeabia Jesoeme, is not a label, but a prophetic declaration. Translated loosely, it speaks of a Creator who never abandons His own, a Christ who remembers those who walk through the shadow of delayed blessings. This child did not arrive casually; he landed with purpose, heralding a season of joy not only for his family but also for the people of Udenu and beyond. “There are two lasting bequests we can give our children” says American progressive journalist, Hodding Carter Jr, “one is roots, the other is wings.” Aka and Syl have given him all, and are prepared to give more.
Aka with his wife and Jesoeme at the Mater Dei Catholic Church, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, during his dedication Mass.
There are many who will read this and quietly connect with the story behind the celebration. Couples still waiting. Mothers praying. Fathers hoping. Let this tribute speak to them, too. For if Okikeabia’s story says anything, it says this: delay is not denial. Life doesn’t always unfold according to our clocks, but when it does arrive, it comes with a glory that redeems every moment of waiting.
As the Udenu’s First Family today marks his first year on earth, the moment is more than cake and candles. It is about gratitude. It is about acknowledging that the journey to joy sometimes passes through valleys we would rather avoid. But oh, what a joy it is when the dawn finally breaks!
Dear Okikeabia, may your steps be ordered in grace. May your name continue to bear fruit in every corner it is spoken. And may your life, just like your birth, be a shining light for all who wait, all who believe, and all who dare to trust the “slow” work of God, for in your favour, Henry David Thoreau said that “Every child begins the world again.”
Happy First Birthday, Okikeabia Jesoeme AkaEzeAka, a child of grace, a child of promise.
May daylight spare us!
✍️ Jude Eze.
