The Minority Leader of the 9th House of Representatives and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, OON, has commended Rev. Barr. Cosfinney Udoka for using his intellectual and spiritual contributions to promote responsible living, sound family relationships and informed life decisions.
Elumelu gave the commendation at the 55th birthday celebration of the cleric and the unveiling and launching of his two books, “Tendencies in Marriage” and “Just Before You Japa: The Tendencies of Relocating Abroad”, held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the House on the Rock Church Auditorium, DBS Road, Asaba, Delta State.
Elumelu, who was the Special Guest of Honour, was represented at the event by the Deputy Director, Media and Publicity of the Rt. Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu Campaign Council, Dn. Chijioke Williams Ugbolue, who delivered his goodwill message.
In his address, Elumelu congratulated the celebrant on attaining the age of 55, describing the milestone as an opportunity to reflect on the experiences, lessons and opportunities that God had graciously granted him over the years.
He prayed for God’s continued strength and blessings upon Udoka, his family and ministry, while commending him for extending his contributions to humanity through literature that addresses critical personal and social decisions.
The renowned Federal Lawmaker noted that the two publications examined important choices that shape people’s lives, particularly the selection of a marriage partner and the decision to relocate to another country.
On “Tendencies in Marriage”, Elumelu observed that a successful marriage required much more than physical attraction, financial comfort, social status or the glamour associated with wedding ceremonies.
He stressed the importance of honesty, compatibility, mutual respect, effective communication, shared responsibilities and a commitment to growing together.
Elumelu particularly welcomed the author’s emphasis on the need for intending couples to discuss vital issues, including faith, children, finances, health, careers, family obligations and personal expectations before taking the decision to marry.
According to him, the book has the potential to help intending couples make informed choices while encouraging married people to build relationships founded on love, understanding, trust and commitment.
On the second publication, “Just Before You Japa: The Tendencies of Relocating Abroad,” Elumelu described its message as timely, given the growing interest among Nigerians in seeking opportunities outside the country amid prevailing economic challenges.
He noted that although the desire for better opportunities abroad was understandable, relocation should be guided by purpose, prayer, wisdom and adequate preparation rather than social pressure or the apparent success of others.
He urged prospective migrants to carefully consider their career prospects, family responsibilities, children’s welfare, cultural adjustments, financial capacity and long-term plans before making the decision to relocate.
Elumelu also highlighted the book’s central question of whether an individual was moving towards a defined purpose or merely running away from problems, describing it as a valuable consideration for anyone contemplating relocation.
He maintained that moving abroad was not an automatic guarantee of success, just as remaining in Nigeria did not foreclose the possibility of achieving one’s dreams.
Elumelu further observed that the two publications demonstrated the importance of combining faith with wisdom, preparation and responsible decision-making. He urged families, churches, young people, intending couples and prospective migrants to read the books and reflect on the lessons they contain.
He also called on religious institutions and community leaders to support initiatives that promote healthy family relationships, purposeful living and informed choices.
Elumelu commended all those who contributed to the success of the celebration and expressed the hope that the books would positively influence lives, strengthen families and inspire future generations. He also prayed for greater accomplishments in the celebrant’s life and ministry.
The event attracted several prominent personalities, including former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Joan Onyemaechi; the member representing Oshimili South State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu; and her counterpart representing Ika North-East State Constituency, Hon. Marilyn Demolala-Okowa.
Also in attendance were the Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Princess Pat Ajudua, the Executive Director of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief Ochonogo, and the Executive Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government, Hon. Obi Kelvin Ezenyili among other dignitaries.
Highlights of the occasion included goodwill messages from dignitaries, the cutting of the birthday cake, and the unveiling and launching of the two books, with Rt. Hon. Elumelu among the distinguished guests associated with the book presentation.
The celebration marked both a significant personal milestone for Udoka and the presentation of literary works offering practical and faith-based perspectives on marriage, family life and international relocation.
