OHAJI EGBEMA, OGUTA & ORU WEST PDP FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY CANDIDATE:CHIEF IKUNNA AT 60: CHOOSES GIFT OF BREATH OVER BIRTHDAY GIFTS, TO SUPPORT ASTHMA PATIENTS
By Anselem Anokwute
Hon. Chief Joseph Chukwuma Ikunna, a prominent political figure and Candidate for the 2027 National Assembly election for Oguta/Ohaji-Egbema/Oru West Federal Constituency in Imo State, has marked his 60th birthday with a special humanitarian initiative aimed at supporting people living with asthma, particularly children and indigent families who struggle to afford essential medication and treatment.
Chief Ikunna, who clocked 60 on Thursday, October 8, 2026, described the milestone as a celebration of God’s faithfulness, grace and abundant blessings throughout six decades of his life.
Rather than organise an elaborate birthday celebration, the celebrant announced his decision to mark the occasion quietly with his immediate family and siblings in thanksgiving, reflection and prayers to Almighty God.
According to him, the decision was informed partly by his desire to ensure that his 60th birthday would not inadvertently become a political carnival, considering his participation in the forthcoming January 2027 election.
He stressed that attaining 60 years was a milestone deserving of gratitude and sober reflection, adding that the occasion presented an opportunity to give back to society by helping people facing health challenges.
ASTHMA 60: THE GIFT OF BREATH
The highlight of Chief Ikunna’s 60th birthday is the introduction of the ASTHMA 60 — THE GIFT OF BREATH initiative, a humanitarian project designed to provide medical assistance to people living with asthma.
Explaining the personal motivation behind the initiative, the celebrant disclosed that he had lived with asthma for all 60 years of his life, while three of his sons had also experienced the condition.
He noted that his personal experience had given him a deep understanding of the challenges confronting asthma patients, particularly those who cannot afford the medication and treatment required to manage the condition.
Having experienced the difficulties associated with asthma, Chief Ikunna said he was determined to use his diamond jubilee to bring relief to others who face similar challenges.
His initial target is to identify and support at least 60 genuine asthma sufferers, particularly children and people from disadvantaged backgrounds, through medical assessments, prescribed inhalers, essential medication and treatment support.
The initiative is expected to commence in Imo State, with the ultimate objective of helping beneficiaries breathe more comfortably and manage their condition more effectively.
CALLS FOR SUPPORT INSTEAD OF PERSONAL GIFTS
As part of the initiative, Chief Ikunna appealed to friends, associates, family members, political supporters and well-wishers to consider contributing towards the asthma support programme instead of presenting him with personal birthday gifts.
He encouraged those wishing to celebrate his 60th birthday to channel whatever amount they would have spent on hampers, champagne and other gifts towards helping asthma patients access essential medical care.
He emphasised that no contribution was too small, noting that collective support could make a significant difference in the lives of people struggling with the condition.
He personally called for the people of good conscience to help provide essential medication and treatment support for beneficiaries.l through a designated account number.
For accountability and proper documentation, contributors have been requested to use the payment reference ASTHMA 60 when making donations.
Chief Ikunna assured prospective contributors that all funds received under the initiative would be separately recorded and applied towards its humanitarian objectives.
He further pledged that the contributions, expenditures and assistance provided to beneficiaries would be properly documented, with a report on the initiative’s outcomes subsequently published.
SIXTY YEARS OF LIFE, A LEGACY OF COMPASSION
Reflecting on the significance of the milestone, the celebrant explained that his decision to support asthma patients was borne out of gratitude to God for the gift of life and a desire to extend that blessing to others.
He observed that the ability to breathe freely was something many people took for granted until illness made it difficult, adding that access to essential asthma medication could make a meaningful difference to affected individuals and their families.
Chief Ikunna expressed the hope that the initiative would help a child sleep peacefully without wheezing, assist a struggling parent in obtaining an inhaler, or prevent an avoidable asthma emergency.
He described such outcomes as more valuable than any material gift he could receive on his 60th birthday.
“For sixty years, God has given me breath. At 60, I would like my birthday gift to be the gift of breath to someone else,” he declared.
The celebrant expressed appreciation to his friends, associates, family members and well-wishers for their friendship, goodwill and prayers throughout the years.
He also reaffirmed his gratitude to Almighty God, whom he credited with sustaining him through six decades of life.
For Chief Joseph Chukwuma Ikunna, therefore, turning 60 is not merely a celebration of age. It is an opportunity to transform personal gratitude into a humanitarian commitment and make the gift of life more meaningful to people living with asthma.
As he enters a new chapter of his life, the message behind ASTHMA 60 — THE GIFT OF BREATH is clear: the greatest birthday present is not what a celebrant receives, but the lives he helps to touch and the suffering he helps to alleviate.
Above all, to God be all the glory.Editorial note: I have retained the central message of Chief Ikunna’s original statement while presenting it as a newspaper feature.
