The Principal Secretary to the Delta state governor, Mr. Hilary Obi Ibegbulem, whose birthday comes up tomorrow Tuesday 27th October 2020, has told friends to celebrate with him in their various homes due to the nationwide protest as there would be no formal gathering at his residence.
A message circulated by one of his loyalists, Amb. Elvis Akpobi, disclosed that there would be no revelry as done in the past years, stressing that supporters should rather give any form of gift to neighbours.
Mr. Ibegbulem, whom fans foldly called “General”, “Great Leader”, “Boss”, urged his loyalists to visit those in the hospital and orphanage homes, especially the Mother of Divine Grace Orphanage Home in Asaba, which is dear to his heart.
According to the message on Facebook, “It’s well known to most of you that tomorrow, 27th of October marks a new birth cycle for me.
“Over the years, you have consistently joined me to mark my birthday with thanksgiving to Almighty God and with generous provisions of various forms of support to neighbours and other citizens irrespective of social status, place of origin or beliefs.
“As I have sincerely done over these years, let me again restate here my gratitude for this charitable support in the spirit of our common humanity.
“On this occasion of another birthday, I want to very humbly urge that we take due notice of the mood of the nation, the discontent among our youths and the obvious despair in the population.
“Therefore, I strongly wish that we mark the birthday with greater circumspection and sacrifice than we had done in the past years.
“Consequently, no merrymaking will be observed and there will be no festive gathering in my residence.
“Let your customary gifts to me be turned to charities for our neighbours and fellow citizens and orphanages, especially the Mother of Divine Grace Orphanage Home, off NTA road, Asaba, which has been very dear to me.
“Let us also visit and assist in payment of bills for our fellow citizens who may have been hospitalized due to injuries sustained as a result of the recent nationwide protests.
“In all these, let us be mindful of the prevailing state-wide curfew and maintain attitudes that promote peace and the civic spirit.
“I thank you all for your understanding as I pray for God’s continued Grace upon us and our dear nation”, the notice added.
