By Patrick Omagbemi
It was pomp and pageantry as Sir Edwin Egwonomu Ogidi-Gbegbaje marks his 60th birthday anniversary on Saturday at Ekpan, Uvwie local government area of Delta State.
The occasion which witnessed the presence of family, friends, associates and well-wishers of the celebrant, also had in attendance different bodies and associations who grazed the event to felicitate and celebrate with Ogidi-Gbegbaje.
At the thanksgiving mass held at St Ambrose Catholic Church, Ekpan followed by a reception at KFT event center, Ogidi-Gbegbaje extoll God for his goodness and mercies.
He recalled his upbringing and career experiences while growing, adding that the grace of God has saw him through.
Flanked by his beautiful wife, Lady Theresa Ogidi-Gbegbaje throught the event, the celebrant had this to say, “I have remained steadfast and held on to God despite difficulties and challenges.”, he said adding ” God has brought me to this height and have continuosly being a source of strenght and protection for me and my family.”
Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje who is the current Chairman Delta State Bureau for Pensions and former Permanent Secretary, Government House Asaba, stated that at 60years his joy knows no bounds, stressing that the grace of God gives him multiple cause to celebrate.
While thanking dignitaries for honouring his invitation, Ogidi-Gbegbaje concluded that he will continue to praise God for his mercies and compassion towards him.
Earlier in his sermon, Fr Tega Ogbeni the Parish Priest of St Ambrose Catholic Church, said that Birthdays are not just reminder of passing years, but an opportunity to reflect and give thanks to God for physical and spiritual well-being.
Speaking further, the Priest likened the importance of Birthday Thanksgiving to the Leper in the Bible who returned to thank God after he has was healed
While emphasising the need for all Christians to give thanks to God, Fr Ogbeni ended his sermon by stressing that thanksgiving is a sure way to receive and sustain God’s blessings.
The Chairman of the occasion, and Commissioner for Works, Rural and Riverine Roads, Hon. Charles Aniagwu described the celebrant as a man that exemplified love and knows how to build bridges.
While praying for God to bless him with a healthy life, the Commissioner urged the celebrant to remain the person he is and continue to impact his environment positively as he has always done.
Hon Solomon Solomon Ighrakpata Chairman, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue and Uncle to the celebrant while speaking to news men, described Ogidi-Gbegbaje as an embodiment of the Grace of God. He appreciated God for his life while wishing him a glorious 60th Birthday Anniversary celebration.
The event culminated with a colourful reception for the celebrant at the KFT event center and the presentation of gifts.
The occassion had in attendance the representative of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Chief of Staff, Prince Johnson Erijo, HRM Dr. Emmanuel Sideso JP, OON Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Rt Hon Peter Onwusonya, former Speaker DTHA, former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Delta State Chairman, Chief Kingsley Esisio who represented former Governor Okowa, Chairman.
Others are: Hon Edafe Emakpor, Member Representing Uvwie Constituency DTHA, the Delta State Head of Service represented by Sir Austine Oghoro, the Director General, Delta State Orientation Bureau and Communications, Barr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sheriff Oborewvori, Sir Festus Ahon, other serving and former goverment functioneries, Permanent Secretaries serving and retired, and other top government functionaries.
