By Cynthia Eruotor
It was the gathering of prominent persons in Nigeria over the weekend at Holy Family Catholic Church, Edjeba, Warri, in Warri South Local Government Area Delta State as Mrs Veronica Evwode Oghenekevwe celebrated her 90th birthday anniversary.
In his sermon at the Church service held in her honour, the Officiating Minister, Rev. Fr.Martin Okoro said it is a thing of joy that Mrs Veronica Evwode Oghenekevwe is able to attain the age of 90 years adding that, it was not her power but by the grace of God. According to him, it is good one worships God in truth and spirit to have God’s blessings.
He said Jesus Christ’s birth is a gift not only to Israel but the entire nations of the world. He therefore charged man to always appreciate God with his treasures just as he celebrated Mrs Veronica Evwode Oghenekevwe for God’s gift of life and wished her God’s blessings, protection and long life.
He said:” As we celebrate today, Mrs. Veronica Evwode Oghenekevwe at the age of 90 years, we celebrate the gift of life and l pray God to continue to protect and grant her long life to celebrate more years.”
Rev. Fr.Martin Okoro used the opportunity to pray God’s blessings on the people, peace for the country, for humanity and the dead members of the church. Others who officiated with Rev. Fr. Okoro in the ceremony are: the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Benedict Ukutegbe, Rev. Fr. Jacob Usman, Rev.Fr. Gabriel Ugoji, and Rev. Fr.Emmanuel Diakwa.
In an interview, the son of Mrs Veronica Evwode Oghenekevwe, Sir Charles Oghenekevwe (JP), said he could describe his mother’s 90th birthday as fantastic, excellent and wonderful. He said, they have to celebrate their mother because she is caring and loving.
According to him, it is due to God’s love towards his mother hence she is able to live till this day and he expressed joy for this just as he prayed God to continue to give her good health in years ahead.
His words:” l prayed God to give us good health to continue to celebrate our mother because she is caring and loving, to God be the glory”
According to him, he hoped to attain her mother’s age and even beyond by the grace of God adding, what is more important is to always be in God’s Vineyard.
Also speaking is the President of Association of Justices Of The Peace(AJP), Delta State, Nigeria, Sir, Chief Sam I. Odjoji (JP), KSJI. He said, the celebration of 90th birthday anniversary of Mrs Veronica Evwode Oghenekevwe is the celebration of life. He said children should celebrate their parents when they are alive not after their death.
According to him, those aspiring to live long should have the fear of God in their life, live in peace and have good hearts towards their neighbours as peace promotes growth and development of any nation.
While wishing Mrs. Veronica Evwode Oghenekevwe God’s guidance, protection and long life on earth to celebrate more birthdays on earth, Chief Sam Odjoji (JP) charged the children to emulate the virtues of their mother in this regard.
Among those present at the occasion are: Chief P.E.Asagba JP, the Chairman/MD Casa De Pedro Hotels, Effurun, Chief (Dr) Fedelis Adaka JP, Secretary General, Association of Justice of Peace, Delta State, Hon Chief Oshue R.Clement, Dr. Gloria O.Adebiyi, Mr . Uzum Sylvester JP, Esegine Charles, Chief Ogheneovo William Omosevwera JP, Chief (Mrs) Orowo Benedict Omosevwera JP, among others.