By Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq
The large auditorium hall of the Living Faith Church aka Winners Chapel in Asaba was filled to capacity. People from all walks of life came in their droves, decked in colourful attires in their shapes and sizes.
Ibusa Road from the new roundabout was blocked to traffic with overflow of exotic SUVs, sirens blasting and security operatives doing their jobs to ensure that the event of the day went well without hitches.
And at exactly 10am on Monday, June 19, the Twin thanksgiving service; successful Inauguration and 60th birthday celebration of governor Oborevwori commenced.
The only bible reading was taken by the birthday boy, Chief celebrant and His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Delta State, Elder Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, decked in light green silk traditional attire with Okpe flavour, signifying his background as an illustrious son of Urhobo nation.
The State Pastor of The Living Faith Church, Pastor Triumphant Obamah dwelled on the spiritual benefits of “Thanksgiving” as enshrined in the holy book. He cited several verses in the bible, pointing to show that “thanksgiving” is to appreciate God’s favour which provokes new multifaceted open doors for greatness in life.
The clergy urged governor Oborevwori to continue to hold on to God, ask Him for wisdom and direction, and govern the state with the fear of God. He assured that Oborevwori’s tenure signified a new dawn and glory for Delta State.
pastor Obamah urged Deltans to pray and support him as he settles down to implement his electioneering campaigns promises encapsulated in the M.O.R.E agenda; Meaningful Development, Opportunity for all Deltans, Realistic Reforms and Enhanced Peace and Security.
The immediate past governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, CON, and his jewel of inestimable value, Dame Edith Okowa, as well as the former governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduanghan and his amiable wife, Roli Uduaghan, were in attendance to give the needed support to the Chief celebrant, the Ukodo of Okpe Kingdom.
Governors of Edo, Bayelsa, Oyo and others were ably represented with either their Deputies or House Speaker. Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme and his wife, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor and his wife, federal lawmakers, the State Chief Judge, the Deputy Speaker, Hon Arthur Akpowowo Esq and his wife, Members of the State House of Assembly, State Party Chairman, Okakuro Kingsley Esiso, Secretary to Delta State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, Chief of Staff, Prince Erijo, Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, Senator Ighoyota Amori, Chsirman of DESOPADEC, Chief John Nani Esq, and several dignitaries were in attendance at the Thanksgiving Service.
Celebrant Oborevwori and guests danced uncontrollably in appreciation to God Almighty for his 60th birthday anniversary and successful Inauguration as governor on May 29. It was indeed a superlative worship and praise service that brought together the high and the mighty in Delta State politics across board.
At exactly 2pm, the celebration shifted to the State Event Centre, off Okpanam Road, where guests and aristocratic dignitaries were treated to another round of superlative entertainment, music and dance.
Ace Comedian, I GO DIE, cracked the ribs of the celebrant and guests. He was on top of his game, what a great display of talent. Indeed, I go die, is the best.
The governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo was in attendance. Celebrant Oborevwori was now decked in black customized jacket, looking smart and radiant. Delta First Lady, Deaconess Mrs Tobore Oborevwori stole the show in her English dinner wear. It was astonishingly superlative.
Immediate past governor of Delta State, Senator Okowa, went back into memory lane, traced his first encounter with Oborevwori to two decades ago. He described him as a reliable, dependable and trustworthy individual who is never desperate for and over anything.
Okowa posited that for the six years Oborevwori held served the State and people as Speaker, he was not founding wanting, led with great vision and foresight, was incorruptible, humble, tactful and responsible. He thanked God for his life and family and assured that with Oborevwori in the saddle Delta is in safe hands.
Former governor Uduaghan, who was Oborevwori’s employer when he was governor from 2007 to 2015, said the incumbent governor of Delta State is a man of honour, humble and forward looking but never desperate and not overzealous, no matter the circumstances.
Uduaghan, known to be very blunt and practical, said he was led by God, not man, to support the governorship ambition of the celebrant, even though some political gladiators pressurized him to abandon Oborevwori, but he kept listening to the Holy Spirit, and eventually things went well for governor Oborevwori.
He urged the incumbent governor to be prayerful, listen to the yearnings and aspirations of the people, and to “take good care of your Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme,” Uduaghan added.
Governor Soludo, said Delta and Anambra are the closest neighbours, meaning that both states must of a necessity look inward, partner in socioeconomic spheres and benefit from each other economically. He expressed satisfaction over positive comments about governor Oborevwori and declared his intension to sustain mutual relationship in the years ahead.
Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shuaibu, deliver the goodwill message from Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, while Bayelsa Deputy Governor, delivered the congratulatory message from governor Duaye Diri of Bayless State.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde was ably represented by the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly. They spoke glowingly of celebrant Oborevwori and pray God to grant him wisdom, good health and resources to advance and develop Delta State.
Oborevwori, while speaking at the Event Centre, assured Deltans that “being governor will not affect my grassroots connections with Deltans”, pointing to show that he would have to maintain his street credibility as an excessive local content Governor.
He assured that political appointments will soon hit the airwaves as part of his deliberate efforts to constitute the State Executive Council, and assemble his core team for the smooth take off of M.O.RE agenda implementation.
Governor Oborevwori thanked the immediate past governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa CON, for the enviable roles he played to ensure that power shifted to Delta Central, and his subsequent victory at the polls. Most especially, he gave all the Glory to God, and also thanked former governor Uduaghan, for supporting him all the way through in the midst of multifaceted stiff opposition that was divinely neutralized and nullified by the Right Hand of God, that doeth valiant.
He thanked all party faithfuls and Deltans irrespective of political affiliation, for attending and celebrating his silver jubilee birthday and successful Inauguration as governor.
It is hoped that the governor will soon settle down to perform his duties and responsibilities assigned to him by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and as governor for all Deltans, irrespective of political divide.
The Thanksgiving Service at The Living Faith Church was anchored by Ace master of Stste Ceremony, Pastor Powell Tos, while his able colleague and Mr Bsritone Voice, Sammie Fejuku took charge of the Grand Reception event.
Once again, congratulations Your Excellency!