At 60, God has shown me abundant grace, affirms Ogidi-Gbegbaje ~ Truth Reporters

By Andy Emephia

Retired Permanent Secretary , Government House and Protocol, and current Chairman, Delta State Bureau for Pensions, Sir Edwin Egwonomu Ogidi_Gbegbaje, has said he has every reason to glorify God for His manifold blessings upon him thus far.

Speaking during a Thanksgiving mass to mark his 60th birthday celebration at the St Ambrose Catholic Church , Ekpan , in Uvwie local government area, on Saturday November 23, 2024 , an elated Ogidi_Gbegbaje said, despite trials and tribulations, God has always perfected what concerns him.

The diamond birthday celebrant, flanked by his wife, Lady Theresa Ogidi_Gbegbaje, recalled his upbringing and public service career experiences while growing up, and thanked God for the lives of his parents , who he said, instilled the virtues of hard work, forbearance, and altruism in him.

Said Ogidi_ Gbegbaje:"l have every cause to glorify God at 60. God has brought me to this height and has continually being a source of guidance and protection to me and my family. At 60 , my joy knows no bounds".

Earlier in his homily , the Parish Priest of St Ambrose Catholic Church , Ekpan, Rev Fr  Tega Ogbeni, said that birthdays are not just reminders of passing years, but an opportunity to reflect and give thanks to God for physical and spiritual well being.

While likening the importance of Thanksgiving to the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17 vs 17 where only one of them came to thank Jesus after being healed of their leprosy, Rev Fr Ogbeni stressed that Thanksgiving is a sure way to receive and sustain God,s blessings.

At the Thanksgiving reception which held at the KFT event centre , Ekpan, the Chairman of the occasion and Commissioner for Works in charge of Rural and Riverine Roads , Mr Charles Anuagwu, described Sir Eddy Ogidi_Gbegbsje , as a man who exemplifies love and has the capacity to build bridges.

While pleading God,s grace upon the celebrant , Mr Aniagwu urged him to continue in his chosen path of altruism and selfless service to the society.

In the same vein, the Chairman of the Delta State lnternal Revenue Services, Hon Solomon lghrakpata, an uncle to the celebrant, described Ogidi Gbegbaje, as an embodiment of the grace of God, and wished him long life and more of God,s abundant blessings and grace.

Highpoints of both Thanksgiving mass and reception was the Thanksgiving offering by the celebrant as well as the cutting of the 60th birthday cake , respectively.

Present at the event was  the representative of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Chief of Staff , Government House, Asaba, Hon Prince Johnson Erijo, Ovie of Uvwie kingdom, HRM Abe Sideso, OON, former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt Hon Peter Onwusanya, immediate past Chairman of the state PDP, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso, who represented former Governor lfeanyi Okowa.

Others include the member representing Uvwie Constituency at the state House of Assembly, Hon Edafe Emakpor, the state Head of Service represented by Sir Austin Ede Oghoro, Director General of the State Communication Bureau, Barr Fred Latimore , Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, serving and retired Permanent Secretaries , the Rotary club , Catholic men and women organizations , family and associates of the Ogidi_Gbegbajes, among others.