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Pa Thomas Abiamefuna Okwuofu, a community leader and elder statesman, will today, celebrate his 99th birthday in grand style.
This is as eminent personalities in Obomkpa Town, an agrarian community in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State will honour the retired federal civil servant with pomp and pageantry.
Pa Okwuofu, who was recently bestowed with the highest chieftaincy title in the town, Ogbele-Ani of Obomkpa, will today, June 1, 2023, turn 99 years on earth.
He is a philanthropist, a devout Christian leader and a lover of goodness, who worked with the Nigeria Postal Services (NIPOST) for 35 years in many stations across the country.
Among the well wishers who have continued to pour encomiums on the celebrant are top government officials, traditional rulers, high chiefs and captains of industry in the state and in the Diaspora.
Words of felicitations have continued to pour in from families, relatives, and well wishers, wishing the elder statesman good health to celebrate the milestone.
They prayed for more years in good frame of mind, prosperity and that God Almighty continue to bless and enrich him with good health and wisdom.
Pa Okwuofu, a distinguished community leader and devout Catholic will also use the opportunity to celebrate the first anniversary of his installation as the Ogbele-Ani of Obomkpa.
He was installed by the paramount traditional ruler of Obomkpa, HRM. Obi Onyemaechi Josiah Kanyinaga 1.
It would be recalled that the new Ogbele-Ani, at the demise of the late Ogbele-Ani in December 2021, automatically became the Ogbele-Ani in-waiting.
On 25 June, 2022, the oldest man in the Town of Obomkpa in-waiting, Pa Okwuofu, was installed as the new Ogbele-Ani of Obomkpa.
The title of Ogbele-Ani at Obomkpa is an honour bestowed on the oldest man in town, irrespective of his political affiliation, religion, and social status.
The commemorative and colourful event took place at the palace of the Obi of Obomkpa amidst grandeur and ceremonial display.
In his remarks, the paramount traditional ruler wished the new Ogbele-Ani more fruitful years.
The traditional ruler also invoked the spirits of past traditional rulers while praying for long life and prosperity for the newly-installed chief.
The Obi prayed that the tenure of Pa Abiamefuna Thomas Okwuofu should bring abundant prosperity to the land and people of Obomkpa.
Assisting His Royal Majesty during the event were palace High Chiefs and traditional chieftaincy holders as well as the Obi of Obomkpa -In-Council (the Ikpala’s).
The current Ogbele-Ani hails from Ogbe-Ogene quarters of Obomkpa.
Distinguished sons and daughters of the quarters in attendance included Mr. Eziuche Okwuofu, Mr. Ashiedu Okwuofu, and the Umu Adas, led by Diokpa Festus Ofili.
Other distinguished dignitaries present at the ceremony were the Omu of Onicha-Uku; chairman, Delta State Local Government Service Commission, Dame Nkem Okwuofu; the Councilor representing Obomkpa Ward 3, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Hon Queen Ukamaka Ndubuokwu; Mr. Abideen Arutu; Mr. Fidelis Monye; and Mr. Ogbeidimbu.
In his response, Pa Abiamefuna Thomas Okwuofu thanked all sons and daughters of Obomkpa, home and abroad, for making the ceremony a historic event.
Entertainment of guests followed immediately at the palace and thereafter at the residence of the new Ogbele-Ani at Ogbe-Ogene Quarters.
“May the land of Obomkpa continue to witness abundant progress under the leadership of His Royal Majesty, the custodian of Obomkpa customs and tradition,” the newly installed Ogbele-Ani had prayed then.
•Okwuofu, a journalist, writes from Ibadan.
