With a heart full of gratitude, I and my wife Victoria hosted an End-of-Year Thanksgiving Service on the 27th of December, 2025, in our hometown, Ochigba, Ahoada East LGA, Rivers State. We gathered to thank God for His faithfulness and bountiful blessings over the years.
The service was graciously officiated by the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ahoada Rt. Rev. Hanson Bernard who was represented by Ven. Solomon Michael who delivered the sermon and a team of clergymen. with soul-stirring music from the Anglican Choir, other musical groups, orchestra, and live bands that lifted our spirits in praise. Local and contemporary dance groups also entertained the mammoth crowd with captivating performances, adding colour and joy to the occasion. In a wonderful display of our local traditions, the event also featured a local wrestling tournament. This tournament was officially kicked off and marked open by a mock wrestling performance between my special guest HE Nyesom Wike CON Min of the FCT and me, which added a unique and festive energy to the celebrations. This massive turnout was a true testament to the love and support I continue to receive from my kinsmen the Ekpeye people and beyond —my heartfelt thanks to our people and everyone who came out to support and join in thanking God for his mercies over the years.
I was specially honoured by the presence of the Honourable Minister of the FCT and former Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON. Also in attendance were the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, Chairman of Rivers Elders Council Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, Ambassador Chief OCJ Okocha SAN, Senator Olaka Nwogu, Sen Wilson Ake, Sen Magnus Abe,Ambassador Desmond Akawor, Rivers State PDP chairman Hon Chukwuemeka Aaron, Hon Igo Aguma, Rep Victor Obuzor, His Royal Majesty Eze Felix Otuwarikpo( Eze Igbu Upata) , Eze Godspower Okgoagi and Ekpeye chiefs, youths, women and elites. In my remarks, I emphasised a truth that must be told: Minister Wike is a builder of men and a gifted people orientated leader. Unlike some pseudo Rivers political leaders who use power to aggrandise themselves,oppress and pull others down, His Excellency Wike is distinct in his commitment to uplifting people. His transformative projects in Rivers State and his current giant strides in Abuja speak volumes of his capacity. His legacy of infrastructure in Rivers and now Abuja is undeniable.He is not petty and completes all projects including those awarded by his predecessors either while Rivers State Governor, and now as Minister of FCT.He doesn’t abandon people oriented projects simply because they were awarded by his predecessors.
It was a joy to share the altar with my wife Victoria and daughter, Uwauma, for the Bible readings. I also extend profound thanks to the Royal Fathers, the Clergy, and stakeholders from both APC and PDP who joined us in this solemn assembly of praise, worship and thanksgiving.
To God alone be all the glory!
