By Eseoghene Emuke
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State was among top dignitaries who attended the 90th birthday thanksgiving mass for Mama Powder Paulina Ewherido on Thursday in Effurun area of the state.
Other top dignitaries at the ceremony were the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Abe 1; Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpovwovwo; Political Adviser to the Governor Oborevwori, Senator Emma Aguariavwodo; APC chieftain, Olorogun Bodjor Adelabu, Hon. Chris Oghenechovwen and Duke of Amukpe in Okpe Kingdom, Chief Peter Asagba.
Mama Ewherido is the mother of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Most Rev Anthony Ovayero Ewherido and late Senator Pius Akpor Ewherido.
She’s also the mother of renowned write and NIGER DELTA TODAY Online’s weekly columnist, Mr. Francis Ewherido.
Mama Ewherido originally clocked 90 on September 5th but the birthday celebration was deferred till December by the children.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori admonished Nigerians to celebrate the living and eulogised Mama Ewherido for her impactful life.
Oborevwori, who is a personal friend of the Ewheridos, spoke during the thanksgiving service for Mama Paulina Powder Ewherido at Mother of Redeemer Catholic Church, Effurun.
The governor noted that celebrating parents while they are still are alive will help prolong their lives and contribute to society.
While praying for good health and long life for the celebrant, Oborevwori said the government and people of the state would continue to join the Ewherido family.
“I have come here with our entourage to celebrate with the Ewherido family for this fulfilled life God has given our dear mother and matriarch of the family.
“People celebrate their parents when they are gone but mama has witnessed this celebration and we will continue to celebrate with her and by the time the giver of life will call her to Heaven, she will know that she will be well celebrated.
“I thank God for your life and for all the struggles that you went through and survived.
“We will continue to celebrate you and on behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate you and the entire Ewherido family on the occasion of your 90th birth anniversary.
“It is our prayer that God will continue to bless you with longer life and good health to witness your 95th and centenary birth anniversary,” Oborevwori prayed.
Earlier in his homily, the Very Rev. Anthony Anamali implored Nigerians to always care for their aged parents, stressing that it was their moral obligation to care for their parents at old age.
Fr. Anamali disclosed that it was instructive from the Bible that children should honour their parents when they are alive and not when they (their parents) are no more, pointing out that anyone who honours his or her parents will never miss the blessings of God.
He said to be 90 years of age anywhere in the world calls for celebration, adding that to be 90 years in Nigeria calls for special celebration because of the low life expectancy index in the country.
“It is our duty to care for our parents at their old age. Children who celebrate their parents never lose their blessings.
“Let us celebrate our parents when they are alive. A visit to them or phone calls put across to them can stimulate happiness in them.
“Parents must also learn to care for their children because it is what you sow that you will reap. So, it is important that parents care for their children, too,” Fr. Anamali observed.
In his remark, Son of the celebrant and Catholic Bishop of Warri Diocese, Bishop Ewherido expressed appreciation to guests for celebrating with the family.
Bishop Ewherido, particularly commended for Governor Oborevwori and the Delta Government for attending and celebrating with the family at all times.
The Catholic Bishop, however, observed that as Prophets of God, they will continue to prick the conscience of leaders at all levels to ensure they continue to do the right thing for the progress and development of the people.
The thanksgiving mass was celebrated by top Catholic clerics including Catholic Archbishop of Benin Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubueze; Bishop of Ijebu-Ode Diocese, Most Rev. Francis Adesina and Bishop of Bomadi Diocese, Most Rev. Hyacinth Egbebo.
