BY John Odhe, YENAGOA
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has rejoiced with the Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim and former deputy governor, Chief Peremobowei Ebebi as they celebrate their 60th birthdays.
Diri, was represented by his deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe in the separate celebrations which held in Warri and Yenagoa on Tuesday.
He described the celebrators as men of service that passionate about making impact in life.
Speaking at the dedication of the new Champion Cathedral Annex of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Effurun-Warri in Delta State, Diri appreciated Emefienim for building a magnificent place of worship for God.
The Bayelsa helmsman, however, said he was not surprised at the development as he had always known the celebrant as not only a sacrificial giver but also a man with an unwavering love and zeal for the things of God.
Diri described Emefienim as a Bayelsan and a consummate banker whose bank had become a major brand among the comity of financial institutions in the country within a short space of its existence due to his penchant for excellence.
His words: “On behalf of the Governor and people of Bayelsa State that I represent here , I want to say that, we are proud that you are one of us. You are from us and we can say this boldly anywhere.
“We appreciate God for what He is doing in your life. But I am not surprised because once you submit and sacrifice to God, He will sacrifice back to you in far greater dimensions. You just can not beat God in giving.
“Today, in the midst of banks in Nigeria, our brother’s bank has become a major brand within a very short span of existence. That tells you that there is a breath upon him. And that breath is available for those who will key into it.”
Preaching on the theme for a week-long programme culminating in the dedication of the new church building and birthday service, titled “Wonderful”, the general overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, noted that God would not cease to do wonders in the world, particularly in the lives of those who believed in Him.
Adeboye, who was represented by the continental overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Kalu Ndukwe, also acknowledged the commitment of Emefienim to the service of God, and stressed the importance of a person’s name and occupation in society.
In his remarks, Emefienim, flanked by his wife, Mrs.Ifeoma Emefienim recounted his 24 years sojourn in Bayelsa and how the state had contributed to his present achievements in life.
He said: ” I came into Yenagoa in 2002. The story of my banking career cannot be told without mentioning Bayelsa State. So, when you see me flowing with everyone from Bayelsa, you can understand.
“It will be very difficult or practically impossible for any governor to emerge in Bayelsa that I will not have contact with because I have played in that space for over 20 years. I am happy and I am also proud with what God has used that location to do for me.”
The birthday celebrator expressed gratitude to governor Diri, his deputy, Akpe, the RCCG family, particularly the general overseer, Adeboye, the continental overseer, Ndukwe and everyone who took time to celebrate with him.
Meanwhile, Diri has commended the former Bayelsa State deputy governor, Ebebi, for tirelessly contributing to the development of the state in and out of office.
Speaking through his deputy, Akpe, during an elaborate birthday ceremony at Latik Hotel in Yenagoa, the governor acknowledged the contributions of Ebebi as a lawmaker in the Bayelsa House of Assembly, where he became Speaker and later, deputy governor of the State.
According to him, Ebebi remained a household name in Bayelsa State because of the way and manner the Aleibiri-born politician related with people while in office.
Speaking on a personal capacity, Akpe described Ebebi as his leader, saying he became well acquainted with the workings of the office of the deputy governor some years ago when he was appointed Head of Administration in that office by the celebrant.
Declaring the diamond jubilee ceremony open, chairman of the occasion and a former deputy governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Retd), described Ebebi as a man of the people who gathered crowd in positive ways.
Others who spoke at the well attended event included the Special Adviser to the governor on Religious Matters, Reverend God’spower Asingba, the Alei of Aleibiri, His. Royal Highness James Sarakiri, all extolled the leadership qualities of the celebrant.
In his remarks, Ebebi expressed gratitude to God and all who honoured him.
“I want to thank God for this clement weather that allowed us to celebrate in an open space. All glory to our Creator. I also thank governor Diri, deputy governor Akpe, and all distinguished guests.”
On the entourage of the deputy governor, at both ceremonies were his wife, Dr. Favour Akpe, members of the State House of Assembly, Dr. Charles Daniel, Mrs. Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown, Mr. Tare Porri, Oteigbanyon George-Brah, and the Managing Director of Izon-Ibe Microfinance Bank Limited, Dr Ayakeme Whisky, among others.
