Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Thursday, urged Nigerians to celebrate their parents while they are living in order to make them happy and prolong their lives.
Governor Oborevwori made the call at the 90th birth anniversary thanksgiving service for Mama Paulina Powder Ewherido at Mother of Redeemer Catholic Church, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
Oborevwori who prayed for long life and good health for Mama Ewherido, said the government and people of the state would continue to join the Ewherido family to celebrate a life of forthrightness in which God has blessed her with.
According to Oborovweri, “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.
“Mama, I thank God for your life and for all the challenges that you went through and survived.
“We will continue to celebrate you. 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,” Governor Oborevwori prayed.
Earlier in his homily, the Very Rev. Fr. 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 calls for celebration anywhere in the world, adding that to be 90 years, particularly in Nigeria calls for special celebration because of the low life expectancy index in the country.
While congratulating Mama Paulina Powder Ewherido on her 90th birth anniversary, the Priest described the nonagenarian as a woman of immense grace and great courage.
Saying that she remained a devoted Catholic despite daunting challenges, he said Mama’s prayers have been a great pillar of support for her family and those around her. He pointed out that she is a caring and loving mother whose life has been a blessing to people around her.
“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 said.
Son of the celebrant and Catholic Bishop of Warri Diocese, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ewherido expressed appreciation to guests for honouring their invitation.
While lauding Governor Oborevwori for leading the State Government delegation to celebrate with mama, Bishop Ewherido said 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.
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, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Emmanuel Sideso JP OON and an array of priests and top government functionaries attended the thanksgiving service.