Rev. Fr. Ekabo Celebrates 20th Priestly Ordination Anniversary

–As Cleric Clocks 50

By Daniel Dafe

The Episcopal Vicar/Dean and Parish Priest, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sapele, Very Rev. Fr. Christopher Ekabo, has celebrated his 20th priestly ordination anniversary, alongside his 50th birthday celebration.

The colourful ceremony took place yesterday at the church’s hall with a Holy Mass, and thereafter, a reception for guests held at the church’s premises.

Present at the auspicious event were the Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, ably represented by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr. Festus Agas.

Other dignitaries at the ceremony included:  Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Delta State, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso, former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Prof. Amos Utuama, Chairman, Sapele Local Government Area, Hon. Eugene Inoaghan and the PDP candidate for the Delta State House of Assembly, Sapele Constituency, Chief Felix Anirah.

Speaking at the church service, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Agas, described the celebrant as a focused priest and courageous cleric who speaks truth to those in authority, adding that he does not only criticize the government of the day, but also provides useful suggestions.

“Urhobo Nation is proud of Rev. Ekabo. He is a fervent Christian and a true servant of God who has impacted mankind.”

Agas, on behalf of friends to the celebrant presented a Toyota Land Cruiser and a Toyota Hilux Van to Rev. Ekabo, saying that the gesture was in recognition of his noble deeds overtime.

In the same vein, the governor of the state while presenting a cash gift to the catholic priest recalled how Rev. Ekabo championed the peaceful electricity protest in Sapele to push for stable power supply in Sapele.

Continuing, he recalled the role the cleric played when a preacher was recently kidnapped.

Responding to the gestures, Ekabo promised to mobilize people to vote for Okowa, come 2019, saying that the governor has touched the lives of many in the state.

Speaking further, he promised to continue in the cause of impacting the lives of others and fighting for the well-being of the poor and needy in the society.

To the amazement of all, he donated the sum of N2, 0000000 (given to him by the state governor) to a parish under him to aid their building project, as he also gave the Toyota Hillux Van to his aged parents, Chief & Chief (Mrs.) Vwavware Ekabo.