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Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Today, all of Nigeria, both high and low, gather to celebrate a remarkable milestone, the 50th birthday and public presentation of a book in honour of our son, brother and leader, Chief Samuel Ogbuku PhD. Let me state from the outset, that in many cultures and spiritual traditions, 50 is considered a sacred number, symbolizing a period of reflection, wisdom, and new beginnings. So, today is a time to acknowledge the journey of life, honor the experiences that have shaped the Niger Delta Development Commission’s helmsman and Deputy Paramount Ruler of Ayakoro Community in Bayelsa State, as well as look forward to the new opportunities that lie ahead.
Indeed, our gathering here is a holy convocation to thank God for the gift of this wonderful and inspiring young man, who, in reality, is an emblem representing the remarkable gift of our younger generations as a nation. Gladly, we have in this occasion such wonderful younger Nigerians in public office as Hon. Olubunmi Ojo, our highly performing Minister of Interior and Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who is also making our mothers and children very proud.
On this day, I bring special greetings from us in PANDEF and indeed the entire people of the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. For the celebrant, our resounding presence here has absolutely nothing to do with the public office which you occupy today; but a true reflection of the value which we hold for your person. Hence we are not surprised that some of our ranking traditional rulers like, our 89 years old father of both Bayelsa and Rivers States, HRM King W.S. Igbugburu X, King Bubaraye Dakolu, Chairman, Bayelsa Council of Traditional Rulers and HRM King Charles Dumaro Owaba, Paramount Ruler of Ogbia, and many others who are present here. We also have a large delegation of PANDEF representing all the States of the South-South.
At 50 years, your life’s story can be surmised in the words of renowned writer, Chinualumogu Albert Achebe who explained in reference to the life of Okonkwo, the character of the book “Things Fall Apart”, that. “A child who washes his hands clean would dine with kings. This means that every person is responsible for making his or her own future and opportunities by himself.
As we mark this golden milestone, we celebrate not just the passing of time but the accumulation of wisdom, love, and legacy. From your infant days in the household of educationist and traditional ruler, King Paul Nathaniel Ongbakun in the great coastal town of Ayakoro in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State to the years of growth around the Diobu area of our garden city of Port Harcourt, life, love, laughter, and adventure have shaped you into the incredible person you are today.
Dr. Sammy, as most people simply call you, many of us have watched you from a distance in course of your academic pursuits and public service. So, we can boldly attest that you have always demonstrated a remarkable work ethic and dedication to excellence. Your diligence and perseverance have been evident in every stage of your life, as a curious and ambitious student to your academic achievements. As a scholar myself, I’m greatly impressed that your pursuit of knowledge and excellence led you to earn a doctorate, a testament to your intellectual unwavering commitment to self-preparation for higher national service. No wonder you are today celebrating by presenting two scholarly books on the Niger Delta.
As a matter of fact, your work and passion extend far beyond your academic achievements. In the various offices you have occupied, including Chief of Staff to Governor, Special Adviser to Deputy Senate President and now Managing Director of the NDDC, you have consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to social and economic development, using your skills and expertise to drive positive change in our region and beyond. Your dedication to creating opportunities, promoting equality, and empowering marginalized communities and infrastructural development are making a lasting impact on the lives of many. I must also acknowledge that your passion also extends to human capital development and environmental issues, recognizing the intricate link between human well-being and the health of our fragile and fractured Niger Delta.
Let me also add that one of your greatest strengths is your heart which makes you to care deeply about others and easily offers a helping hand when needed.
Finally, we again thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving you this opportunity to serve, your Board Members and Management Colleagues for being such wonderful comrades-in-arms. This particular Board and management is focused and diligently working as a team, devoid of the acrimony and infighting of the past. We also thank most specially your Committee of friends who have made sacrifices to bring out personal resources to sponsor this celebration and book presentation.
As you enter this new chapter of life, we urge you to reckon that fifty is not the new thirty, but it’s a fantastic age to reassess priorities, pursue new passions, and deepen relationships. You must also realise that the great journey of life has just started for you. So, we pray that this next chapter be filled with greater soberness, purpose, and fulfillment, and may you continue to inspire and make a difference in the lives of others and our nation. May you also have the special grace of God to learn from your human mistakes and imperfections.
We call on our Heavenly Father, to grant you (Sammy), wisdom and discernment as you navigate through your future plans and daily labours. Yes, that the Lord will guide you in making decisions that align with His will and purpose for your life and protect you from harm. Furthermore, may the Lord surround you with people who will support and uplift you in the many other national assignments which will come your way.
So, on behalf of all of us, especially those who will not be speaking, Happy 50th Birthday, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, PhD.
May God bless us all.
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