BY Emma Amaize

WARRI-IT was carnival-like in Warri, Delta State, Thursday, as dignitaries from all walks of life turned out for the 50th birthday celebration of former Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi.

The Orodje of Okpe, HRM Orhue I, led other monarchs, including Abe I, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom and HRM, M.E. Egbi, JP, Owahwa II, the Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom, to grace the occasion.

President of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor was at the thanksgiving mass at the family chapel of the celebrant conducted by the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Warri, Rt. Rev. (Dr.) John Afareha.

Former Minister of Health and Foreign Affairs, Dr. Aliyu Hong; former Minister of Finance, Alhaji Ahmadu Abubakar; Senator Adegor Eferakeya, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed, among others graced the event.

Also present were Prof Victor Perurie, Chief Peretemode, Chief Peter Ekpihwre, Chief Patrick Okitiakpe, former military administrator of Niger State, Brigadier-General Cletus Emein (rtd.), Olorogun Okiemute Okwagbe, Chief Moses Bolokor, Otota of Ughievwen, Chief T. O. Apah, Otota of Uhurie, Chief J. Umukoro and Otota of Orhowhe, Chief D. Okome.

Leader of the Delta Elders, Leaders and Stakeholders Forum, Chief Godwin Ogbetuo, Prince Ernest Okojie and Alhaji Isa Clark were also there.

Bishop Afareha thanked God for the life of Gbagi, saying God was interested in what human beings do with the gifts He had given to them. The cleric said: “The only thing God is looking forward to from the gifts He has given us is gratitude. God owns all we have. We should be grateful to Him.”