By Dada Ahmed.
Lokoja, the bustling capital of kogi state, was aglow on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, as the Kogi Central for Peace and Development Initiative (KCPDI), fondly known as the Kogi Central Think Tank Forum, celebrated an extraordinary milestone—the 80th birthday of their revered elder, Elder Moses Ovurevu Onivehu.
The celebration was a vivid testament to the camaraderie and shared values that define the KCPDI. Amid dazzling glitz and glamour, members paid homage to Elder Onivehu, who many fondly call “Adai,” as a beacon of truth, compassion, and purpose-driven leadership.
In heartfelt tributes, members described him as a man of peaceful disposition, a mentor of unparalleled wisdom, and a God-fearing father figure. They celebrated his legacy as a retired acting Head of Service and Permanent Secretary of Kogi State, a journey of resilience and excellence that began more than two decades ago with his retirement from civil service.
Elder Onivehu’s life story reads like a guidebook for purposeful living. A proud graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with a Master’s degree, his career spanned decades of impactful service in Kwara and Kogi states. To his admirers, he is more than an elder; he is a wellspring of knowledge and a mentor who has positively shaped many lives.
The celebration began on a solemn note with a prayer by Prof. Emmanuel Ohize, thanking God for preserving Elder Onivehu’s life and praying for more fruitful years ahead. The atmosphere quickly shifted to electrifying as members, dressed in their finest, took turns delivering glowing goodwill messages. The youthful-looking octogenarian smiled warmly, occasionally bursting into hearty laughter at the outpouring of love and admiration.
The highlight of the day was the feast—a sumptuous spread of pounded yam, egusi, chicken, and vegetable soup that left everyone licking their fingers with what can only be described as “automatic alacrity.” The celebrant and members alike reveled in the joyful atmosphere, dancing to the evergreen tunes of Alhaji Sule Ademu, the late musical legend of Ebiraland.
The MC, Mr. Austyn Ochu, a celebrated broadcaster, kept the energy alive with humor and wit, ensuring there was never a dull moment.
Beyond the merriment, the attendees left the celebration with profound lessons drawn from Elder Onivehu’s exemplary life. His unwavering contentment, peaceful disposition, love for neighbors, and steadfast faith in God resonated deeply with everyone present. Members pledged to emulate these virtues, striving to live lives that reflect unity, kindness, and purpose.
As the event concluded, it was clear that the celebration was more than just a birthday party—it was a powerful reminder of the need for love, unity, and a shared commitment to building a better world.
Elder Moses Ovurevu Onivehu’s 80th birthday was a shining example of what happens when a community comes together to honor a life well-lived. It was a day of joy, reflection, and inspiration—a celebration of the enduring power of love and humanity.
Ahmed is a member of Kogi Central Think Tank Forum.
