A traditional Chief from the Amachree Royal House in Kalabari Kingdom, Chief (Dr.) Sobere George Amachree has harped on the need for children to celebrate parents while they are alive rather than waiting to give them exotic burials when they die.
The Buguma-born Chief who gave the charge during the birthday celebration of 72-year-old Madam Daba Karibi Duke at the Three Cross Society of Nigeria, Port Harcourt branch on Sunday, strongly criticized those who prefer to throw lavish parties, as a way of giving their parents befitting burials.
He wondered why some people would spend fortune to build mansions, buy exotic cars and purchase expensive caskets to bury their parents who, ironically never receive love and care while alive.
Chief urged people to take a cue from the action of Engr. Omubo Bob-manuel, the second son of the celebrant who gave out a house gift to the celebrant on behalf of Miss Eliana Bobmanuel to demonstrate his love and care for her.
It was all joy and excitement during the occasion as members of the Three Cross Society of Nigeria, took time out to celebrate the septuagenarian who is an active member of the church.
In her speech at the occasion, the celebrant described the day as special and symbolic in her lifetime, saying her little granddaughter, Miss Eliana Omubo Bob-Manuel actually took her by storm when she gave her a mind blowing birthday package of a brand new house.
The celebrant made it clear that within the past 72 years, God has been very kind to her despite some challenges in life, and showered prayer and good wishes of God’s grace and favour in the lives of all her children/grand children and those that came to celebrate with her. She prayed God to grant her more years on earth so as to serve Him the more.
The highpoint of the event was the cutting of the birthday cake by the celebrant with her grand children and the handing over of the brand new building to the celebrant by her granddaughter Miss Eliana.
Also speaking during the thanksgiving service, the leader of the Three Cross Society in Port Harcourt, Hope Abel Solomon congratulated the celebrant on her birthday anniversary, noting that her 72 years on earth have been characterized by peace and filled with service to God and humanity.
Expounding on the celebration, leader Hope averred that the presence of God drives away shame in the lives of those who put their trust in God, saying although the celebrant had other grand children, he prayed fervently for God to also give her a grandchild in her life time through her second son, Engr. Omubo, adding that Eliana who gave the brand new house to the celebrant was the answer to that prayer.
He noted that one sure way of attracting God’s presence is to seek him with “all your heart, mind, soul and body”, he said.
The cleric expressed gratitude to God for his mercies and grace upon “Mysisy” as she is fondly called, and prayed for continued good health and many more years to her life.
Engr. Omubo Bob-Manuel, father of Miss Eliana and also the second son of the celebrant said it was a thing of joy for their mother to be alive and witness the milestone, looking back at where they came from, and prayed for long and fruitful life for their mother.
He thanked his wife for being instrumental for Miss Eliana to have given their mother the surprise package.
“My wife was the secret behind the great success story of Mama having her own house today, my beloved wife actually made it a dream come true”, he said, assuring that he would do everything within his capacity to make his mother happy. Saying motherhood is not an easy task.
