…As children, family, friends and community gather to celebrate the Icon
By Alltimepost.com
Beyond the euphoria of a well-orchestrated party to celebrate his life, the Patriarch of Akpoyoware-Onoyivwinta family and Otota (Prime-Minister) of Ovu-In-Land Kingdom in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, Chief Moses Akpoyoware-Onoyivwinta, turned to God with appreciation and thanksgiving last Sunday.
It was not only because of attaining the nonagenarian age of 90, but because God has been so kind to him – with the endowment of great health and great family, and more so, being surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The people of Ovu/Ovuoerie kingdom rolled out the drums to celebrate their great son and worthy leader in his home on Sunday March 29, 2020.
Conscious of the present COVID-19 situation, the various quarters that make up the community sent representatives to grace the historic event. The colorful ceremony was equally attended by the celebrant’s children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends and well-wishers from far and wide.
Guests were lavishly entertained with assorted food and drinks while traditional/country music rented the air. In his brief remarks Chief Moses Akpoyoware-Onoyivwinta thanked God for his faithfulness and mercy over his life said.
”I thank God Almighty for preserving my life to the present age, in spite of inherent challenges that came up in my journey of life so far.
“I feel great to attain the nonagenarian circle. I greatly appreciate God for preserving my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; his abundant blessings and constant protection. I thank my community people for their show of undiluted love. ”
The oldest daughter of the celebrant, a reputable business woman based in Warri, Delta State, Mrs. Onochakpora Evelyn Ejoh, in her message said: ‘We thank God for sparing the life of Papa, for making his 90 years celebration a huge success.
“We the children will ever be grateful to God for flowering Papa with excellent good health, in spite of his ripe old age. We appreciate members of the Ovu-Ovuorie community for coming out to facilitate with us.”
Mr. Mitarho Akpoyoware, his oldest son, who practices nursing in the United States of America, declared in his birthday message:
“l wish Papa a wonderful celebration of life for 90 years and beyond. You have been a source of inspiration and encouragement to me and many by believing that we can make it in life, in spite of our humble beginnings. May the Lord continue to grant you many more health years filled with wisdom and strength. May His glory surround you always with love.”
Igbotako ‘Nowinta, the 4th in the line of his children, a professional mediator /conciliator & serial author, who is also the Nigerian Bureau Chief of Alltimepost.com said in his comments: ”My father is an icon of inestimable dimension.
“He is colossally disciplined; a teethtoller, neither smokes or drink, very neat and clean always. Currently he reads without glasses. He is imbued with extraordinary intelligence. An indefatigable communicator. The Otota is truthful, simple going, peace loving and considerate. He is indisputably an asset to the good people of Ovu kingdom.”
Chief Moses Akpoyoware-Onoyivwinta, whose first ever progenitor (Onoyivwinta) was a mighty man of valor, was born on March 4th, 1930 in Ovu-in-Land. He started his elementary school at Isiokolo Primary School in 1936, where he did one year. He proceeded to Warri Government School, where he completed his primary education.
The future Otota of Ovu-Ovuorie kingdom climbed his next educational ladder at the prestigious and famous St Patrick College, Asaba, where the tree of his intelligence blossomed without limits.
At Asaba, many of his teachers were white men. He cleverly and industriously discovered a very keen interest in English Literature at that stage. Intoxicated with the administrative process of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the destined Otota was attracted to the then Western Nigeria Civil Service (WNCS).
He first worked with the High Court of Justice in Ibadan in 1950, and in 1951 got employment in the Department of Post & Telecommunications (P & T).
For thirty five years, Chief Moses Akpoyoware – Onoyivwinta meritoriously served his father land without any blemish and retired gloriously in 1986 in Benin City.
No doubt his intellectual capacity, forthrightness, keen intelligence and known oratorical gift contributed to his choice as the Otota (Prime Minister) of his community, when he was pulled from retirement to serve his people in 2010.
Today, ten years after, he has proved beyond any reasonable doubt that he is indeed a leader per excellence.
