Sunday March 4th, 2012 being lent day in Christian circle, would remain indelible in the minds of several people in Opobo town and the Ancient city of Igwenga (now Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State capital). It was the day Madam Ellah Nwanevu (Nee Cookey) the first daughter of Late Madam Leticia Afi Cookey, celebrated her 83rd birthday with pump and colour.
The ceremony which commenced with a thanksgiving service at St. Georges Anglican Church, Ikot Abasi was officiated by Ven. Dr. John Uzoma and witnessed by eminent Nigerians from all walks of life, including her children, grand children great grand children, her brother and sister, Senibo Dr. Augustus Cookey and Madam Chinyere Ihekwoaba respectively, friends and in-laws, to celebrate the reverred Christian.
Business tycoons and chiefs both from the area and Opobo town were not left out of the celebration.
Madam Ellah Nwanevu said in an interview with The Newswriter Newspaper, that she would like to be remembered as one of the St. George’s women who broadened the frontiers of every facet of good things in the church.
On the challenges facing her the esteemed Christian said, “the challenges are enormous but they are mainly those that will ensure that my people grow from strength to strength because they have already reached a certain level of height from which we should never descend but a forward march. Fortunately, for me by the time I got to my present age my children have all grown up. All of them are working, some have married.”
At the ceremony there was much to eat, even as choice of drink flowed to the admiration of all the guests.
In their separate tributes at the occasion, some of the children have these to say: Elder Emmanuel Bellgam being the first son said, “it was an occasion when we celebrate my mum’s birthday, a rare gift to all us. Her’s has been a life of service in the church where the Almighty God has placed her to serve. As a devout Christian she continued in those things that would enhance the welfare and prosperity of her fellow members whose sake the almighty God gave the grace and privilege to attain the ripe age. That is why her birthday is an occasion to treasure, a proof of joy for all of us who are direct witnesses to, and beneficiaries of her sterling and selfless Christian life. I therefore wish her a fulfilled celebration, longer life, good health and many happy returns.”
Mr. Williams Chijioke Cookey, the 10th son said “Growing up you have always made each of us feel special and secure. You may not be the perfect mother but are so loving, patient and kind. Your love was the glue that bound our family together.”
Speaking also, on behalf of Atagbara family at Chief Cookey-Gam War Canoe house, Opobo Town, the chairman, Senibo Dr. Augustus A, Cookey, brother and Editor of The Newswriter said, the entire members of Atagbara family of Cookey Gam War canoe House, Ukonu Polo, Opobo Kingdom heartily congratulate Madam Ellah Nwanevu (Nee Cookey) on her well-deserved birthday thanksgiving ceremony.
“We rejoice also with our sons, daughters, in-laws and other distinguished personalities who are today members of our great family through childbirth and marriages from her.
“Our Ernest prayer is that the Almighty God in His infinite mercies who has preserved her fill today, grant her longer life, strengthen her and uphold her. May her life be a blessing to us.”
Other children who poured encomiums on her include Mr. Manfred Cookey, Arc. Kalada Bell-Gam, Mr. Uzoma J. Nwanevu, Mr. Edwin Nwanevu and Sir. Vincent C. Inyama and family. ###
Senibo Atagbara
