By Aduku Aruwa
IT was a moment of encomium as top government functionaries, retired military officers and other eminent Nigerians gathered at Ayetoro `Gbede’ Ijumu Local Government of Kogi State, for a thanksgiving mass and 7oth birthday celebration of rtd Major –Gen David Jemibewon.
At the colourful ceremony, Governor Ibrahim Idris praised the former military administrator and Peoples Democratic Party chieftain for his exemplary leadership, courage and contributions to the state.
He also used the forum to emphasize the need for people of the state to shun all acts capable of causing ethnic, religious and political crises in the interest of unity, peace and progress of the state.
In his sermon, Rev. Fr. Paul Asawale of the Catholic Diocese of Ibadan, urged Christians to among other things use their positions to assist the less-privileged in the society, imbibe the virtues of thanksgiving as well as allow themselves to be used as vessels for God’s work on earth.
In his remark, the celebrant thanked his guests for their demonstration of love and unity which he noted should be emulated by all for enhanced growth and development of the country.
The event attracted such eminent Nigerians like the wife of the state governor, Hajia Zainab Idris; wife of former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Ojo Madueke; former Minister for Education and Chief Babalola Borishade, among others.