Birthday Celebration of Madam Grace Okpeahior @ 92

Birthday Celebration of Madam Grace Okpeahior @ 92

By: Oriaifoh Godwins

It was the celebration of the life of Madam Grace Okpeahior, of Ivue-Uromi, in Esan North East local government of Edo state, as she clocks 92 on Saturday, March 23rd 2024.

To celebrate the attainment of the nonagenarian age, the children of Madam Grace Okpeahior, thought it wise to travel to Ivue, in Esan North East local government area of Edo state, from far and wide, within and outside the country, to honour their 92 years old mother, and also thank God for her life. 

The event, that held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Ivue-Uromi, in Esan North East local government area of Edo state, was well attended by the family's friends and well wishers.

Entertainment of guests was held on Saturday, 23rd  March 2024, while the Thanksgiving Service came up the following day, Sunday, 24th March 2024.

Speaking with Esan Magazine on the factors responsible for her longevity, Madam Grace Okpeahior, the celebrant, had this to say; "...It is God that gives long life; however, good deeds, clear conscience are factors. Again, I trust God in all my ways, as I worship no other God". She thanked and prayed for all her children for coming together to honour her. She also prayed for all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as their entire households that God grants them such long life, in good health that she is enjoying.

During the Thanksgiving Service, that held at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church, Ivue- Uromi, officiated by the Parish Priest, Reverend Fr. Dr. Peter Amadi, the reverend Father lauded the children of Madam Grace Okpeahior for their unity, togetherness, and now, wisdom in celebrating their mother, even in her lifetime...

The ten children of the Nonagenarian celebrant, spoke with Esan Magazine on the personality of their 92 years old mother, and what was responsible for her longevity.

Mr. Fred Osolease Okpeahior, the eldest child of the entire Okpeahior family, described Madam Grace Okpeahior, the celebrant, as a quiet woman that abhors grudges; this, he said, gives her rest of mind. In addition to this, he said, "she is also well taken care of; all these, are responsible for her longevity". Also, speaking on the prevailing peace and unity amongst the children, irrespective of the fact that they have different mothers, Mr. Fred attributed it to the legacy that their father left behind, which he said, is still guiding them on.

Mr. Davidson Osifo Okpeahior, the first child of the celebrant, an immigration consultant, resident in Canada, described his mother, the celebrant, as a compassionate and generous woman that cares about people, irrespective of whether such People are close relatives or not. Continuing, Mr. Davidson said; "...her ever happy mood is chiefly responsible for my mother's longevity. She hurts nobody, so she is not after anyone, and no one is after her life".

Mr. Godwin Okpeahior, the second child of the celebrant, agreed with the opinion of his immediate elder brother on the reason responsible for their mother's long life. He said; "...it is chiefly happiness". He added that, her good health is also a contributory factor. He said; "...our mother is happy to see all her children alive today and celebrating her. She is honest, caring, and very hard working in taking care of her children".

Mr. Joseph Oriarewo Okpeahior, aka Kolo, the third child of the celebrant, speaking on the factors that could be responsible for his mother's long life, he said; "...even though there are clear evidence of hereditary gene that I can say is responsible for my mother's longevity, as her father, my maternal grandfather, lived up to 120 years, and her mother, lived up to 110 years, the fact still remains that, we the children made sure that she lacks nothing. We regularly take her for medical check-ups".

"She is a very simple woman with a free mind, she is the kind that does not harbour grudges against anyone. She eats natural and not organic foods..."

Continuing, Mr. Joseph said, their mother is a peace loving and very hard working virtuous  woman who abhors acrimonious tendencies of any sort. Her peaceful nature and simplicity can also be adduced as one of the factors responsible for her longevity.

Pastor Clifford Okpeahior, the Senior Pastor, Jesus Anchored Core Ministry Int. Inc. based in Lagos, the fourth child of the celebrant, described their mother as the type that everyone will like to have as a mother; saying, she is kind hearted, loving and always happy. "She is a woman that is passionate about giving, a Christian to the core, and a loving mother. "She took care of us when there was nothing, and today, we are celebrating her to the glory of God..."

" I believe God spared her life till date, because of her sincerity and faithfulness". 

Mr. Lucky Leo Okpeahior, aka Kendo, the fifth child, described their mother as a caring woman who always preach love amongst her children. According to Kendo; "...her goodness, kindness and love for people, are the factors responsible for her longevity; above all, she is a lover of God". 

Mrs. Felicia Kwateng Aka Ebu, the first daughter, but sixth child of the celebrant, said; "...My mum is a very generous, hard-working woman who did all she could to cater for all her 10 children....She is very humble, and I call her a prayer warrior. My Mum has a good sense of humour, as she always make us laugh. She is a very strong woman. I appreciate God for the blessings upon her life."

Mr. Monday Okpeahior, aka Nero, the seventh child of the celebrant, described their mother as a great woman. According to him; "...her kindness and sincerity is chiefly responsible for her longevity". Continuing, he said; "I can not thank God enough for giving me the opportunity to celebrate her today, as she clocks 92 years. 

Abraham Osifo Okpeahior, aka Kamara, the eighth child of the celebrant, said; "one of the main reasons for their mother's long life, is contentment; and she has a mind devoid of grudges against anyone. Continuing, Mr. Abraham said, seeing all her children living happily together today, also makes her happy and fulfilled. 

Mrs. Christiana Aigbe, Nee Okpeahior, the ninth child of the celebrant, said; "my mother is a heroine. She is a nice and caring woman. I strongly believe that it's God that blessed her with this long life that made her to attain age 92 today. In addition to God's mercy on her life, I also believe that, it's her kindness to people generally that is also responsible for to live this long. I pray that God grant her good health and more days and years to live so she can enjoy the fruits of her labour".

The last born of the celebrant, Arch. Richard Osifo Okpeahior, described his mother, the celebrant, as the kind of mother anyone will wish to have, as she was a very kind hearted woman that always advice and guide all her children aright. "Her sincerity, truthfulness, open mindedness, peace loving and more, are factors that I think are responsible for her longevity". 

"My mother is favoured by God. She has lived up to 92 years, and still counting, she had ten children and we are all alive to celebrate her. This is simply the hand of God at work".

The celebrant's first daughter in-law, Mrs. Ann Okpeahior, described her mother inlaw, as a peaceful and purpose driven woman who is passionate about God. She said, she is a great mother inlaw in all ramifications. 

Mrs. Blessing Okpeahior, one of Madam Grace's daughters in-law described the celebrant as a nice woman, saying, "nice", is not a strong enough to describe her. Continuing, she said; "...she is wonderful, she is a giver, she is a very loving and amazing woman...in my opinion, Ineh's (Esan name for Mother)  long life, is as a result of her closeness to God. She believes in God as the author and finisher, and she prays a lot".

During the Thanksgiving Service, that held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Ivue-Uromi, officiated by the Parish Priest, Reverend Fr. Dr. Peter Amadi, the reverend Father lauded the children of Madam Grace Okpeahior for their unity, togetherness, and now, wisdom in celebrating their mother, even in her lifetime, saying; "...if your parents are still alive, pls celebrate them while they are still alive, not after they have passed away to meet with the Lord..." Rev. Fr. Amadi prayed that God in his mercy keep the celebrant healthy till the final day that God has ordained for her to live for.

In his appreciation, the biological first son of the Nonagenarian, Mr. Davidson Okpeahior, thanked the parish Priest, the entire members of the parish as well as all the guests present for honouring their invitation to the celebration of their mother as she clocks 92. He also used the opportunity to announce the presentation of a cow and a cash amount of a hundred and fifty thousand naira, #150,000, as their thanksgiving items to the church, from the family.