The Wife of the Kogi State Governor, Hajiya Sefinat Usman Ododo, has described longevity as a rare gift from God as she joined family members and the Okaito community to celebrate the 95th birthday of Mama Maria Bello in Okaito, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The colourful event attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, women groups, and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the nonagenarian and to welcome the First Lady to the community.
Speaking at the event on Wednesday, Mrs Ododo expressed deep joy at the celebrant’s strength and good health at such an advanced age, describing the occasion as one worthy of thanksgiving.
“It is not by power or might to attain 95 years in good health.
Mama Maria Bello is a testimony of God’s grace and faithfulness. We give thanks to God for her life and pray that He continues to keep her in peace, strength, and joy,” she said.
The First Lady commended the family of the celebrant for the love and care shown to their mother and urged younger generations to draw lessons from her life of resilience and humility.
Addressing the people of Okaito community, Mrs Ododo expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded her and assured them of her commitment to community development and women empowerment across the state.
“I am grateful for the love and hospitality shown to me today. This visit is special, and by the grace of God, I will return properly to engage more with the women and the entire community, so that together we can do more,” she assured.
Earlier, the traditional ruler of the community, the Odovidi Asaidu of Okuta clan Engr. Suberu Shaibu led other traditional leaders to offer prayers for the First Lady and the Ododo administration.
He described Her Excellency’s visit as a great honour to the community.
“We are grateful to Her Excellency for identifying with our people on such a joyful occasion. We pray that God will continue to guide and protect her, and that the community will never regret welcoming her here today,” the traditional ruler prayed.
In her remark, the daughter of the celebrant and Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady on Women Affairs, Mrs. Victoria Mayaki, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the First Lady for honouring her family and community with her presence.
“Your Excellency, your visit to my mother on the occasion of her 95th birthday is a rare honour to my family and to Okaito community. Your humility and motherly love have touched us deeply,” she said.
Mrs. Mayaki further prayed for long life and good health for the First Lady and praised the leadership of Governor Ododo.
“We pray that God grants you strength to continue your good works and blesses the administration of Governor Ododo with success and continuity, even unto a second tenure,” she added.
The celebration featured special prayers by community leaders, presentation of gifts to the celebrant, as well as cash and clothing items distributed to members of the community by the First Lady.
The highlight of the event was the cutting of the birthday cake in honour of Mama Maria Bello, followed by group photographs with the First Lady.
The event ended on a note of joy and thanksgiving, with prayers for sustained peace and development
in Kogi State.
