The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has felicitated with Princess Prof. Callista Adesuwa Emovon on her 90th birthday celebration, hailing her kindness, generosity and commitment to the good of society.
Obaseki at a birthday thanksgiving mass for the nonagenarian at St. Paul Catholic Church in Benin City, described Prof. Emovon as a mother and great Edo icon.
Congratulating the celebrant, Obaseki said Prof. Emovon has lived a life of giving and generosity.
He said, “At 90, we would give a present to her foundation to continue to do what she knows how to do best, which is giving to the needy, vulnerable and poor in the society.”
On his part, the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolor, Ewuare II hailed Princess Emovon for her service to the throne.
Reading the speech of the monarch, Chief Henry Osato Bazuaye, said, “Princess Emovon has over the years committed to the service of the throne. Congratulations to a worthy Benin princess.”
The officiating clergy and Parish Priest of St. Paul Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Edwin Omorogbe, noted, “She has the habit of reaching out to the poor and needy in the society.
“She did not abuse the privilege of royalty but sat down, studied and got the best out of life. She is generous and has touched many lives through her generosity.”
“Our riches are measured by the numbers of lives touched. I call on parishioners to emulate the act of giving to the needy and vulnerable in society. Princess Emovon is the pride of the land, Benin City, and Nigeria at large. We pray that the country has more people like our sister,” he added.
Others at the thanksgiving mass are the Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Comr. Philip Shaibu; former Edo State Head of Service, Princess Ekiuwa Ineh; Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Lilian Salami, and other top government functionaries, among others.