BY LUCKY EFESE
Prominent Edo leaders, labour and media chiefs at the weekend paid glowing tributes to octogenarian, Pa Sunday Emwanta, uncle to former Commissioner for Information and Orientation and current Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Legal Matters, Barr. Andrew Adaze Emwanta, as he clocked 80 years.
Speaking at a thanksgiving service held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Benin City, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ehigie, who represented Very Rev. Fr. Salami Yakubu Gowon, described Pa Emwanta as an embodiment of peace, unity and progress, urging Christians to uphold godly virtues that ensure eternal reward.
In his tribute, Andrew Emwanta described his uncle as a man of peace and love whose life has promoted cohesion and progress in the entire Emwanta family.
Also eulogising the celebrant, Chairman of the occasion and High Court Judge, Hon. Justice Godwin Jeff Okundamiya described Pa Emwanta as “a fulfilled man who has joined the distinguished octogenarian club,” praying for more years in good health and wisdom.
Other dignitaries who joined in celebrating Pa Emwanta include Acting General Manager of Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, publishers of The Observer titles, Mr Sylvester Oboh; Edo NUJ Chairman, Comrade Festus Alenkhe; Edo NLC Chairman, Comrade Bernard Eguakhide; Editor-in-Chief of The NIGERIAN OBSERVER and NUJ Secretary, Andy Egbon, alongside other executives of the union and senior journalists.
Also present were Mrs. Rose Imonikhe, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communication, and her husband, Dr. Imonikhe, former Head of Legal Services, Etsako West Local Government, among others.
