SAPELE/Nigeria: Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, has congratulated elder statesman Chief Godwin Ogbetuo on the occasion of his 96th birthday, describing the milestone as a celebration of a life devoted to service, principle and the pursuit of justice and good governance.
In a goodwill message issued on Friday, Dafinone said Ogbetuo’s long years of public engagement have left an indelible imprint on Delta State, the Niger Delta and Nigeria, noting that his consistency and moral clarity set him apart as a voice of conscience in public affairs.
The senator recalled Ogbetuo’s pivotal role at the dawn of the current democratic dispensation, when he served as Chairman of the Delta State Elders and Leaders Forum. According to him, Ogbetuo provided guidance and moral direction at a critical period, working with other eminent leaders, including the late Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, to strengthen democratic culture and promote responsible governance in the state.
Dafinone said that even at 96, Ogbetuo continues to exemplify uncommon wisdom and courage, maintaining an uncompromising stance against corruption and consistently speaking truth to power in defence of the common good. He added that these qualities have earned the elder statesman enduring respect across generations.
The lawmaker prayed for God’s continued strength, sound health and peace of mind for Ogbetuo, expressing hope that his wealth of experience and counsel would remain a source of inspiration to leaders and the younger generation.
Chief Ogbetuo, widely regarded as a respected Pan–Niger Delta leader, has for decades been a steadfast advocate of accountable leadership and principled governance, a legacy many believe remains as relevant today as ever.
