ASABA/Nigeria: Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has congratulated Very Rev. Fr. Christopher Ekabo, JP, on his 28th anniversary in the Catholic priesthood, describing the milestone as a period of sustained service to the Church and society.
Oghenesivbe, in a goodwill message marking the anniversary on Saturday, September 19, 2026, said Fr. Ekabo’s years in the priesthood had been characterised by pastoral service, community engagement and efforts to contribute to the welfare of people within and beyond the Church.
Fr. Ekabo was ordained a Catholic priest in September 1998 and has served in several parishes and capacities within the Catholic Diocese of Warri. He currently serves as Executive Secretary of the Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Oghenesivbe said the priest’s activities over the years had extended beyond sacramental and pastoral responsibilities to areas including social justice, community development, Christian pilgrimage, public relations and civic engagement.
He described priesthood as a vocation that carries responsibilities beyond spiritual leadership, including promoting peace, encouraging dialogue and contributing to the wellbeing of society.
According to the Bureau Director-General, Fr. Ekabo’s involvement in Christian pilgrimage has provided an avenue for him to contribute to the spiritual welfare and fellowship of pilgrims from Delta State.
He particularly acknowledged the priest’s role as Executive Secretary of the Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, a position through which he has been involved in the organisation and administration of Christian pilgrimage activities in the state.
Fr. Ekabo’s role in the state’s pilgrimage programme has previously included coordinating activities connected with pilgrimages to Israel and Jordan. In 2025, for instance, he announced arrangements for Delta pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land and acknowledged the support of the state government for the exercise.
Oghenesivbe also noted Fr. Ekabo’s involvement in community and public affairs, describing him as someone whose engagements have brought him into contact with people across religious, professional and community spheres.
He said his personal relationship with the priest had also provided opportunities for collaboration around Christian pilgrimage, communications, community affairs and public service.
“Twenty-eight years in the Lord’s vineyard represents thousands of hours of prayer, pastoral care, counselling, sacrifice and service to humanity. It is a journey that only God can fully measure,” Oghenesivbe said.
He added that the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities associated with long-term priestly service and the impact of such service on individuals and communities.
Oghenesivbe also acknowledged Fr. Ekabo’s public comments on the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, noting that the priest had expressed support for the administration’s MORE Agenda and its development programmes.
That aspect of the goodwill message comes against the background of Fr. Ekabo’s earlier public engagements on state affairs. In 2024, for example, he commended Governor Oborevwori’s administration and urged Christians to pray for the state’s development and spiritual growth.
The Bureau Director-General prayed for continued strength, wisdom and divine guidance for the priest as he carries on with his pastoral responsibilities.
He said the anniversary should not only be viewed as a celebration of the years already spent in priestly ministry but also as an opportunity for renewed commitment to service.
“Dear Father Ekabo, 28 years in the Lord’s vineyard is a remarkable achievement, but it is also a call to greater service. May God continue to make you an instrument of peace, reconciliation, compassion and hope,” he said.
Oghenesivbe congratulated Fr. Ekabo on behalf of his family, colleagues and associates, and prayed that the priest would have many more fruitful years in service to God and humanity.
He concluded with the traditional expression, “Ad multos annos, dear Father!”, wishing the priest continued guidance and protection in his ministry.
