EFFURUN/Nigeria: It was a day filled with laughter, gratitude, and dancing as the Akpedeye family celebrated the 85th birthday of their matriarch, Double Chief Theresa Agbenaghan Akpedeye, at their Effurun residence in Delta State’s Uvwie local government area.
The grand celebration, organized by her children and led by Prof (Mrs) Rukevwe Akpedeye-Ugwumba, a Canadian-based Physician, was a heartfelt tribute to their mother’s enduring grace through life’s trials.
Double Chief Theresa Agbenaghan Akpedeye Cutting the Birthday Cake, Supported by Children
The event drew dignitaries from various spheres of society, including former Speaker of the Delta State Assembly, Rt Hon Victor Ochei; former Commissioners Vincent Uduaghan and Fred Majemite; Spencer Awhofa, a member of the Delta State 8th Assembly; as well as current and former public officials, private sector leaders, traditional and opinion leaders, friends, relatives, and well-wishers.
Most Rev Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, the Bishop of the Warri Diocese of the Catholic Church, sent representatives to honour Chief Theresa Akpedeye’s dedication to the church’s growth.
Reflecting on her life’s challenges, Chief Theresa Agbenaghan Akpedeye, a mother of six, including the late former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Delta State, Dafe Akpedeye, expressed gratitude to God and her children for the unique celebration of her 85th birthday. This celebration followed an earlier thanksgiving service at the Mother of Redeemer Catholic Church in Effurun on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.
Double Chief Theresa Agbenaghan Akpedeye, Her daughter, Prof Rukevwe Akpedeye-Ugwumba, Chief Isaac Iwhewhe and Chief Kenneth Iwhewhe, her two younger brothers, along with HRM Matthew Igbi, Owhawha II, the Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom in Ughelli South local government area.
Born in 1938 in Igbudu-Warri, Chief Akpedeye highlighted the devastating loss of three children to death but emphasized that God had consistently seen her through profound challenges and confusion. She retired from public service as a Headmistress in 1997 and declared her faith that affliction would never rise again in her home. Chief Akpedeye, who married Chief A.O. Akpedeye in 1958, prayed for God’s mercy and protection for her children, siblings, and all those around her.
Her daughter, Prof Rukevwe Akpedeye-Ugwumba, a Professor of Medicine and Family Health, expressed joy in celebrating the strong and wonderful woman at 85, emphasizing the deep love and care their mother extended to many, including her grandchildren, relatives, friends, and acquaintances.
Chief Isaac Iwhewhe and Chief Kenneth Iwhewhe, her two younger brothers, along with HRM Matthew Igbi, Owhawha II, the Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom in Ughelli South local government area, paid heartfelt tributes to Chief Theresa Akpedeye for her longevity and devotion to the work of God and service to humanity. They prayed for God’s continued blessings upon her home and her children.
The event featured various attractions, including the cutting of a birthday cake, musical performances, hilarious jokes, fireworks, and more.
Double Chief Theresa Akpedeye, a dedicated member of the Catholic Communion, holds the titles “Avwebor of Uwherun Kingdom” for her contributions in her husband’s community and “Ephikparobo of Ughelli Kingdom” from her paternal home in Ughelli, as a reward for her positive impact on people through a life well-lived.
