29/12/2025
*EKPOMA AGOG AS EDO WORKS COMMISSIONER HOST A SPECIAL THANKSGIVING SERVICE.*
The capital town of Esan West Local Government Area, Ekpoma; witnessed a high traffic of both human and vehicular activities, as the Honourable Commissioner for Works in Edo State, Hon.(Dr.) Felix Ehiguese Akhabue JP goes to church for a special thanksgiving on his recent appointment by the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The church and reception segments attracted Crème da la Crème from the political circles, private, religious and traditional institutions; among whom are Hrh Zaiki Barr. Anthony Abumere II, the Onogie of Ekpoma; Hrh Zaiki Theophilus Imadojemu Osoba II, the Onogie of Egoro Kingdom; Hrh Zaiki Alhaji Momoh Amedu Ibhadon II , the Onogie of Idoa Kingdom; the Majority Leader of Edo State House of Assembly and Member representing Esan West Constituency, Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu; Hon. Peter Oboh and several but a few to mention.
During the Holy Family Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Abraham Defan Ugese , OCD Parish Priest at the St. Mary the Queen Catholic Church Ekpoma; Christian faithful were admonished to imbibe the attitude of thanksgiving, especially as a family which is a divine institution from God. This was the core of the homily conducted by Rev. Fr. Jude Onyishi OCD.
A special thanksgiving prayer was offered to the Honourable Commissioner for Works and his family; friends and well-wishers who were also in church to felicitate with him.
The pageantry at the palatial Joefel's White House which was the venue for the reception of guests, started weeks before with a facelift by activities preceding this epochal event.
The reception segment commenced with a red carpet, where the celebrant and his beautiful wife had some sections of photographs with the VIPs present; amongst whom are Chief (Hon.) Joe Edionwele, former Esan West boss and past Member Federal House of Representatives; Prof.(Mrs) Eunice Omonzejie, VC Ambrose Alli University; Hon. Chief Gani Audu, former Chairman Etsako West, former member EDHA and presently the Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor; Hon.(Mrs) Maria Omozele Oligbi-Edeko, former Deputy Speaker and Member representing Esan North East Constituency II, EDHA; Hon. Barr Lucky Eseigbe, Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development in Edo State; Chief Patrick Agbator, MD Chosen Hotels; Hon. Blessing Ebhodaghe, Chairman Esan West Council; Hon Joseph Ughoke, former Chairman Etsako Central, a two-time Commissioner in Edo State and presently the Executive Director, South South Development Commission; Amb. Julius Alenbhosele, aka Oba of youth and MD Affluence Hotel; Rt Hon. Frank Okiye, former Speaker EDHA and presently the Chairman Edo Lottery Agency; Prof.(Sir) Daniel Aigbomian KSM, former VC AAU; Dr Omo-Ehijele Frank Odafen, former Chairman Governing Council of AAU; Hon. Dr. Ehiabhi Odiase, Chairman Governing Board, Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.
Others on the VIP list include; Hon. Godsent Aigbeboh, immediate past chairman Esan West Council; Deacon Edward Iyamah, Prof. Sunny Obanore, Prof. Austin Aghemelo, Hon. Godday Okhilu the APC Chairman Esan West; Mr Joel Adaimebor MD Mindcast Hotels and Suites; Elder Pius Omofuma, MD GT Foods; Hon.(Barr.) Festus Ehiemua, MD ECTS; Sir (Hon.) Godswill Okougbo, MD Thywill Hotel and Board Member of Edo College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi; Hon. Monday Ehighalua, former Esan West Council Secretary and a two-time member representing Esan West Constituency in EDHA, currently a Board Member Edo College of Education, Igueben; Engr. Dr. John Obanor, PS Edo State Ministry of Works and Vice Chairman Benin Branch of NSE; Engr. Lee, Lead Project Engineer CCECC; Engr. Dr. (Mrs.) Tina Emwinghare Oigiangbe, FNSE, Chairman Nigerian Society Of Engineers Benin Branch; Hon. Patrick Aguinede, MD Patan Chemicals, former Honourable Commissioner and Ex Council boss of Esan West; the list is endless.
The Chairman of the occasion Dr Frank Odafen in his opening remarks, thanked the master of ceremony Prof. Aghemelo, who threw some lights into the biography of the celebrant; stating the humble beginnings and determination of Hon. Akhabue to succeed in every endeavour.
Hon.(Dr.) Felix Ehiguese Akhabue JP, is a trained accountant and a seasoned administrator in the private and public sectors. Onetime council chairman of Esan West; former Edo State Secretary and Chairman of ALGON, and later became National Chairman of same ALGON; member of the 2014 National Conference in Abuja; Ex Commissioner in the past administration and former House of Representatives and Governorship aspirant.
Hon. Felix Akhabue took his services to the international community, where he was the President, United Cities and Local Governments of West Africa; Vice President of same body on the Africa Continental stage. He was also a Board Member of the Commonwealth Local Governments Forum in London, UK.
Hon. Joefel made a global history as the First Black Vice President, World Conference of Mayors.
Before his present office as the Honourable Commissioner for Works in the State; Hon. Joefel as he's fondly called, has successfully served in various party leadership capacities; among was his membership role in the State's Transition Committee, that ushered in the administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo, Edo State Governor.
The occasion ended late night with plenty of food and assorted drinks; while the melodious music supplied by members of the live band went on and on.
The celebrant wishes to express his profound appreciation to all; both for their support, prayers and finding time to attend the event.
May God bless you now and always, while wishing you a prosperous new year in advance.
©Pst Jude isibor
_Media Director to the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Edo State._
