Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, has felicitated with Prof {Princess) Callista Adesuwa Emovon on her 90th birthday celebration, hailing her kindness, generosity and commitment to the good of society.
Obaseki who graced the birthday thanksgiving mass in honour of the nonagenarian at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Benin City, described Prof. Emovon as a mother and great Edo icon.
Congratulating the celebrant, Obaseki said, “At 90, we would give a present to her foundation to continue to do what she knows how to do best, which is giving to the needy, vulnerable and poor in the society.”
On his part, the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolor, Ewuare II lauded Princess Emovon’s service to the throne.
Reading the speech of the monarch, Chief Henry Osato Bazuaye said, “Princess Emovon has over the years, been committed to the service of the throne. Congratulations to a worthy Benin princess.”
The officiating clergy and parish priest of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Edwin Omorogbe, also noted, “She has the habit of reaching out to the poor and needy in the society.
“She did not abuse the privilege of royalty but sat down, studied and got the best out of life. She is generous and has touched many lives through her generosity.”
He said life is measured by service rendered to society and enjoined others to emulate the celebrant.
“Our riches are measured by the numbers of lives touched. I call on parishioners to emulate the act of giving to the needy and vulnerable in society. Princess Emovon is the pride of the land, Benin City, and Nigeria at large. We pray that the country has more people like our sister,” he added.
Others at the thanksgiving mass were, the Edo State dDeputy governor, Philip Shaibu, former Edo State Head of Service, Princess Ekiuwa Ineh, vice chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof Lilian Salami, and some top government functionaries, among others.