Some persons are not only blessed with old age but are gifted with the look of youth as they age. That could well be the portion of a Queen of Ogulagha Kingdom in the Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, Forcados Izonpade Ene, whose 90th Birthday was marked with thanksgiving on Sunday, February 16, 2025.

The celebrant, who was dressed in white traditional outfit with gold patches depicting royalty, and would later change into another red and yellow native attire, was joined by her daughter, the Bolou-ere of Ogulagha Kingdom, Chief Amb. (Princess) Caroline Ene JP+, and other family members at the riverine headquarters of the Church of God Mission Int'l in Ogulagha main town.

The thanksgiving service in celebration of her birthday featured special choir presentation, prayers for the celebrant, cutting of her birthday cake, presentation of gifts, rendering of tributes, cultural dance, refreshments among others activities.

In the tributes session, a member of the family, Chief Samuel Timiyan JP, eulogised the celebrant who he described as "a mother of substance, a peace loving woman, a counselor, and not just any woman but a Queen".

Chief Timiyan, who revealed that he was raised by the celebrant, noted that the Queen was worth emulating as a mother as she related well with others despite her social status in the society and as a woman who takes care of others like her own children.

While thanking God for the life of the celebrant he said, "Today, I still see her as very energetic, strong and healthy in her 90's. It's not 90 days or 90 months. I'm talking about 90 years," and added in prayers, "I want to wish my beloved mother Happy Birthday. As a son, I still pray, you will live long. Good health and God's grace will bring showers upon you in Jesus name."

Her daughter, Chief Ene, vowed to continue to cater for her mother's welfare as long as she lives, stressing on her desire to tap into the blessings that come from honouring her parents (mother in this instance).

While wishing the celebrant a Happy Birthday, she wrote in her tributes, "Ninety years young and still shinning bright! Ninety orbits of the Sun, ninety years of love and light. Mom, you're an inspiration to us all. Your strength, resilience, and kindness have guided us through the years. Happy 90th Birthday!"

Other family members and well-wishers who also delivered their tributes acknowledged the attributes of kindness and love shown by the celebrant on all who came in contact with her, even tapping grace from her. 

Like Chief Timiyan, they prayed the Almighty God who made the celebration possible, to continue to strengthen her to live, even above 120 years of age without crawling.

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