Water, they say, is life. Yet, when it pours as rain people shy away from getting wet. But that was not the case as nature was embraced on Sunday, 8 October 2023, when it came down to be among guests at the well-decorated venue of the child dedication of Baby Ebitebe Prosperous, first son but third child of Hon. & Mrs. Shadrach Onitsha Ebikeme.

No sooner had the ceremony kicked-off at the reception than droplets of rain water were the first to hit the dance floor in celebration as they skirted in the open to the tunes produced by Prince Smally Okpe and his band. But not for long.

Earlier, the father of the infant and host of the event, who is also the President of the Gbaramatu Youth Council (GYC) Worldwide, and a former Senior Special Assistant to Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Hon. Ebikeme, along with his family were at the Fountain of Joy Redeemed Church along Aka Avenue Road, off Jakpa Road in Effurun, Delta State, for the Child Dedication proper.

"I thank God for making it possible for me to go to the labour room and return safe and sound, mother alive, son alive. It could only be God," said Mrs. Mary, the wife of Hon. Ebikeme, and mother to Baby Ebitebe, in excitement.

Indeed, her joy was easy to spot as she danced majestically besides her husband who struggled to keep pace with his wife, while accompanied by other well-wishers as the couple performed their child dedication and thanksgiving in the church hall, all along singing praises to God Almighty for His benevolence.

Speaking after the ceremony, Mrs. Mary, who said she desired every mother and parent to be happy and fulfilled, counseled upcoming mothers to always "have faith in God" and that "Whenever the time is right, it [their expectations] will always come to fulfillment."

The sundry guests present include Hon Isaac Wilkie PhD, Commissioner, Water Resources & Development, Delta State; Elder Amos Okoro, chairman of Happy Men's Club; Chief Joseph Wuruyai, chairman of the defunct Egbema-Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation (EGCDF); Chief (Mrs.) Mercy Gbenekama; Dr. Doubra Okotete, Chairman, Western Zone, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide; among others.

From the church programme, the ceremony fonally moved to the reception ground where the host treated their guests to food, drinks, and of course musical entertainment, spiced up with some humour from the comedian and MC Abioka The Entertainer.

"I am grateful to the Almighty God for all He gas done for my family. We waited patiently and His Will has come to pass," said Hon. Ebikeme. "I am also grateful to families, friends, associates, and other well-wishers for their exquisite presence in honouring our invite. We welcome them and offer our appreciation for their support to us. God bless them," he added.

Other highlights of the ceremony include photograph session and dance by the hosts who were appreciated by guests.

Tap the link below to view more photos of the event on Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid036DxmKbKBPpUEid63PkYcPEPyXKyNqroFcvQk8A2hbhfHMVLb2FskL5rThQUHizyjl&id=100041939655507&mibextid=Nif5oz

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