In all situations we are told to always give thanks to the Almighty God as a demonstration of our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Moreover, it is popularly said proverbially that "the eyes that cry still sees". It is on that note that I, HIGH CHIEF AMB. DR. T. D. A. GODSPOWER GBENEKAMA (JP), the Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, on behalf of my family hereby tender this profound message of thanks on the love shown me and my household on the demise of my late precious wife, AMB. MRS. BLESSING OGHALE GBENEKAMA (JP), whose sad event took place on Friday, June 7, 2024, and was finally laid to rest on Friday, June 14, 2024.

Firstly, I give all thanks to the Almighty God (in whom lies eternal wisdom, knowledge and understanding beyond those of men) for everything that transpired and for the strength, grace and protection during the sad incident of the loss of my dear wife, and even after the funeral ceremonies. To the glory of His name, no accident or incident was recorded in the course of the activities, as all who were in attendance came safely and also departed safely. Moreover, the Almighty God used as many personalities as His instrument to strengthen and to make provisions beyond my expectations. This is not the first time in my life that I am receiving such show of love but this one beats my imagination. It can only be God!

Secondly, I once again express deeply my appreciation to everyone who were there to give us the needed encouragement. While the names are endless, nonetheless, in no particular order, I will try to identify those that come to memory (please pardon me if I fail to mention yours) as all your deeds deserve mentioning.

To my kings, His Royal Majesty, Oboro Gbaraun II (JP), the Pere of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom; His Royal Majesty, Elder Capt. Dr. King Joseph I. Timiyan (JP), Agbonu, Torububou 1, the Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom; other traditional rulers from across the Niger Delta region; the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Izon Nation, High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo (who was the unseen hand behind tbe success of all the activities); former deputy governor Dcn. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro; the Executive Director of Fenog Nigeria Limited, Mr. Matthew Tonlagha (a brother indeed who provided his shoulder for me to lean on).

Also, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor (who personally accompanied me at the outing service); member of House of Representatives, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi JP and Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi; former Commissioner of Transport, Chief (Barr.) Bosin Ebikeme; the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), High Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro (these are brothers and friends whose supports were immeasurable); the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Pondi, who stood as an Iroko tree to ensure that everything went well with me and also the burial activities, and likewise Godfrey Tare Pondi (Dibia) of TSSNL.

I likewise salute all the chiefs from both the Gbaramatu and the Ogulagha kingdom traditional council, the Commissioner representing Ijaw ethnic nationality in the Board of DESOPADEC, Hon. Spencer Okpoye; the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko community headed by the Vice Chancellor Professor Emmanuel Munakurogha Adigio, and the Registrar Dr. Alfred Mulade; Media Consultant to Tompolo, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo; the Iyela-ere of Izon-Ibe, High Chief Vero Tangbowei Emmanuel JP (who spent many nights in my home to console me and members of my family).

I also acknowledge members from the Delta State School of Nursing, our classmates, friends and lecturers from the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka; management and staff of TSSNL, the cleric and members of St. Andrew's Anglican Church, Azama; members of Azama, Benikrukru and other communities in Gbaramatu kingdom; members of the burial committee as led by High Chief Mathew Ebifiyebebe Pudie JP; my immediate and extended family members amongst others too numerous to mention.

To those who are still worried on my state of being over the loss of my dear wife, I want you all to know that I have submitted to the saying that "The Lord gives and the Lord takes" and I further reassure you all that my energies are now channeled towards keeping alive her legacies.

Once again I offer my profound gratitude to everyone for their prayers, words of encouragement, financial contributions, and their presence before, during and after the ceremonies. May the Almighty God bless everyone of you, Amen.

Signed:
HIGH CHIEF AMB. DR. T.D.A. GODSPOWER GBENEKAMA (JP)
The Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom

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