When the Executive Director of Social Services (EDSS) in the Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief (Hon.) Favour Izoukumor, woke up on his birthday on Friday, October 25, he had no plans to mark the special day in his life as he was still "mourning" a departed colleague in the Commission, the ED of Project, Chief Taleb Tebite, who passed away on Monday of August 5, 2024.

Though the celebrant, who was a former Commissioner representing Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Commission and the immediate-past Chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Warri South-West Constituency, received early morning visitors to offer him congratulations, he didn't foresee a celebration coming ahead in the day.

Very early in the morning of his special day, he was reported to have breezed off to Asaba, the Delta State capital, on some engagement, to return later in the day, perhaps to receive more visitors that would pay him a congratulatory visit later. But as soon as he left, decorators swooped into the residence and went to work in erecting canopies and setting up tables and chairs.

Behold, when the celebrant returned later in the afternoon, he met a decorated venue and a barrage of guests, both familiar and unfamiliar faces, all gathered in his private Edjeba residence, patiently waiting since morning for his return to welcome him like a presidential guest that had just disembarked from an aeroplane to the waiting arms of admirers. Just there, he couldn't hold back his surprised smiles.

The song "Happy Birthday to You" echoed in the exciting atmosphere and dance troupes added more colours to the setting. Even Izon highlife musician Bestmay and his band were stationed to offer musical entertainment to guests. Unexpectedly, his beloved wife, Chief (Mrs.) Beatrice Izoukumor, among others had beaten him to a surprise!

The celebrant having proceeded indoors, returned not quite long in a beautiful Agbada attire. He seemed not to still believe what was going on as he looked around, admiring the setting before him. In no time he was ushered to the stage where a blue cake that matched his fashion outfit stood, bearing the inscriptions of: Husband, Father, Leader, and Mentor, four traits that described the EDSS' personality.

Positioned not farther from the cake stand, stood an electric-powered bike, his birthday gift from his beloved wife. As soon as the cake was cut to begin the celebration, the birthday gift was presented the celebrant. In amazement, he sat on it and took few minutes to have its feel of the bike that needs no petrol, saving its owner from the troubles of petrol scarcity or its high attendant cost.

Later on, in an appreciation speech, the EDSS said he was grateful and that he felt inspired by "all your tributes" referring to the messages he received on his birthday from sundry who had congratulated him.

"Am grateful to God in seeing another year; whilst embracing the gift of life, love, and cherished memories. Thus, I am sincerely thankful to everyone who has been part of my journey.

"I am indeed overwhelmed by the display of love and solidarity on my birthday. Without any equivocation, I want to say I was amazed and taken aback by the creme of personalities that showed up in spite of the heavy downpour with regard to the surprise birthday party that was put together by my beloved family, friends and political followers.

"However, I was deeply devastated by the death of my colleague, late Chief Hon. Taleb Tebite, Executive Director of Project (EDP) DESOPADEC, who was buried on the 24/10/2024. I was heartbroken and heartily devastated with the sad news, so I never expected that my immediate family, aides and friends will organize a surprise birthday for me.

"I want to, therefore, thank each of you for the birthday messages—your goodwill messages and tributes on social media platforms mean so much to me yesterday, today and throughout, I felt inspired.

"Also, I express my deepest gratitude to everyone who joined in celebrating and contributed generously to the impromptu birthday party. Your support and presence were invaluable, and I was truly humbled by your generosity.

"Finally, I extend a special thank you to each individual listed for their presence- your presence means so much to me. Thank you all for coming: Rt. Hon. Emomotimi D. Guwor, Speaker Delta State House of Assembly; Chief (Engr.) Kestin Pondi, MD, Tantita Security Services Limited; Hon Anthony Alapala, the member representing Burutu Constituency 11; Chief Boro Opudu, Chairman, Delta State Waterways and Land Committee; Chief Oghenekome R. Okpobor, Executive Director of Finance and Administration (EDF), DESOPADEC; Hon Jonathan Goru, Hon Commissioner Representing Urohobo Ethnic Nationality on the Board of DESOPADEC; Amb. Francis Oyimi, Dcn Samson Wanghan, Chief Joel Ogbona, Chief Perefugha Karawei, Chief Perefugha Karawei, Chief Samson Braimo, Chief George Timiyan, Chief Andrew Anegba, Capt Joseph Zitu.

"Hon Godwin Omadoye, PDP chairman of WSW; Hon Spencer Okpoye, Commissioner reps Ijaw nationality in the current board of DESOPADEC; Hon Samuel Ekpemupolo, Leader of Warri South-West legislative arm and other councillors that were present; Chief Larrison Sanzu and several other chiefs from Ogbe-Ijoh and other dignitaries too numerous to mention, as well as the cultural groups organized by the leadership of Aladja, Owvian and Edjewu communities of Urhobo Ethnic Nationality.

"When you hear the cock crow, it is me saying, thank you, and it is my earnest prayer that God shall bless and reward you bountifully and surprise you with good things as you have done for me," the celebrant prayed.

View more photos on PENGlobal Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/4nV3qcVUTaR9i7wj/

#penglobalsocial #birthday