The rich in society often put their trust in their money but the not-well-to-do are left with no option than to put their hope and trust in God. That is the story of Odiyirin Paul Boyitie PhD, a native of Benikrukru community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, who performed a Special Thanksgiving in appreciation to the Almighty God on the successful occasion of bagging a Doctor of Philosophy in Geography from the Delta State University, DELSU, Abraka.

The special thanksgiving was officiated by a special guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Isaac Kadiri from Isaiah 61 Ministry in Benin City, Edo State, and held at the God's Standard Bible Church Inc., Orhuwhorun Town in Udu council area of the State, with families, friends and well-wishers of the celebrant in attendance on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Among some of the personalities in attendance are the chairman of Benikrukru community and his wife, Comrade Joel & Mrs. Ebi Tonjoh, Chief Reuben Tonjoh, Chief (Dr.) Marian Anumougharan, Amb. Frederick Igere, Mr. Freeborn Tonfawei, among others.

Dr. Boyitie, who was joined by his wife, Mrs. Stella Ese Boyitie, celebrated a decade and a half in their marital union during the Special Thanksgiving, and renewed their marriage vows and commitment to each other.

On his academic feat, he acknowledged the grace of the Almighty God who came through for him especially as he encountered financial challenges during his pursuit for knowledge and excellence. 

The PhD holder, who said his trust in God and determination were also a key factor, appreciated various individuals like Mr. Matthew Tonlagha among other personalities and organisations like the defunct Egbema-Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation (EGCDF) and the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU) that supported him via scholarships and funding, while stating that the financial interventions helped him to weather the academic storm he encountered on his studies.

"It was not easy. At every stage in life, there are challenges, and these challenges can be overcome when you are determined and you believe in God. My academic journey to this stage I am now is by the grace of God, because when I look at my background, there was no money to meet up so many demands in the academic journey, but I trust God at every point that He will definitely make a way" he added.

Dr. Boyitie who admitted that "Education is not a scam" charged all Gbaramatu youths to embrace education which he said is a tool for not only developing oneself but that can be utilised to transform communities and the kingdom at large.

On his 15th marriage anniversary, the Ph.D holder thanked God for giving him with an understanding wife and for blessing their union with the fruits of the womb. He also stressed that while there is no perfect relationship anywhere, however the need for those who are yet to-be couples to gain an understanding of each other, to put their trust in God and be willing to say "sorry" is essential if they are to have a successful marriage union.

In appreciation for what God has done for him and his family, during the thanksgiving the Boyitie family donated one power amplifier, one speaker management and one power sequential instrument to the church.

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