Warri Agog, As Deacon Chris Iyovwaye Celebrates Diamond Jubilee At Monarchy Centre

By Wilson Macaulay

February 24, 2024 - Warri, Nigeria

The oil city of Warri was on Saturday, 24th February 2024, agog as Deacon Chris Iyovwaye celebrated his Diamond Jubilee Birthday at the newly opened Monarchy Event Conference and Experience Centre on number 70 Effurun Sapele road with the top echelon members of our society.

Special guests and unique dignitaries attended the event from Delta State, different parts of Nigeria, and even across the continental shelf, from Europe, America, and Asia to grace the momentous 

Birthday bash of Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, the renowned Marine titan.

Amidst a symphony of joyous melodies and the resplendent aura of celebration, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, a former Delta State Governorship aspirant, indeed a distinguished figure known for his unwavering commitment to philanthropy and community development, marked his 60th birthday in a grand style to the constellation of well-wishers.

The event, which also served as the official opening of the Monarchy Centre, was a convergence of luminaries from diverse spheres of influence, both far  and near , the list of which included the Governor of Delta State, ably represented by the Commissioner of Finance, Chief Fidelis Tijile, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Matu, Hon James Augoye, Delta State House of Assembly Member representing Okpe Constituency, Chief Moses Odibo, DBS Board Chairman, Olorogun Oskar Ibru, Chairman Ibru Organization, Prince Godwin Ejiyeren, Director-General Warri Uvwie and Environs Development Agency.

Other illustrious attendees were Royal Fathers representing the rich cultural heritage of the region, and high-ranking government officials, including captains of industries, religious leaders, business moguls, respected clergymen and women, and amazons who graced the occasion to add color, candor, and elegance to the event. Worthy of Special note was the presence of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM, (DR) Emmanuel Sideso Abe I, the Royal Father of the day.

With the Monarchy Centre standing as a testament to his vision and dedication, Deacon Chris welcomed esteemed guests, including family members, friends, and dignitaries from across the globe. In his key note  address, at the 60th birthday of Deacon Chris Iyovwaye and the opening of his Monarchy, a multi-purpose event centre, the Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori said his administration will remain committed to maintaining the existing peace in the state without which no business can thrive and development cannot take place.

Governor Oborevwori who is determined to change the narratives of the oil City of Warri  said the award of contracts for the construction of flyovers in Warri and Effurun is the beginning of better things to come to Warri and environs in particular and Delta State in general.

Governor Oborevwori who was represented by the Delta State Commissioner of finance Hon. Fidelis Tilije expressed joy for Deacon Chris Iyovwaye for celebrating the 60th birthday just as he wished him good health and more years of fruitful celebrations ahead.

According to the Governor, the opening of the Monarchy would further provide employment to the teeming youths in the state which is in sync with the major plank of the MORE Agenda.

Hon Chief Fidelis Tilije who represented Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in his keynote address congratulated the celebrant and appreciated him for the huge investment of the Monarchy Conference and Event Centre which is already providing employment for Deltans. On his part, Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti said it is a good thing that Deacon Chris Iyovwaye was able to open such a business outfit in the heart of Effurun adding, such is what is wanted for the growth and development of the state.

The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu charged well-meaning Deltans to emulate the gesture of the Chief Celebrant just as he wished him and his family good health and more fruitful celebrations years ahead.

The Abia Deputy governor in his felicitation speech conveyed the goodwill of the government and good people of Abia State to the Governor of Delta State and the celebrant Dcn Chris Iyovwaye who is the reason for the colorful ceremony.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief Celebrant, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye said he decided to embark on the building of the event centre to impact positively on the lives of his community. While appreciating God for preserving his life and that of his family who saw them through to successfully mark his 60th birthday anniversary, he promised to continue to do good things to improve the lots of humanity to the glory of God who is the author of life.

The festival-like Birthday bash was indeed special with the presence of renowned entertainers such as Laba Praise and the Stone Cold Band, together they infused the atmosphere with rhythm and melody, captivating the audience with their electrifying performances. In addition to the sonorous melodies, Comedian Gordons and Barrister Ejiro Ofoye charmed the crowd with their wit and humor as they skillfully steered the event as masters of ceremonies.

A poignant moment unfolded as Pastor Triumphant Obamoh led a heartfelt toast, expressing felicitations and blessings upon the celebrant. The Monarchy Centre reverberated with emotion as video tributes and goodwill messages poured in, reflecting the profound impact of Deacon Chris's altruism and leadership on countless lives.

The pinnacle of the celebration came with the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake, a symbolic gesture symbolizing not only the passage of time but also the abundance of blessings and achievements garnered over six decades.

Assisted by his beloved wife, Leri, the children, Bobson, Clarkson, and Maro alongside the esteemed Deputy Governor of Abia State Ikechukwu Matu and the Delta State Commissioner of Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije, and other imminent personalities, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye radiated with gratitude and joy, encapsulating the essence of the momentous occasion as he cut the cake of his diamond jubilee.

The zeal and the zest of the guests during the celebration to a curious observer serves  as a poignant reminder of the power of unity and  the gains of embracing community development as a Way of life. In commemorating his Diamond Jubilee at the Monarchy Centre, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye did not only celebrate a milestone in his remarkable journey but also inaugurated a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for generations to come.

The legacy of love, compassion, and service embodied by Deacon Chris continues to illuminate the path forward, igniting hope and resilience in the hearts of all who have been touched by his unwavering spirit. Truly, Warri stands agog in reverence and admiration, honoring a man whose life epitomizes the transformative power of faith and dedication.