By Isaac Olamikan

For a long time to come, the memories of the GbaramatuVoice third anniversary celebration which climaxed on Tuesday, September 11th, 2018, at the prestigious KFT Place in Warri, Delta State with lectures, awards presentations and entertainment among others, will linger.

As early as the first crow of the cock, that eventful day well groomed and gaily dressed interns and staff of the organisation decked in their maroon coloured suits were all set to keep a date with history as they trooped to the magnificent event centre, just a few block away from the corporate office of the newspaper outfit.

On hand to receive them at the venue was the Publisher/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, Jacob Abai, who was coordinating last minute arrangements for the programme. He had quite a hectic time answering phone calls from some invited guests who were making enquiries and also supervising workmen who were dotting their Is and crossing their ts.

From the main entrance to the spacious hall no detail was left unattended to. The gatemen down to the eagle eyed security minders worked round the clock to make sure that lives and properties were not put at risk.

The colourful decoration of the venue which was solely handled by KFT Events and Decor owned by Fun-ere Uduboh, the delectable wife of Ekomieyefa Uduboh, the proprietor of the KFT Events Centre, was a delight to behold by guests. The hall was glittering as it were.

Soon the invited special guests, awardees, celebrities, royal fathers etc started trooping in in their numbers from different parts of the country to be part of the epoch making programme.

Though the event started some minutes behind schedule nonetheless, guests waited patiently for the commencement of the high calibre event. The Master of Ceremonies (MC) and DeeJays kept the audience spellbound with their dexterity.

The programme proper commenced with the chairman’s speech delivered by Professor Patrick Muoboghare of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, who represented His Excellency, the immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan. Next to come on stage was Professor Tosan Harriman, a lecturer at the Bayero University, Kano.

Thereafter, the much anticipated moment came as one after the other the awardees aptly described as heroes/heroines were called on stage and presented their award in form of a glass plaque encrusted with the awardees names and their award categories.

Present to collect their highly prized diadem were Ms Ann-Kio Briggs, Founder, Agape Birthrights who was honoured with the award of Niger Delta Woman of the year; Dr. Dorry Afe Okojie, CEO, DAF Homes and Estates, who was adjudged as the Niger Delta Realtor/Philanthropist of the year; Chief Ekomieyefa Uduboh, CEO, KFT Events Place, Niger Delta Showbiz Impresario of the year and Chief Wellington Okrika, Niger Delta Lifetime Achievement.

Some others were represented. In this group were Amaju Melvin Pinnick, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), who got the award of Niger Delta Sports Personality of the year. He was represented by Vincent Esimaje, President, Itsekiri National Youth Council (INYC); Chief Godknows Gbenekama, Niger Delta Activist of the year; Pastor Ayodele Joseph Oritsejafor, Niger Delta Lifetime Achievement. He was represented by the trio of Pastor Abraham Victor, Austin Kpekpe and Pastor Peter Osugo; Mr. Matthew Tonlagha, Executive Director, FENOG Nigeria Ltd, Niger Delta Philanthropist of the year. He was represented by Mr. Matthew Pudie and Engr. Augustine Oghenejobo, chairman, FENOG Nigeria Ltd, Niger Delta Businessman of the year, who was also represented by Mr. Pudie.

As the day progressed to night guests were treated to choice drinks and delicious meal prepared by Fun-ere Uduboh’s outfit with artistes like Lizberg, Icekid, Hero and Dollar Girl thrilling the gathering with their different musical flavours.

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