Congratulatory messages are still pouring in for Sir Ralph Okhiria and his adorable wife, Honesty who penultimate week celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a dinner at the THAMES EVENT CENTER, Benin City.
Okhiria, a former chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), current chairman of the Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (ACNPN) and Executive Director of The RELIANCE newspaper, got married to his hearthrob on 14th December, 1996.
The General Superintendent of New Covenant Gospel Church, Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude who was represented by Rev. Joshua Omoregie, speaking at the well prepared dinner party, described Sir Ralph Okhiria as a very active and committed person to the service of God which has made him to him become a pillar in house of God.
He also commented on how Rev. Honesty who was a founding member of the church has contributed immensely to the growth and development of the church, adding that it brings great joy to God and himself when strong members of the church have marriages that are long lasting and working.
He used the occasion to encourage those whose marriages are still young to use the Okhirias as a source of inspiration and not to allow any break-up. “This can only be done when Jesus is at the center of that marriage”, he stated.
In a goodwill message, Edo state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, rejoiced with the celebrants and wished them many more years of happy togetherness.
The governor said, “on behalf of the good people of Edo state and my family, i join your numerous admirers and family to felicitate with you on your 25th wedding anniversary.
“At a time when many marriages hit the rock within few years of being consummated, you are marking a silver jubilee. It is therefore the Lord’s doing that you have reached this milestone.
“This is an indication that your union has been based on solid foundation of shared love, perseverance, care and trust for each other. Keep it up.
“It is my fervent prayer, that your marriage will continue to endure and remain blissful to the glory of God, the author of marriage,” Governor Obaseki stated.
Also, the General Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church of God Mission Int. (Inc), Apostle (Dr.) Godspower Ogbonmwan (JP), congratulated Sir and Rev. Mrs Ralph Okhiria, on their wedding anniversary.
According to Rev. Dr. G.A Ogbonmwan “happy silver jubilee to God’s General! On behalf of my family and the entire members of CACGM Int. Inc., I sincerely wish to congratulate you on the occasion of your 25th wedding anniversary and to say that you are indeed an Icon.
“It is very obvious that your life is indeed an attestation of the faithfulness and favour of the living God. You are a blessing to your generation, society, family and the entire humanity.
“We pray for more grace, blessings and continued guidance for you and your entire household as you celebrate your silver jubilee to the praise and glory of God almighty’, Apostle Dr Ogbonmwan said.
Similarly, the Chief of Staff to the governor of Edo state, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha, “It is a thing of joy to witness this occasion, especially as this unification
has been sustained for twenty-five years.
“It is my sincere prayer that the union will continue
to experience God’s blessings and that your love for each other shall continue to know no bounds.”
But recalling how the journey started 26 years ago, Sir Ralph Okhiria, thanked all present to celebrate with their marriage anniversary with them.
He described his adorable wife as the best thing that has ever happened to him in life and promised to keep loving, protecting and caring for her.
Sir Okhiria, informed that the decision to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in a big way was taken last year when both of them (his wife and himself) took ill and were hospitalised at the very time they were preparing to mark their 24th marriage anniversary.
“Obviously, the devil prevented us from celebrating our annual wedding anniversary in 2020 and in our sick beds, we resolved to hit back at the devil in 2021 by organising a big party to celebrate our anniversary to pepper the devil. That’s why we are here today to rejoice over God’s blessings and faithfulness in our lives”.
On her part, Rev. Mrs Okhiria who was full of excitement, appreciated the guests present.
She said, “although there have been times of ups and downs. But God has remained faithful to us.
“My husband is always very kind and supportive. He is wise, intelligent, a teacher and a lover.
“I want to use this medium to let him know that I love him and I will continue to love him again and again”.
The children also testified that their godly parents have been source of inspiration to them and that they are pleased to have them as their parents.
Present at the occasion were HRH Dr Prince Edun Akenzua, MFR (represented), His Excellency Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, Deputy Governor of Edo State (represented), His Excellency RT Hon. Dr Pius Egberanmwen Odubu, former Deputy Governor of Edo State (represented), Prof. Darlington Obaseki, the Chief Medical Director of the UBTH, Pastors, Elders and members of New Covenant Gospel Church and from other denominations, gentlemen of the press, amongst others.
There was enough to eat and drink for the nearly 200 guests, during the wedding anniversary dinner event.
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