Social distancing and isolation as a result of the outbreak of the COVID19 pandemic have almost stifled celebrations, a vital part of what makes us human, but it has not been all doom and gloom.
Observing the prevailing health rules and guidelines, family, friends, and political associates of Dr. Sam Sam Jaja have been in a festive mood since Sunday, celebrating a man they describe with a thousand kind words.
As an accomplished public servant, the Balolo of Opobo Kingdom and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress who turned 70 on Monday, August 3 continues to live footprints on the sands of time as he has served humanity in several capacities including as National Chairman, National Referee Association(NRA), Deputy National Chairman, People's Democratic Party (PDP). He is currently the Board Chairman, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital
The celebration which happened at different parts of the country was flagged off in Port Harcourt with a Thanks Giving Church Service at New Covenant Anglican Church, Nzimiro Street, Port Harcourt even with the absence of the celebrant who is unavoidably outside of the state.
Former Chairman of Andoni local government area, Orom Nte thanked the Vicar in charge, Venerable Ifeanyi Amagboso for the prayers of the church which has kept Dr. Sam Sam Jaja to this ripe age of 70. He said the family, friends, and political associates of the celebrated statesman look forward to returning to the church to celebrate his 100th birthday.
On his part, Dave Okumgba, the South-South Zonal Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC said information about the event was managed to avoid a crowd, adding that the Opobo Chief has demonstrated again and again that he is a godly man.
Former Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Leyii Kwanee eulogized the septuagenarian. “He is an asset to Rivers people and that is why we have come to celebrate him”, he said. “He is a decent man. He is a man of integrity.”
The Chief Medical Director of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Professor Henry Ugboma told FR News on the Port Harcourt home of the celebrant where a quiet reception was organized in his honor that “Sam Sam Jaja means so much to me.” Scientifically, the year 70 is a year to remember.” “He is a father to all who come around him. We pray for more years so that he can continue empowering more people.”
Describing Dr Sam Sam Jaja as “a man in a million”, Madam Sussan Minimah an astute businesswoman and community leader told pressmen at the event that the excitements and fanfare everywhere marking his 70th birthday despite him not being available in person is a testimony of his unique and loveable personality. “Dr Sam Sam Jaja is a man who loves the rich, the poor and the downtrodden”, she said.
Evangelist Chris Jaja who is the President General of Opobo Youth Federation said Dr Sam Sam Jaja is the only person with the title ‘Balolo’ in the entire Opobo kingdom. He said, “all youths of Opobo across the country are celebrating him because of his love and respect for young people.”
On her part, the Acting Women leader of the APC in Rivers State, Beatrice Dappa said she has known no regrets since known Dr. Jaja. “I call him my bishop because of his love for God.” “I am where I am because of him. I pray that God will continue to keep him safe and may he never lack.”
For Fidelis Inyie Jaja, Dr Sam Sam Jaja’s youthful look at 70 is a reflection of the grace of God upon him. “He is a kindhearted man that is willing to embrace every soul that comes around him.” He helped to change me from Mr to Honourable, he has stabilized my life.”
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