Okpoama in Brass Local Government Area was agog on Monday, July 7th, as former governor of the State and former Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, celebrated his birthday.
Sylva, his wife, Mrs Alayingi Sylva, and their entourage were welcomed at the community’s jetty by a large crowd with drums and songs praising an illustrious son of Okpoama.
At his residence, Sylva was treated to a beautiful rendition of soul-lifting music by Sylvery Voices of Brass.
Also, there was a football match between Labrador Aiteo and Labrador Oando, which the former won on penalty shoot after they played a goalless draw during regulation time.
The people also honoured Sylva with a wrestling competition and a colourful boat regatta display as part of the celebration.
Sylva, in his remarks recounting his experience in life and stated that he has enjoyed countless blessings and has also learned valuable lessons from his experience.
He noted that this was the first time he will be celebrating his birthday in Okpoama to demonstrate his connection with his roots.
According to him, leaders should be intentional about giving back to society, especially communities where they hail from.
‘’Who else would come here if I don’t come here? These are my people. I was born among them. I think it is best to come back to my people to celebrate among them. Also, the situation of this place is very unique. This place is the end of Nigeria, so we have to be intentional in coming here. If not, nobody would be here. And of course, it is a rural settlement, and there are no jobs. If we are intentional about giving back to our community, then these people will be abandoned. That is why I chose to come here.
” If I don’t come, nobody will come. I am happy I am among my people. The kind of reception I receive, I am proud of it. It is also some sort of encouragement for me. Because if you are doing something and the people appreciate it, it would encourage you to do more,’’ he added.
Also speaking, his wife, Mrs Alayingi Sylva, expressed delight with the reception accorded them by the people.
She noted that the excitement is a demonstration of the love the people have for her husband.
‘’He usually celebrates his birthday quietly, but on his 61st birthday, we decided to come to his community. I know my husband has been in politics for so long, but I have not seen anything like this. The whole community erupted when we landed. The excitement in the community is very heartwarming. It shows how the community values him. And that makes me very proud. It shows that he is loved by his people,’’ she said.
Mrs Sylva called on the younger generation to imbibe the values of loyalty, steadfastness, and commitment, which she said has been the values that had propelled her husband in life.
For his part, the Managing Director of Kojo Sam Logistics and Labrador Security Services, Dr Kojo Sam, stated that the celebration accorded to Chief Sylva was to commend him for his contribution to the lives of the people.
‘’We are celebrating a leader who has changed and touched lives. He has contributed immensely to society. He deserves the celebration. It is not easy to find a leader like him, humble and ready to listen to people. Chief Timpre has done so much. Every person in the community is happy to celebrate him. From Yenagoa, Nembe, and other places,” he stated.
“Chief Timipre Sylva has passed through a storm. He is a patient leader. He is the leader of our great party, the APC. He feels the pain of other people, so we have decided to honour him,” he added.
