By Polycarp Ifeanyi
It was a day of joy and celebration as family, friends, colleagues and well-wishers gathered to celebrate a practicing journalist and respected community leader, Mr. Tobias Ekirika, on the occasion of his birthday.
The event, which was held along his street's residence, attracted people from all walks of life and left an indelible mark that Tobias Ekirika is a prominent man and truly a man of the people.
Among those who graced the occasion were journalists from different media houses, captains of industry, trade union leaders, government functionaries, members of the Catholic Men Organization (CMO) and other notable associations he belongs to, as well as members of his community.
As a respected community leader and advocate of peace, his community also came out in large numbers to honour him.
The celebration was filled with emotions as his children described him as a wonderful father they have, a loving and caring dad who has been a pillar of support to the family.
In his appreciation remarks, Tobias Ekirika thanked God for the gift of life and appreciated everyone who came to celebrate with him.
He prayed God to bless all who honoured him, saying that they too will be celebrated, and also prayed for journey mercies for everyone as they returned to their respective destinations.
Some of the dignitaries at the event also prayed God to continue to preserve him with long life, good health and divine protection.
Guests were treated to sumptuous meals and drinks to their satisfaction, while a DJ thrilled the crowd with melodious music.
The high point of the event was the cutting of the birthday cake, which was followed by dancing, dancing and more dancing.
Adding colour to the celebration was the outing of masquerades which spiced up the event and kept guests entertained.
The birthday celebration ended in praise, as many described Tobias Ekirika as a man of integrity, humility and goodwill who deserves to be celebrated.