By Ehichioya Steve Odion
It was a moment of joy for the entire family of Professor Gabriel and Mrs. Juliet Oteze yesterday as family members, friends, associates and well wishers gathered together in his house to celebrate their 53 years in marriage.
Oteze family had earlier participated in a Thanksgiving Mass at St Peter's Catholic Church, 2nd Ugbor, GRA, Benin City, where they appreciated God Almighty who have keep them to this period.
At the reception in his house the Parish Priest of St Peter's Catholic Church, 2nd Ugbor, GRA, Benin City , Rev. Fr. Daniel Iyagbe said everyone was there to celebrate Oteze and his dear wife who are dear to all of us.
Fr. Iyagbe disclosed that Prof. Oteze's wedding anniversary was organized by Rev. Fr. Isaiah and Rev. Sisters.
He described Prof Oteze as someone who is always involved in other people's welfare . "This ceremony is very dear to our hearts. They are children in the Lord and at the same time father and mother. This ceremony was planned by Rev. Fr. Isaiah and Rev. Sisters. We have to celebrate you for your generosity".
Continuing, he said that they cannot forget their financial contributions to the church and the society in general, adding that Oteze is a big name you cannot ignore. "I wish to tell you that we love you. We also thank God for your life"
One of the guests present, Dr. Celestina Aletor described Oteze' s family as such wonderful people.
She recalled how Oteze' s family invited her family to celebrate Christmas with them at Uromi community where the two families had a good time.
On his part, Rev. Fr. Ambrose described the couple as religious and dedicated Christians. Fr. Ambrose was very grateful to them for the huge support he got from them when he was posted to serve as Parish Priest in the Catholic Church at Ewatto Community. Their humility speaks volume, Fr. Ambrose concluded.
One of their family members, Mrs. Patricia Okojie said she sees Prof. and Mrs. Oteze as wonderful parents. She said based on Prof. Oteze' s character and humility his in-law decided to take him and also treat him as their son in the family. " They are very caring family and they are presently my parents".
Other guests also described them as very dedicated Christians in the Catholic faith. They said they have known them to be kind people whose generosity have impacted so many people's lives irrespective of tribe. They all wish them well.
In a chat with professor Gabriel Oteze who retired as professor of Geology at the University of Benin, former chairman of Ikolo Esan Organization , World-Wide and presently Chairman, Board of Trustees, Esan Okpa Initiative said he was very grateful to God for having taken them thus far.
He said there is no doubt that he and his wife have put so many things in the marriage which has sustained the union till date. He added that their focus now is to the children which they are counselling all the time to be upright and live peaceful life worthy of emulation.
He expressed his determination to sustain efforts at supporting the needy so long God keeps him alive.
Prof. Oteze said marriage is ordained by God for man and woman to be one. "Be patience with each other and follow God's dictates. Christ said divorce is not allowed. And also it must not be about you alone. You must as well think of others".
In the area of entertainment you should guess what happened, as guests were made to serve themselves as all kinds of food was readily available with chilled drinks.
The event did not go without DJ dance band supplying melodious music for the entertainment of guests.
Highpoint of the ceremony was cutting of the anniversary cake by the couple which was followed by taking of photographs with guests.
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