By Eric Elezuo

The National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), South South, Chief Dan Orbih, took friends, colleagues and well wishers on a great merry go round when he hosted them to a grand reception in Abuja to celebrate his diamond jubilee age.

Chief Dan Orbih and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar

As an astute gentleman and a great party loyalist, Orbih’s birthday reception proved that he is defined beyond words as he drew friends from every quarter of human endeavour, including from the opposition APC with everyone describing him as a political icon.

Among those, whose presence spoke volumes of Orbih’s relevance as a political giant, was the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who in his goodwill message congratulated the effervescent gentleman.

Governors Wike of Rivers and Makinde of Oyo states

The governor, in a statement, wished Orbih many more years of celebration in good health and happiness, praying that God grants him wisdom and grace to continue to serve our great nation, Nigeria.

There was the presence of former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, and former Governor of Imo State, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha among many other party bigwigs.

Also in attendance was the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, who led some of the state Executives to the grand event in Abuja as well as the state Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Hon. Harrison Omagbon and his wife, a former Commissioner for Education, Lucy Omagbon.

Other distinguished personalities that grace the event were Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Dr. Samson Osagie, Former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Lucky Imasuen, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, Professor Edoba Omoregie and Senator Magius Abe.

The dignitaries were all in agreement that Chief Dan Orbih is a political builder who has successfully stepped into the shoes of late Chief Tony Anenih.

Expressing his profound gratitude at the turn up of top government functionaries at the event, the celebrant said “the numerous messages I received celebrating my 60th birthday anniversary were overwhelming. I appreciate the depth of love and support expressed. It is difficult to respond to everyone of them the way I would have wished.”

He further called the attendees by name as he appreciate their steadfast love.

“I appreciate the Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki, and his wife, Her Excellency, Betsy Obaseki, for their congratulatory message, and their wish for me to ‘continue my impactful service to our nation’.

“I thank the former Vice President, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku; the irrepressible Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike; Governor Makinde; Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; Governor Udom Emmanuel; Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; Edo State Deputy Governor, Phillip Shaibu; Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and many other Nigerians who joined me to thank God for His Grace in my life.

“I pray that God should continue to give us reasons to celebrate in good health and at peace with our conscience in all we do with one another,” Chief Orbih said.

Chief Daniel Osikheme Orbih was born on the 27th of October, 1961 to Chief and Mrs. M.C.K. Orbih of Ogbona in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State.