The first daughter of former Rivers State governor, Mrs. Boma Ogan, marked her 60th birthday at the weekend with a thanksgiving service and reception in Okrika, Rivers State.

The celebration began at Florence Ogan Memorial Hall, Our Saviour’s Cathedral, Okrika, where family, friends and dignitaries gathered for a solemn thanksgiving marked by hymns, Bible readings and a sermon.

In an emotional testimony, the celebrant expressed gratitude to God for sustaining her through life’s challenges and guiding her family.

She recalled a near-fatal fall from a two-storey building in London during her teenage years, describing her survival as a testament to divine purpose.

“It could only be God, because He has a purpose for my life,” she said, urging guests to remain steadfast and focused despite life’s trials.

Ogan also credited the success of her marriage to divine guidance, acknowledging God’s presence through seasons of joy and adversity. She thanked her husband, Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan, for his unwavering support.

Her daughters, Orofiri and Soseimiebi Ogan, paid glowing tributes to their mother, describing her as a pillar of strength and prayed for continued grace and fulfillment in the years ahead.

Her husband, who chairs the board of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA), described her as a rare gift. He said the celebration was inspired by a personal conviction to honour her enduring impact on his life and career.

“Boma is a very special gift to me. I love her dearly. If I had to make the journey again, she is the one I would choose,” he said.

Delivering the exhortation, Archbishop Benebo Fubara Fubara-Manuel charged the celebrant and congregation to remain fearless in the face of adversity.

A representative of the Ada-George family, in the goodwill prayed for long life and continued blessings for the celebrant.

Speaking on the sidelines, Dr. Solomon Edebiri, board secretary of NDCCITMA, described Ogan as a virtuous and supportive partner whose role has been instrumental to her husband’s leadership.

Dignitaries at the event included former Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo; former Country Chair of Shell, Osagie Okunbor; Chairman of Rivers PETROAN, Billy Gillis-Harry; Group Managing Director of Genesis Group, Naeto Ohazuruike; former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Austin Opara; former Minister of Transport, Abiye Sekibo; and Accord Party governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, among others.