According to Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, verses 1 and 4, “There is a time for everything under the heaven… A time for sorrow and a time for joy”.
This Biblical verse played out for joy and not sorrow on Friday, 27th day of September 2024, when the entire staff of Enugu State Universal Education Board (ENSUBEB) joined their Executive Chairman, Assoc. Prof. Hyginus Banko Okibe, to celebrate his birthday anniversary to the Glory of God.
The ceremony which was held within the premises of the Board’s Headquarters at Independence Layout Enugu, was graced by a few of the celebrant’s close associates and well-wishers, including the Executive Chairman of STVSMB Dr. Mrs. Amaka Ngene, the Chairman Enugu State Board of Internal Revenue, Mr. Emmanuel Ekene Nnamani, other friends and his immediate family members.
There was enough food from different menus to eat and assorted types of drinks for all the guests, as well as cakes of various shapes, sizes, and colors.
Addressing his guests, members of the ENSUBEB, family members, and friends, Assoc. Prof. Okibe thanked God for the gift of life and the opportunity to celebrate an additional year of his birth in good health as well as all the accomplishments he recorded over the years of his sojourn on earth.
He recalled that last year, ENSUBEB celebrated his birthday at Olive Gate Hotel where the Board had Staff Forum after assuming office but this year, he decided to celebrate it with the ENSUBEB family as a return match, to demonstrate the love and affection he has for them and also to appreciate them for their support and dedication to their duties.
According to the ENSUBEB Boss, I have chosen to celebrate my birthday anniversary this year in my office with my own people with whom I spend about ninety percent of my day, to share with them my joy and to appreciate them for their love, commitment, and what they are for me since I assumed office in the Board.
The celebrant thanked the entire staff of the Board for responding in good numbers to celebrate with him and his family and assured them that their interest and welfare will continue to receive all the attention they deserve. He, therefore, charged the staff to cultivate team spirit, love, and unity of purpose in the discharge of their official assignments and be ready to go the extra mile and come up with useful ideas and information that would help the Board to excel.
In her brief remarks, Permanent Member III of the Board, Hon. Nwakaego Aja, on behalf of the Staff, thanked the celebrant for inviting them to celebrate with him this very important day of his life and prayed God to continue to bless and envelop him with wisdom, good health and many more years of happy returns.
Hon. Aja described Assoc. Prof. Okibe as a patient man, meticulous in handling issues, and pledged the continued support of the staff to the Board under his watch. She wished him a happy birthday and the disposition and knowledge to service.
Also, in her goodwill message, the Executive Chairman of Enugu State Science Technical Vocational Schools Management Board (STVSMB), Dr. Amaka Ngene, thanked God for him and wished him many more years of good health and success in all his endeavors. Dr. Mrs. Ngene described Assoc. Prof Okibe is a man with a large heart to do good, dedication to service, fear of God, and a team player like no other.
The highlight of the ceremony was the cutting of the Birthday Cake by the celebrant together with his wife and invited friends.