The Opobo Council of Chiefs has celebrated Mrs Pauline Furo Batubo at 80, describing the retired teacher and community leader as a woman of immense value whose contributions to the development of Opobo Kingdom and Rivers State have earned her widespread respect.
The council’s commendation was contained in a message delivered on Monday by its Vice Chairman, Alabo Godwin Dappa, who represented the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, His Majesty King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, at a thanksgiving service held in honour of Batubo at the Chapel of Redemption, Rivers State University.
Dappa said the celebrant had distinguished herself through years of selfless service, particularly her commitment to mentoring and empowering women, adding that her impact had extended beyond Opobo Kingdom to the wider Rivers State community.
He said the Opobo Council of Chiefs considered Batubo worthy of special honour because of her accomplishments, character and dedication to the welfare and advancement of others.
The council, he noted, was proud to identify with a woman whose life had continued to demonstrate the values of service, compassion and community development.
Also speaking at the thanksgiving service, Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, described Batubo’s 80 years as “a clear testimony of God’s grace,” saying her life story was worthy of celebration and thanksgiving.
Odu said she had known Batubo for several decades through family connections, describing her as a warm, joyful and deeply cherished friend.
According to her, Batubo’s cheerful disposition and hospitality had remained some of her most endearing qualities.
“Auntie Furo is always smiling. She makes everyone feel happy and at home,” the Deputy Governor said.
Odu, however, noted that the celebrant’s journey to 80 had not been without difficult moments, particularly serious health challenges that included surgery and cancer.
She said Batubo’s resilience in the face of those challenges demonstrated the sustaining grace of God, describing the attainment of 80 years as a significant milestone deserving of profound gratitude.
“Reaching the age of 80 is a significant milestone worthy of gratitude to God, especially for Mrs Batubo, a retired teacher,” she said.
The Deputy Governor urged the celebrant to continue in thanksgiving and prayer, expressing confidence that God would continue to strengthen and bless her in the years ahead.
In her testimony, Batubo reflected on her childhood and the experiences that shaped her understanding of God’s goodness, faithfulness and provision.
She recalled the severe health challenges she had encountered over the years, including liver-related illness, cancer and several surgical operations.
According to her, there were occasions when her condition became so critical that her life was in danger and she had to receive urgent blood transfusions.
She expressed gratitude to God for preserving her through those difficult periods and enabling her to attain the age of 80.
Batubo urged family members, friends and other well-wishers to remain conscious of God’s goodness and to cultivate a spirit of gratitude for the gift of life and preservation.
In his sermon, the Chaplain of the Chapel of Redemption, Dr Samuel Ebirim, drew from Job 36:11 to emphasise the importance of obedience and service to God.
Ebirim urged Christians to cultivate a lifestyle of thanksgiving, stressing that achievements, positions and milestones in life were ultimately made possible by the grace and favour of God.
He said thanksgiving should not be limited to words but should be demonstrated through public worship, open proclamation of God’s goodness, thanksgiving offerings and sacrificial giving.
The thanksgiving service brought together family members, friends, traditional leaders and other well-wishers to celebrate Batubo’s eight decades of life, service and resilience.
