The Archangels Catholic Church and indeed the entire Ayobo Community stood still for Pa Robert Enajite Ughutevbe on Saturday, November 12, 2022 when he celebrated his 80th birthday in grand style. The event which began with Mass at Archangels Catholic Church, Ayobo, Lagos was attended by parishioners, family, friends and well-wishers as well as clergy who came from far and near to partake in activities marking the impressive affair. Expressing gratitude to God, Pa Ughutevbe said whether old or young, people should know Christ, believe in Him and always learn to thank God at all times. According to him, “If we offend God and we repent and say sorry, God will forgive us. So, we should always be grateful to God and thank him always. That is the biggest prayer on earth.” On what has kept him going all this while, the octogenarian said: “I know God, and He knows me. Thank you will never leave my lips; thank you father.” On the state of the nation, he said that the time is coming when God will show himself. “Let’s look unto God in all His righteousness. He will surely do something. It’s not our duty to blame past administrations or abuse leaders for stealing.
At his own time, God is going to do something good and we shall all enjoy”, he said. Delivering the homily at Mass, Msgr. Peter Otunbusi, Episcopal Vicar and Dean, South Deanery, Ibadan Archdiocese quoted the book of Titus 2: 11-14 as he thanked God for the celebrant and the gift of life as he Celebrates 80 years on earth. He said: “And when the Word of God states in the book of Titus, the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared and teaches us to say no to ungodliness, worldly passion and to live self-controlled, upright and godly life in this present age while we wait for the appearance of our blessed Lord, our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ who came to redeem us from all kinds of wickedness.” Thanking God for blessing the celebrant with the grace of life, the priest stated that life is a gift that money cannot buy. “We are here today to say a big thank you to God just like one of the lepers who Jesus healed came to say thank you to Him”, he said. He gave thanks to God for the celebrant and all that came to celebrate with him, as he added that Pa Ughutevbe is a man with a large and good heart. Commending women, especially Pa Ughutevbe’s wife, Msgr. Otunbusi urged men to love and respect their wives so as to attain good old age like the celebrant.
For Very Rev. Fr. Lawrence Nwaneri, Parish Priest, St. Patrick Catholic Church, Igbogila, Ipaja and Priest in charge, Archangels Catholic Church, Ayobo, Pa Ughutevbe is a very wonderful man who helps in everything. According to Fr. Nwaneri, “I can say that this station we are looking at is mostly the architect of Pa Robert Ughutevbe. He provides the finances, takes care of children, takes care of adults; everybody. He is just a very charitable man; very good man.” The priest prayed that God will continue to extend the celebrant’s life so he will continue to do the work he is doing among the people. “I am so proud of him. If we have more people like him, I think the world will be a changed place” Fr. Nwaneri quipped.
