…it was fun galore in the spirit of Independence.
It was a celebration galore at the private residence of Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu as he celebrated Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Anniversary with his staff and their family members.
The annual celebration is an occasion where the staff of the Office of the Deputy Governor, including his domestic staff come together with members of their immediate families, they dine, wine and play games in an atmosphere of conviviality. This year’s event lived up to its billing as they all came together to light up the atmosphere with their various dance steps, drama sketches, jokes and games.
Amongst the major events that added colour to the occasion was the Food Contest amongst staff of the Press Unit.
In the drama sketches, the Press Unit mimics the Deputy Governor in three different reported events in the course of his official assignments. One of these was when he picked up an unknown but less privileged young man along the road and directed that he be given immediate medical attention. Another was when he retired from active football as a registered player of Bendel Insurance FC.
Comrade Philip Shaibu and his wife, Mrs Maryann Shaibu led the staff and guests to the food stand for sumptuous buffets, in the spirit of Independence. This was spiced up with a variety of drinks and good music.
The event climaxed with dance competitions from every department, including the children of staff. Candidates of the PDP in the forthcoming Federal and State elections who were recently affirmed by the Supreme Court also displayed their dance steps. Distinguished Senator Francis Alimikhena and the Edo South candidate, Rt Hon Iduehrekewen were not left out of the fun.
All winners in the various competitions were given cash prizes for their effort.
While giving the closing remarks, Mrs Sabina Chikere applauded Comrade Philip Shaibu for always identifying with everyone around him and prayed that God will continue to keep him for years to come and bless everyone present at the gathering.
Present at the ‘Freedom Gathering’ were newly elected board members of the Nigeria Football Federation, CAF and FIFA representatives to the NFF Elective Congress, Ms Aisha Falode, immediate past 1st Vice President of the Federation, Seyi Akinwunmi, Esq, Consultant Edo State Sports Commission, Dr. Kweku Tandoh, Permanent Secretary Edo State Sports Commission, Mrs Sabina Chikere, Director of Facilities, Edo Edo Sports Commission, Mr Edokpahi Victor, Secretary Edo State FA, Mr Ajibola Emmanuel amongst others.