Encomium
Sunday, July 27, 2014 would forever remain memorable for Barrister Chief (Mrs.) Philomena Omorodion (SAN), as husband, children, family and friends gathered at one of the bubbling event arenas on the Island, Civic Centre, Lagos, to celebrate her life at 60 in grand-style.
The royalties, politicos, celebrities and captains of industry defied the Sunday rain to honour the highly respected lawyer, who is married to the Odunanoba of Benin Kingdom, Prince Dr. Henry Omorodion.
By 2pm, gorgeously dressed guests started arriving. They were welcomed with royal reception at the black carpet. By 4pm, the beautifully decorated hall was filled to capacity, as the moderator, ace comedian, Julius Agwu, declared the reception opened.
The moment everybody was waiting for finally came. The celebrant, who appeared radiant and gorgeous, stepped in majestically with her husband to meet the excited guests who all rose to her honour. She was ushered in by performances from cultural dancers.
Nwabuogho (Child is Pride), as the celebrant is fondly called in her native name, patiently greeted the people who had come to rejoice with her, from one table to another, with prayers and encomiums showered on her.
Nwabuogho closely to her husband and some personalities including former Director-General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Ndi Okereke, as she watched with excitement performances from different entertainers. When female singer, Waje stormed the stage, the celebrant left her seat and rocked with one of the hottest music stars in Nigeria. We heard she’s Waje’s favourite.
THE SURPRISE BIRTHDAY GIFT
Shortly after the cutting of the cake, her husband and children presented her the key of a brand new 2015 BMW 328i worth millions of naira. Unknown to the celebrant, the wonder-on-wheels was parked within the premises; it was then it became obvious to her that her lovely husband and amazing children had a special gift for her. This was one of the highlights of the great occasion.
THE CHURCH SERVICE
There was a thanksgiving service at the Church of the Assumption, Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos, where the children, family and friends joined the celebrant to thank God for reaching the diamond age in good health, before the train moved to The Civic Centre, Victoria-Island, for the reception.
ASSEMBLAGE OF JUGGERNAUTS
The occasion was not for all comers. It’s for the high and mighty, especially royalties. Apart from top politicians like Dino Melaye, famous celebrities such as Mr. and Mrs. Emeka Ossai, Mr and Mrs Joy and Chiko Ejiro, Daddy Showkey, Monalisa Chinda, among others graced the occasion.
PERFECT COORDINATORS APPLAUDED FOR PLANNING A SUCCESSFUL BASH
No doubt, the birthday bash would remain on the lips of many, mostly on the planning of the whole event courtesy of Perfect Coordinators. The popular event planner was the lead, providing everything guests needed. There were enough delicacies, which was well organised by El-Shaddai Catering Services. Sean B ensured that everyone was served fish and chips while Saheeto and 12 Baskets provided small chops and desserts respectively. Bonix didn’t disappoint as they made available their order of drinks.
LET’S MEET THE CELEBRANT
Barrister (Chief) Mrs. Philomena Nwabuogho Omorodion was born on July 12, 1954, and married to a prince, Chief (Dr) Henry Omorodion, the Odunanoba of Benin Kingdom. They are blessed with six children and eight grand-children.
She demonstrated the spirit of efficiency, modesty, resilience and indefatigable prowess of a brilliant administrator and an outstanding leader with an uncompromising stand.
After having had the first four children (Princess Joy, Ngozi, Prince Terry Uche and Princess Helen Nwanne and Princess Patricia Nkonye) at a young age, her immeasurable spirit to pursue higher learning was not defeated. So, while managing family life, she attaining a double qualification of a Nigerian Registered Midwife and a Registered Nurse at the Bendel State School of Nursing, Benin City.
After 15 years of service, her love for higher learning raised its head again, and she embarked on further education at the Lagos State University (LASU) where she bagged a diploma in Law. She went further with her law career when she enrolled at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and attained a law degree (LLB). She earned the ranking of legal Counsels at the Supreme Court of Nigeria when she was called to Bar in 2008. She later completed her Masters degree in Law (LLM) at the University of Lagos and has enrolled to complete an International Arbitrators’ Certification course in London to further the course of Alternative Dispute Resolution movement in the country.
She spoke briefly with ENCOMIUM Weekly
‘I desire long life so that I have more time to serve God’
60 years is not a joke
‘Yes o, my brother’ (smiles).
How does it feel?
I am happy, excited.
What more do you wish from God?
God’s guidance. I wish a long life so that I have more time to serve God.
What her husband and children told ENCOMIUM Weekly
‘I’ll spend the rest of my life with her’ – Celebrant’s hubby,
Prince Dr. H.H Omorodion
How does it feel?
I feel blessed and happy to witness my wife celebrate her 60th birthday. I would not forget this time soon because she’s dearest to me. I will continue to love her, I won’t leave her. For me, your birthday is just like another day. With you being by my side, everyday is a celebration.
What kind of woman is your wife?
She’s a wonderful woman, a mother, a grandmother and a loving wife. She’s the light of my house. May this day and all the days of your life be showered with blessings from God.
Your most memorable time you spent with her?
I have so many memorable times I spent with her because she’s a wonderful woman. However, I remember a day we went on a boat cruise to enjoy ourselves. It was a great experience for us.
What do you wish her?
More fulfilling years. May her wishes and desires be fulfilled this day and the days to come.
‘Mom, continue the good work’ – first son, PRINCE TERRY
How does it feel?
Being 60 is wonderful. She has been a great mother, wife, and philanthropist to everyone. You can see that yourself, seeing the calibre of personalities present here today. This shows she’s loved by the people. That’s why I feel blessed to have her as my mother.
What kind of woman is she?
She’s a rare gem, one in a million.
Tell us the advice she’s given you that’s working for you today?
She has always said to me to be humble. She always say “If you’re humble, you’ll get to so many places. If you’re humble, you would cross so many huddles of life”. This is what she has been preaching to me, the first son, and my siblings. It’s really working for me, like magic, especially in a country like Nigeria.
Your wish for her at 60?
At 60, I want her to continue what she has been doing in the last 60 years. I am just over 40 years, and she’s been kind even before I was born. Mom, continue the good work. I wish her God’s abundant blessing and pray that He grants you many more years. Happy birthday to you.
‘She’s an inspiration to me’ -BARRISTER (MRS.) TRISH OKEREKE (4th child)
How does it feel?
I am glad that today we appreciate her, and show her just a measure of what she is to us. Words alone cannot convey how she is to us; how precious she is. Therefore, this is just a tip of how we really feel, because she has made sacrifices for her children. We want to make sure she enjoys the rest of her life. The Lord’s grace continuously be upon her in everything she’s doing.
What kind of person is mom?
Our mom is a kind-hearted human. She’s a very loving and a giving person. Coincidentally, she’s my learned colleague (smiles) but I am her senior because I went to Bar before her (smiles). She’s a true inspiration to us. Her life has been of service to God and family, even to friends and the few that had the privilege to meet him.
Tell us the advice she’s given you that’s working for you today?
My mother always say, “You must be strong as a woman. You must always try to improve yourself, because your value increases as much as you improve yourself.” She’s an educationist who loves studies. So, she always tells us the sky is the limit as long as we keep striving to continue to be relevant in everything we do, and have values in our eyes and the eyes of the people.
Your wish for her?
Mom, I wish you wonderful 60th birthday and many more happy returns. Long life, prosperous days ahead and I pray that your days ahead be peaceful and joyous.
‘My mother is a wonderful woman’ -PRINCESS LISA OMORODION
How does it feel?
It’s amazing. My mother is a wonderful woman. I am happy that she celebrated her 60th birthday with everyone; children, friends, in-laws, and the entire family. I am extremely excited to be part of this great moment. That’s why it’s an amazing day for me.
Her contribution to your success as an actress?
Mom is my everything. She pushed me toward that direction. She encouraged me to go for what I love. It was a bit difficult at first, she gave me the go ahead after my first degree in Economics from University of Lagos. She said, “Go for what you love and you shall thrive in it. You will take the family name to the greater heights”. She believed in me, that’s why I am an actress today.
‘Mom is a shock absorber in times of challenges’ – PRINCESS (MRS) JOY GBINIJE
Mom deserves this great celebration because she’s a rare gem, a leader by example. She’s a shock absorber in times of challenges. She’s second to none. A mom to all and a technocrat. We call her mummy, while some call her Ochiligwe, I call her her the proactive and productive philanthropist of our time. Many more years to come in plenty and sound health together with blessing pressed down shaken together and running over. God bless you always. Happy birthday, mummy.
She’s a woman of virtue’ – PRINCESS (MRS.) HELEN INEGBENIKI
Happy birthday mummy, bigger you in all ramifications. You’re a woman of virtue, adorable mother, great mother, a loving and caring mom, a woman of peace and humble personality.
May celebration never cease from your life and wishing you all the good things of life. I appreciate you always. May you live to fulfill your mandate on the surface of the earth. long life and prosperity. (Amen)
-RASHEED ABUBAKAR
