Eminent Nigerians have celebrated former Military Administrator (MILAD) of Bayelsa State, Navy Captain Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade (COO) during his 70th birthday ceremony held in Yenagoa, capital of the South-South state.

At the three-day event, thousands of Bayelsans trooped out last weekend to felicitate the Ipoti-Ekiti-born retired officer for laying the foundation for Bayelsa's development between 1997 and 1998.

Bayelsa was carved out of Rivers State by the late General Sani Abacha and Olubolade was appointed the Military Administrator (MILAD) in June 1997.

It is generally believed that from June 27, 1997 to July 9, 1998 when he governed the South-South state, he laid a solid foundation for the development of the Ijaw-populated state that successive governors built on.

So, the three-day event in Yenagoa was an opportunity for thousands of residents of the axis to show their appreciation.

From the Exco Chamber of the Government House to the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Samson Siasia Sports Complex and thanksgiving church service, Olubolade and his wife, Mrs. Mopelola Olubolade, decked in various Ijaw attires, were the cynosure of all eyes.

The Chief of Staff, Govt House, Yenagoa, Hon. Peter Pereotubo Akpe, Ph.D, ensured that all the events were memorable.

In fact, it was a pay-back time as former President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan; Governor Douye Diri, his wife, Dr. Gloria Diri; the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; former Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd); Amayanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; Ibenanawei of Bomo Kingdom, King Joshua Igbugburu, and others led the series of tributes to celebrate Olubolade.

Also present at the event were the Hydrographer of the Nigerian Navy and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrographic Agency, Rear Admiral Ayodeji Olugbode; Navy Captain Segun Noibi (rtd), Prof. Steve Azaiki, Olubolade's first child and daughter, Oluwayemisi; her husband, Gabriel Akinadewo; Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Olubolade's classmates at military school and Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), politicians, opinion leaders, members of Bayelsa State Cultural Troupe, entertainers and others.

In fact, throughout the event, Bayelsa literally stood still for the man described by Ewhrudjakpo as the COO (Chief Operating Officer) of Bayelsa "for laying a solid foundation for our development".

All those present at the various events to mark the birthday of the septuagenarian, who was born on November 30, 1954,

expressed their gratitude to him.

During the President Jonathan administration, Olubolade was also a Minister in three ministries - Special Duties, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Police Affairs.

He was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 1974, and attended courses including the Britannia Royal Naval College, UK in 1975, the Naval College of Engineering, India in 1979 and others.

During the birthday celebrations, all the projects he started and inaugurated during his tenure were highlighted in a special documentary and programme/brochure.

All venues used for the celebrations were also specially branded with various photographs of the septuagenarian.

Everywhere was colourful.

In a special tribute entitled

'H.E. Olubolade At 70', Diri said: "I am compelled to break the protocol of my annual leave to send warm greetings to a selfless leader, the former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Navy Captain Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade (Rtd.) on the occasion of his 70th birthday.

"I extend my warmest felicitations to this highly disciplined and revered former Military Administrator on this milestone of attaining a platinum jubilee.

"His commitment and leadership in laying the foundation of development in our dear State is inspiring, and we use this occasion of his birth to celebrate him, his life and times, and his selfless service to Bayelsa State.

"Once again, happy birthday to our leader and a worthy citizen of this great land of Bayelsa.

"We pray God continue to keep you in sound health.

"Nua sir! SDD".

On his part, Ewhrudjakpo said: "Last night, I joined the family, friends and well-wishers of the former military administrator of our dear State Bayelsa at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Yenagoa.

"The gathering of state actors and top government officials to celebrate His Excellency, Navy Captain, Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade, was for his dedication to humanity and our dear State Bayelsa.

"The Chief Operating Officer COO, as I fondly call him, is a man of possibilities, integrity and character. His track record is distinguished and Bayelsa is what it is today because he extinguished the appetite for greed and corruption to nurture a new Bayelsa of his era even with the scarce resources.

"We are celebrating him because he is a sacrificial leader and one who we will refer to as an altruistic and audacious leader.

"Happy 70th Birthday Sir".

Jonathan described Olubolade as a great man who Bayelsans are proud of.

Represented by his wife, Dame Patience, he lauded Olubolade for his development efforts in Bayelsa, which he said are still visible, saying he laid the foundation for the development of the 28-year-old state.

While wishing him many more celebrations in good health, Jonathan expressed appreciation to Diri for the peace and unity in the state being tonic to encourage development.

Dr. Gloria Diri noted that Bayelsans were happy with the role played by the celebrant in the development of the state, describing him as a son of the soil.

Responding, Olubolade said his love and appreciation for Bayelsa State made him to mark his 70th birthday in the state, describing Bayelsans as loving people.

He recalled working with Jonathan whom he described as result oriented, saying he learnt so much from him and other Bayelsans he worked with.

He expressed gratitude to Diri for celebrating him, saying he is a man of peace.

Olubolade also advised Nigerians to shun corruption, adding that he has adopted Bayelsa as his home.

He was given a standing ovation.

Responding to the applause, Olubolade said he was deeply grateful "for your presence at my 70th birthday celebration. Your love and friendship made this day unforgettable.

"I thank you for your thoughtful gifts, kind words and for taking the time to celebrate this special moment with my family".

In his exhortation entitled 'While there is life', Apostle Zilly Aggrey said there is power in hope, thus the living should be hopeful.

He prayed for the celebrant and those present.

The event at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, built by Olubolade, featured football match, athletics relays, cultural displays and choir ministration, amongst other activities.

Various branded gifts, food and drink were given to everybody present.

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