Onicha-Olona, a town in Aniocha North Local Government Area in Delta State, on Saturday February 10, 2024, stood still for Dr. Doris Amaka Ochei as she marked her birthday. Dr. Ochei, a philanthropist, scholar and wife of Major General Raymond Nkemakonam Ochei, an illustrious son of the town, brought together, well-wishers and Christians from different denominations for a special birthday of praises, prayers and thanksgiving. It was a day like no other, and it will remain an unforgettable experience for everyone who participated in the uncommon fellowship.
The which started with songs of praise, prayers, and thanksgiving culminated with testimonies about a great life that continues to touch lives in different ways. From the points of view of a sizeable number of priests and pastors who spoke eloquently about Dr. Ochei’s compassion, good deeds, and friendly disposition, the celebrant has clearly surpassed expectations as a wife, sister, and mother. So, they offered prayers and supplications to God Almighty for her wellbeing, that of her family, and also for supporters of her vision. For everyone present who spoke, Dr. Ochei remains a blessing, not only to the people of Onicha-Olona, her husband’s hometown, but also to humanity for her great determination to change the world with love, creativity, courage and philanthropy
Reverend Solomon Ifeme, who led the opening prayer after a hard-hitting and soul-lifting praise and worship, prayed for Nigeria and Onicha-Olona. He also prayed for the poor and vulnerable people, two disadvantaged groups that Dr. Doris Amaka Ochei has dedicated her entire life to helping because of the challenges they face. Additionally, the reverend gentleman asked God to continue to protect and guard the entire Ochei family for what they are doing to better life and society.
Similarly, another cleric, Bishop Solomon Monye, told the gathering that Dr. Ochei deserved high praise for her single-minded approach to humanitarianism and the concerns of our common humanity. “Today, we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Doris Amaka Ochei. It is a thanksgiving for the activities of a great woman of substance. And I am happy to say that we have taken her matter to God Almighty. The fact that she also decided to invite believers to her house on a day like this shows her hope and trust in God. But we can not fail to thank her mother who bore the pains of childbirth many years ago, and also her people for giving the world such an angel in human form”.
While Pastor Stephen Ezeoha, on his part, asked God to satisfy the celebrant and her family with long life, Venerable Joel Mordi, on the other hand, prayed for divine direction. “We pray for divine direction for this daughter, sister, wife, mother, and philanthropist who is helping others in many ways. But as we pray for divine direction; let us also ask God to give her clarity and understanding in all her steps. Lord, in these days of uncertainties, grant your daughter direction to follow you and to do your will all the days of her life”.
The prayer, praise, and thanksgiving service also asked God to add more grace to the celebrant’s life by taking her beyond where she is at the moment.
Indeed, it was a day of personal testimonies by those who have encountered Dr. Ochei’s generosity and humanity at very close quarters. They were all full of praises for her service, both to Onicha-Olona people and others who come in contact with her. Okey Aligbe, former President-General of Onicha-Olona Development Union, (OODU), praised the celebrant lavishly for being an exemplary wife whose dedication to everything good, is worthy of emulation. “It is a remarkable day for us. However, my regret is that we could not bring Dr. Doris physically to Onicha-Olona on this day. But all the same, we are still happy to be celebrating. My wish for her is more greatness on all fronts. I also wish her more impactful life and many more years ahead in good health and happiness. She is a heroine with a heart of gold, an amazing woman”. Relatedly, Patrick Ejidoh, current President-General of OODU, also praised Ochei for initiating laudable projects and following through to completion in the community and even beyond. “It is a glorious day. I hope you heard the moving testimonies and the impressive attendance. Everyone is happy because she has remained consistent with her demonstration of love and commitment to delivering quality projects. Can you see our brand-new market, the access road, her scholarship programme, and her other projects that have a strong and lasting effect on the people? We pray she continues to be in good health and happiness in all that she does”.
Godfrey Osakwe, Chairman, Delta State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR who was also in attendance expressed satisfaction over the appreciative nature of Onicha-Olona people and many others who came to felicitate with the Ocheis and their remarkable wife. “I was here on December 26, 2023, for Dr. Doris Amaka Ochei’s annual Childrens’ Party, where she empowered many young people. For those who were not lucky to receive scholarships, they went home with over two thousand school bags, hundreds of gift items, and a heart full of gratitude. For me, what I witnessed today is a testimony to the fact that the celebrant and Doris Amaka Ochei Foundation, her non-profit organization, are doing a lot of work. They continue to impact lives positively, and people are happy for all these good deeds that will surely live forever”.
The prayer and praise get-together, which was held under the auspices of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Onicha-Olona chapter, attracted Priests, Pastors, and other religious leaders from far and near. Those in attendance included Rev. Essien Peter, Rev. Caleb Chibua, Venerable Joel Mordi, Evangelist Ibe Emeka, Rev. Iyama Christopher, Bishop Solomon Monye, Bishop Felix Ndubueze, Pastor Andrew Akabuno, Rev. Peter Bakunye, Pastor George Oseghale, Pastor Stephen Ezeocha, Pastor Joshua Johnson, Rev Solomon Ifeme, Rev Adeyemi Williams, Evangelist Charity Anayo, Pastor Darlington Ochei and Rev. Dr. Sidney Ochei.
