Dignitaries from all walks of life on Sunday at St Brigid’s Catholic Church, Asaba, joined Barr Aghoghophia Otto in thanksgiving on his appointment as Clerk of Delta State House of Assembly.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori led the executive arm of the State Government, including Civil Commissioners, Special Advisers, Chief of Staff Government House, Prince Johnson Erijo, the Head of Service, Reginald Bayoko and Principal Secretary to the State Governor, PSG, Mrs Lyna Ocholor, amongst others to the thanksgiving.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, led the pack of legislators from the State Assembly, including the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Arthur Akpowowo and Majority Leader, Emeka Nwaobi, to the Divine Assembly.
Also in attendance were a cross-section of other top government functionaries, parishioners, relatives, friends, colleagues and well-wishers of the celebrant Barr Otto, who said the event was put together in appreciation to God for his recent elevation from Acting Clerk to the substantive Clerk of the Delta State House of Assembly.
Mr Otto described the appointment as an act of God and appreciated the people who God used to shape his growth and success as a career staff of the state legislature.
He particularly acknowledged the mentorship role of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori while as Speaker of the State Assembly, saying that he was instrumental to his steady rise in the service.
Otto also lauded the Speaker of the State Legislature, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor for being a Boss like no other and for perfecting God’s plan in his life.
Reflecting on the past, the Clerk said he has enough reason to show gratitude to God for divine guidance and mercy upon him and his family and promised never to lose focus in serving Him and humanity.
Earlier In his homily, Revd Fr. Israel Dibia highlighted the need for Christians to patiently hold on to the promises and prophecy of God, regardless of distress and economic hardship, all over the world.
Speaking on what he entitled; “Look To The Future with Hope”, the Catholic Priest said despite the challenge any individual was going through at any particular time, there would always be a time such an individual would be liberated from the difficult situation and circumstances.
Revd Fr Dibia underscored the need for patience, resilience and unwavering commitment in attracting the blessings of God
He enjoined Nigerians to be hopeful amid the current economic challenge, assuring that “there would be silver lining at the end of the tunnel”
“Our time is different from God’s own time. Let us wait for God’s own time. There is hope for Delta. There is hope for Nigeria. Today, we are gathered here to celebrate a man of faith, a courageous son of God, Mr Otto Aghoghophia,” the cleric said.
In an interview, Speaker of Delta State Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, described Mr Otto as a focused, committed and dedicated worker who has contributed and still contributing immensely towards efficient service delivery in the State legislature.
While wishing him well in his current position as clerk of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Guwor urged him to sustain the good works and name he had earned for himself.
Also Speaking, Principal Secretary to the Governor and immediate past Clerk of the House, Mrs Lyna Ocholor, congratulated Mr Otto on his appointment as substantive Clerk and prayed God to grant him wisdom to succeed in his new office.
Highpoint of the Thanksgiving Mass, officiated by sixteen Catholic priests, was special prayers to Mr Otto and his family for God’s continued protection and mercies.
At the reception, Members of the Delta State House of Assembly, Management and Staff, friends, family and well-wishers graced the occasion in celebration of the new Clerk, Mr Aghoghophia Otto.
It would be recalled that Mr Otto was appointed substantive Clerk of the State Assembly on October 8, 2024, following a motion to that effect by the House Leader, Hon Emeka Nwaobi and unanimously adopted.
