Felicitations Pour In as Family, Friends, Associates Gathered to Celebrate Joe Omene @ 80

By Queen Stephanie Ikanone Odiete

Tributes, prayers, and goodwill messages have continued to pour in as family members, political associates, and friends of Chief Joe Omene gathered in Mosogar on Saturday, June 20th, 2026 to celebrate his 80th birthday in grand style.

The octogenarian’s country home turned into a festival of gratitude over the weekend, with guests describing him as “a father to all, a bridge-builder, mentor and a pillar of Delta politics.”

Speaking on behalf of the Omene family, his first son said: “Papa has been a tree of shelter for us and for the community. At 80, we see God’s faithfulness in his sound health, sharp memory, and big heart. We thank God for his life.”

“Happy 80th Birthday Ose Me” We your children celebrate not only your 80 years of life, but also the love, wisdom, strength and guidance you have shared with us, his daughter wrote.

Chief Jerry Wilson Omene in his tribute wrote, “Today, with profound gratitude to God and great admiration, I join family, friends, associates, and the entire Urhobo Nation in celebrating my elder brother, 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗿. 𝗝𝗼𝗲 𝗢𝗿𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗢𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗲, 𝗘𝗷𝗼𝗿𝗵𝗼𝗳𝗼 of the Universe, on the occasion of his 80th Birthday Anniversary.

Reaching the age of eighty is not merely a celebration of years, but a celebration of a life richly spent in service, leadership, wisdom, and dedication to humanity.”

Political leaders from across party lines described Chief Omene as a mentor, peace maker and advocate for the unity of the Urhobo people. “Anywhere there is marginalization of the Urhobo people in Nigeria, Chief Joe’s name comes up, because he is a voice,” one APC chieftain noted.

“Chief Joe Omene taught us that politics without service is empty. His 80 years are 80 years of sacrifice, one NDC party faithful told newsmen.

His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Executive Governor of Delta State, who was ably represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme thanked God for the life of the octogenarian.

He prayed for more years of happiness for the celebrant and wished him a happy birthday on behalf of the government and good people of Delta State.

Joe Omene son in-law Ejiro Bakpa Esq was not left out, he described Chief Joe Omene as a source of wisdom, strength, kindness, and unwavering support to him.

“I am deeply grateful for the warmth with which you welcomed me into your family and for encouragement, counsel, and fatherly affection you have shown me through out the years. Your life is a testament to integrity, hard work, faith, and devotion to family he added.

Overwhelmed by the turnout, Chief Omene thanked God and all the guests for the celebration. He appreciated His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State for his support and all those who contributed in one way or the other to making his 80 years birthday celebration a success.

Highlight of the event was the cutting of cake by the celebrant, Chief Joe Omene.

Urhobo traditional dancers, entertained guests as they ate, drank in merriment with the celebrant.

As music blared and guest danced to the rhythm of the music, one thing was clear, Mosogar came out to honour one of its greatest sons.