by Manasseh Umoette
The Raffia City of Ikot Ekpene came alive on Friday as family, friends and well-wishers gathered at the council hall in the area to celebrate Amb. Joseph Umoette (Spark Joe)who marked his 80th birthday in style.
The historic occasion was marked with the presentation of a book “Man and His Troubled World: An autobiographical Exegesis, Illustrations and Anecdotes” authored by the celebrator.
The event attracted the intelligentsia, captains of industry, traditional rulers, clergyman, among others who came in good number to identify with the octogenarian popularly known as “Spark Joe”.
The Chairman on the occasion, Engr. Etido Inyang, described the celebrator as an embodiment of hard work and resilience whose life has been that of impact and service to humanity.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, son of the celebrator and Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations,Elder Manasseh Umoette, PhD, described the birthday “boy” as a towering figure in music, evangelist and teacher on whose shoulders he has leaned to achieve the little he has today.
He stated that his father has played a key role in his life trajectory, adding that he is proud to have him as not just a father but mentor who has moulded him into the man he is today.
He expressed appreciation to his father for distilling his life experiences over the years into a book, noting that it was his desire for the octogenarian to write a book so that posterity can tap from his wealth of wisdom.
The book review was done by a legal luminary, Barr. Stephen Abia who masterfully did justice on the book, urging guests to get copies of the book given its richness and immense value to scholarship.
On his part, the guest reviewer, Prof. Peter Esuh of the University of Uyo noted that Amb. Umoette is a man who loves God hence enjoying the fruits of his faith in the Creator. He congratulated him on the milestone, praying God to keep him in good health of mind and body.
It was a day to remember as family members, grandchildren and friends of the celebrator took turns to have a photoshoot with the music icon.
The event had in attendance, the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene, HRM, Okuku Okon Udo Ukut; His Highness, the Clan Head of Ukana West and Chairman of all Clan Heads; Okuku Silvanus Obot Udoekanem, Rector Federal Polytechnic Ukana,Mrs Eduma Enobong Essien,former Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Dr. Uduak Ukekpe; Founder Uyo Book Club,Dr. Udeme Nnana, Apostle Etopabasi Akpan, Ikot Ekpene Field Superintendent represented by Apostle Otobong Ekah, Area Superintendent, the Apostolic Church, Adiasim Area among several others whose presence enriched the occasion.
The Jegedas Live Band was on hand to thrill guests to lovely tunes as they kept attendees dancing and wriggling to no end.
In a terse but powerful speech, the birthday “boy”, Amb. Joseph Umoette was grateful for the turnout, praying God to bless all in attendants with long life.
