Eminent Nigerians gathered in Yenagoa over the weekend to celebrate former military administrator (MILAD) of Bayelsa State Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade on his 70th birthday.
At the three-day event, thousands of Bayelsans trooped out 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 in June 1997.
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 Mopelola Olubolade, decked in various Ijaw attires, were the cynosure of all eyes.
Among those present were former President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife Patience Jonathan; Governor Douye Diri, his wife Gloria Diri; Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, former deputy governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah (rtd); Amayanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; and Ibenanawei of Bomo Kingdom, King Joshua Igbugburu.
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.
Olubolade was born on November 30, 1954.
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 Jonathan administration, he manned three ministries – special duties, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and police affairs.
During the birthday celebration, all the projects he started and inaugurated during his tenure were highlighted in a special documentary and programme/brochure.
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.
Mrs 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.
