Christmas Celebration: Ilaboya, Wife host over 100 elderly persons

In keeping with their long-held tradition and promise to give elderly men and women a sense of belonging geared towards bringing them joy and care at Christmas, former Executive Chairman of Owan West and Executive Director, Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Frank Ilaboya and wife, Mrs. Patience Azegbe Ilaboya, Saturday, 20th of December, 2025 organized a Christmas party for elderly men and women in the Local Government Area.

The well attended party was held at the Uzebba country home of the former Council Chief Executive.

Speaking at the gathering, Hon. Ilaboya said that the idea of the get together was to share in the joy and excitement of the season with the aged ones, spread across the Local Government Area.

He added that, “we are here again this year for the 6th edition of our Christmas party for the elderly persons.
“The purpose is to rejoice and feast together in this festive season.
“We are also using this unique opportunity to build companionship and a sense of belonging among the elderly ones.
“The joy and feeling for us remain imaginable, especially when you see these elderly persons dancing and winning with so much excitement.

In her remarks, Mrs. Azegbe Ilaboya, while wishing them a joyful and memorable Christmas celebration, charged them to always keep hope alive as the Lord who preserved them to this day, has the capacity to always put smiles on their faces.

She reiterated their promise to continue to celebrate with them every Christmas.

Mr. Imohimi Abiodun, in appreciation to Hon. Ilaboya and wife, expressed immense gratitude to God for being alive to witness his 89th Christmas.

The Octogenarian commended the Ilaboyas for celebrating and bringing them together in the spirit of the season, saying, “may God continue to shower His blessings on Hon Ilaboya and his wife for putting smiles on our faces.They will also live long to be celebrated in Jesus name.”

On his part, Comrade Ehigbai Monday, APC Ward 10 Chairman, poured encomiums on Hon Ilaboya for his consistency and care for the aged.

High point of the party was the presentation and unveiling of school fee support of Five Hundred Thousand Naira ( N500,000.00) to five Auchi Polytechnic Students. Below is a list of the beneficiaries:

1. Abaku Happiness Blessing (ND 11 SLT) N100,000.00.

2. Ohiochoya Olohije Joy (ND 1 Business Administration) N100,000.00.

3. Ikhide Benjamin (ND 11 Electrical /Electronics Engineering ) N100,000.00.

4. Okhumen Ohiozoje ( ND1 SLT ) N100,000.00 and

5. Ohikhena Precious (ND 11 Hospitality Management ) N100,000.00.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Ikhide Benjamin, an Auchi Poly ND21 Electrical/ Electronics Engineering student, described the school fee support as a huge intervention, considering the financial challenges he and other students face while studying.

He assured that they would also study hard in order not to disappoint the kind gesture.

The aged beneficiaries went home with Christmas gifts which included rice, new cloths and transport support.

They were also treated to sumptuous meals and dance to melodious music.