A Legacy of Wisdom and Grace: Pa David Ogbebor Edobor Celebrates 90th Birthday in Grand Style


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-By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

BENIN CITY – The atmosphere at St. Joseph Catholic Church, First East Circular Road, was one of profound reverence and exuberant joy on Saturday, February 7, 2026, as family, clergy, and well-wishers gathered for the 90th Birthday Thanksgiving Mass of Pa David Ogbebor Edobor.

​The milestone celebration honored a man described as a "living library of faith" and the patriarch of a family that has notably served the Church through his son, Rev. Fr. Benjamin Edobor of the Augustinian Recollect Order.

​A Testimony of Resilience: "I Am on Top of the World"

​Speaking to the Masses Advocate in an exclusive interview shortly after the liturgy, Pa Edobor was visibly moved by the outpouring of love. "I am very proud, I am 90 years old, and I am on top of the world," he declared with a smile. "I do not regret growing old like this. I pray to God to give me even more life."

​Reflecting on his journey, the nonagenarian did not shy away from the hardships of his past. He noted that while it would take "an entire week" to record the challenges he faced in his early years, he now views them through a lens of victory.

​"I am gaining from those challenges now," Pa Edobor shared. "God has blessed me to cover all I have suffered because I kept my hope in Him. Seeing my wife, my children, and my well-wishers admire me today makes me so happy."


​The Homily: A Life Built on "Solomonic Wisdom"

​The Thanksgiving Mass was presided over by the Very Rev. Fr. Benjamin Brodricks, Dean of Iguobazuwa Deanery. Drawing from 1 Kings 3:4–13, Fr. Brodricks likened Pa Edobor’s life to that of King Solomon, who famously asked God for wisdom rather than riches or long life.

​"This 90th birthday is not just about the passage of time; it is about a life guided by God’s wisdom," the Dean remarked. He emphasized that Pa Edobor’s strength was not built on pride, but on patience and the fear of God.

​Fr. Brodricks also highlighted the celebrant’s role in nurturing a priestly vocation. "A priest is formed first in the home. A home where prayer is valued and discipline is practiced becomes fertile ground for God’s call. Pa Edobor listened to God in his own life, and that helped shape a son who now listens to God on behalf of the universal Church."

​The Secret to Longevity: Kindness Without Borders

​When asked for his advice to the younger generation, Pa Edobor offered a simple but profound philosophy: Universal Kindness.

​"My message to those who want to get to my age is to be good and generous," he advised. "If you have the capacity to help, please do, for that is what has saved me. Do not look down on people. Your kindness should be to all—not just to your family—because everybody is a child of God. Don’t ignore anybody."

​Tributes from the Reception

​At the festive reception that followed, Rev. Fr. Benjamin Edobor offered a touching tribute to his father’s legacy. He recounted the family’s years in Lagos, where his father instilled a "sense of discipline, hard work, and generosity" that defined their upbringing.

​"For my dad to clock 90 years means he is extra strong," Fr. Benjamin stated during his vote of thanks. "Biblically, 70 is the age limit and 80 is for those who are strong, so 90 is a special grace." He also touched upon the family’s struggle to support his journey to the priesthood, noting that "God’s intervention" carried them through the challenges faced during his pastoral work in Onitsha prior to his ordination.

​A Distinguished Gathering

​The event saw a massive turnout from the Catholic community, reflecting the high esteem in which the Edobor family is held. Notable attendees included:

  • ​Rev. Fr. Dr. Charles Omogiate, Dean of the Benin City Deanery.
  • ​A large delegation from the Fathers of Priests and Mothers of Priests and Religious associations.
  • ​Numerous priests, religious sisters, and guests from all walks of life.

​The celebration reached a crescendo with the ceremonial cutting of the 90th-anniversary cake, a moment that "spiced up" the event and symbolized nine decades of God’s faithfulness.

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