“Celebrate Me While I Am Alive — That Is Better Than Waiting Until I Am Gone.”
Today, as I celebrate another birthday anniversary, I am reminded once again of the value of life, friendship, love, appreciation, and genuine relationships.
I sincerely appreciate everyone who has taken the time to celebrate me today. To those who used my pictures, designed beautiful birthday flyers, posted my photographs, and shared birthday messages across their social media platforms, I say a very big thank you.
To everyone who called, sent text messages, WhatsApp messages, and reached out personally to celebrate me, I deeply appreciate you. Every message, every call, every post, and every expression of love means something to me.
I have taken note of the genuine love shown to me today. I have seen friends, colleagues, associates, and people from different backgrounds come forward to celebrate my life and achievements. I have also seen people whom I have consistently celebrated over the years who chose not to celebrate me today. I hold no grudges against anyone.
Life is too short to carry bitterness.
My message is simple: celebrate people while they are alive. Do not wait until someone dies before you suddenly remember their value, organize tributes, publish their photographs, and tell the world how wonderful they were.
If you genuinely appreciate someone, let them hear it while they are still alive.
Every birthday is not just a celebration; it is also a reminder that life is temporary. Every birthday brings us one step closer to the grave, and therefore, we should use the time we have on earth to make a positive impact, build people, encourage others, and leave behind memories of love and service.
I will continue to celebrate people because that is part of who I am. I will continue to recognize excellence, support enterprise, promote visibility, and encourage people to become better versions of themselves.
I have received tremendous love from people across Nigeria and beyond, including many wonderful people who are not from my Isoko background. The level of love, support, and goodwill I have received from people at home and abroad has been deeply encouraging.
I have also experienced genuine friendship from people who have stood by me without expecting political appointments, public offices, or personal benefits from me.
Without holding political office in Nigeria, I have continued to receive real love from people. That alone is something I will never take for granted.
To my faithful and genuine friends, colleagues, associates, family members, well-wishers, and everyone who celebrated me today, thank you for making me feel loved and appreciated.
Your love will continue to motivate me to do more.
I will not allow those who choose not to celebrate me to stop me from celebrating others.
I will continue to fulfil my purpose and destiny on earth, one day at a time.
I hold no grudges. I choose gratitude. I choose love. I choose service. I choose impact.
Thank you to everyone who celebrated Ambassador Odidi Godday Aguriase (OGA) while I was alive.
Celebrate people while they are alive. Let them see the love. Let them hear the appreciation. Let them feel the impact.
God bless you all.
THANK YOU FOR CELEBRATING LIFE WITH ME.
Amb. Odidi Godday Aguriase (OGA)
