By Emeka Amaefula
LOVE IN ACTION: RUTH IKANYA SURPRISES HUSBAND DAVIES IKANYA WITH ELEGANT BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT PORT HARCOURT
On a cool Monday morning, precisely around 8:00 a.m., the elegant residence of Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya in Amadi Flats, Old GRA, Port Harcourt, came alive with colour, music, and excitement as a surprise birthday celebration unfolded in his honour.
The celebration was masterfully organized by his wife, Ruth Ibamu Ikanya, the Princess of Orokpotoma Evo Kingdom and Chairperson of the Nigerian League of Women Voters (NILOWV), Rivers State Chapter, who also serves as the national coordinator of all NILOWV state chairpersons across Nigeria. Unknown to the celebrant, invitations had been discreetly sent out since Saturday, April 11, 2026, carefully setting the stage for a grand surprise.
In a carefully planned moment, Mrs. Ikanya gently woke her husband for what he thought was a routine early morning prayer session. To his greatest surprise, the unsuspecting celebrant, Andoni-born political leader and businessman, Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, was led into a fully decorated event space already filled with guests, music, and vibrant celebration.
The atmosphere instantly transformed into a cultural showcase as a saxophonist and a traditional musical troupe filled the compound with soulful melodies. Within minutes, the spacious venue was packed with well-wishers drawn from political, social, and professional circles.
Prominent personalities from the Andoni and Eastern Obolo communities graced the occasion, alongside top female professionals, bankers, and entrepreneurs. Among the dignitaries present was the wife of the former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Mina Tele Reiner Ikuru, as well as members of NILOWV Rivers State Chapter and other distinguished guests who came out in large numbers to honour the celebrant.
A brief spiritual moment followed, led by Pastor Nsirim, who delivered a sermon emphasizing gratitude, unity, and good living. He described the celebrant as a peaceful and generous man whose life has positively impacted many, urging guests to emulate his virtues.
In his response, Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya expressed deep gratitude to his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends for the thoughtful surprise. With a touch of humour, he reflected on his age, saying:
“My birth certificate says I am 64 years old today, but my body tells me I am closer to 70. I believe my mother recorded my baptism date as my official birth date five years after I was born. So, I consider myself 70 years old—not by document, but by experience and body.”
His remarks drew laughter and applause from guests, adding warmth to the celebration.
In her heartfelt remarks, Ruth Ibamu Ikanya described her husband as a loving, disciplined, and prayerful man whose life revolves around family and purpose. She praised his consistent return home after political engagements and his unwavering support for her civil society work.
“This is the kind of husband I married—a praying man, a good father, and a man who avoids unnecessary social distractions. Now that our children are grown, I am grateful for the opportunity to rediscover myself and continue to grow, thanks to his support in my civil society engagements,” she said.
She further noted her active role in NILOWV and other humanitarian initiatives, emphasizing that her husband’s encouragement has been key to her contributions to women’s development and leadership advocacy.
The celebration climaxed with the cutting of the birthday cake amid cheers, music, and applause. Guests were later treated to a lavish breakfast accompanied by fine wines and beverages, as joy filled the atmosphere throughout the residence.
It was indeed a memorable celebration marked by love, unity, and deep admiration for a man highly respected in his community.
— Emeka Amaefula
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