PETER ODILI AT 78: FORMER RIVERS GOVERNOR CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY WITH PRIVATE MASS IN PORT HARCOURT
By Emeka Amaefula
Former Governor of Rivers State, Sir (Dr.) Peter Otunuya Odili, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, marked his 78th birthday with a private Holy Mass held at his residence in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The Mass, celebrated at the private chapel in his home, reflected the former governor’s deep Catholic faith. Odili is widely recognised as a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Sylvester in the Catholic Church, a prestigious papal honour bestowed in recognition of distinguished service to the Church and humanity. He has also been associated with the Knighthood of St. John International.
The intimate birthday celebration was attended by members of the Odili family, including two of his daughters who are members of the judiciary: Hon. Justice Njideka K. Nwosu-Iheme, Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and Hon. Justice Chinelo Chidubem Odili, Judge of the High Court of Rivers State. Official records of the FCT High Court identify Justice Njideka K. Nwosu-Iheme as a judge of the High Court of the FCT, while the Rivers State Judiciary identifies Justice Chinelo Chidubem Odili as a judge of the High Court of Rivers State.
Also present was his first daughter, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh now a Professor, a medical doctor, public health specialist and former Honourable Commissioner for Health, Rivers State. Official records of the Rivers State Ministry of Health confirm her service as Commissioner for Health and her professional background in medicine and public health.
His only son, Mr. Peter Odili Jr., and his wife, retired Justice Mary Ukaego Odili, were also among family members and well-wishers who gathered to honour the elder statesman on his 78th birthday.
The private celebration also provided an opportunity for members and associates of the political family popularly identified with the Restoration Team/Family and Odili Support Team (OST) to celebrate their former leader. Among those associated with the gathering were former Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sir Austin Opara, and former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus, alongside other political associates and friends.
Odili, who served as Governor of Rivers State from 1999 to 2007, remains an influential figure in the political history of the state. His eight-year administration is remembered by supporters for its emphasis on infrastructure, education, healthcare and other development programmes, while his long career in medicine, politics and public service has established him as one of Rivers State’s prominent elder statesmen. PAMO University of Medical Sciences describes him as the former governor who served from 1999 to 2007 and notes his numerous national and international honours.
The birthday also generated warm tributes across social media, with admirers celebrating the former governor’s personality, political legacy and continued public presence nearly two decades after leaving office.
One well-wisher wrote: “Happy birthday to one sweet ex-governor I met growing up. Your regime was cool. The Golden Governor. Best wishes.”
Another admirer described Odili as a statesman who had maintained a dignified public presence long after leaving office, writing: “I love Sir Dr. Peter Otunuya Odili so much for the statesmanlike manner in which he has conducted himself, even 19 years after leaving office as the Governor of Rivers State.”
The admirer further noted that, nearly two decades after his administration, Odili still proudly wears his trademark fedora hat, describing the style as one that has become synonymous with the former governor.
The message concluded: “Dear Golden Governor of Rivers State, congratulations once again on your 78th birthday anniversary. May you continue to enjoy good health, peace, happiness and God’s abundant grace.”
Another well-wisher offered a brief birthday prayer: “Happy glorious birthday to His Excellency. Longevity without infirmity. May today mark the beginning of another year of good health, wisdom and celebration.”
For the Odili family and his political associates, the 78th birthday was therefore not merely a personal anniversary but an occasion to celebrate a medical doctor, former governor, Catholic knight, political leader and elder statesman whose name remains deeply woven into the political and developmental history of Rivers State.
— Emeka Amaefula —
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