Finima Community in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State was all pomp and pageantry at the weekend as the Diriwari Tobin Family celebrated its matriarch, Mrs. Eugenia Awongonengin Gentle Diriwari Tobin, popularly known as Madam Progress, as she turned 80.  

After eight children, 29 grandchildren and two great grandchildren across eight decades of sojourn on earth, the family deemed her worthy of a flamboyant celebration.

Thus, for a whole weekend, they shut down the community with diverse events for their octogenarian mother, who Kristina Reports checks show has positively impacted many lives in the course of her foray into diverse endeavours in her younger years.

From visitations to the elderly to a novelty football match at the Finima Football Field, Thanksgiving Service at Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim Church, and Reception at the Finima Town Hall, the Diriwari Tobin matriarch was regaled with felicitations. 

It was not surprising that the crème-de-la-crème of society comprising community leaders, captains of industry, delectable ladies, distinguished gentlemen and people from almost every stratum of society converged to accord her the respect, regard and reverence she deserves.

An excited Madam Progress took the kick-off at the Novelty football match in her honour at the Finima Football Field where Awanta United FC locked horns with Adventurers FC ending 2-3 in favour of the latter.

At the church, the preacher, Senior Apostle Golden Jonathan-Anele drew a nexus between the celebration of Easter and the Diriwari Tobin matriarch, noting that as Jesus Christ gave his life for the redemption of mankind, so Mama Tobin had made sacrifices to see her children grow into responsible adults who are impacting society positively.

Guests also took turns at the reception to eulogize the octogenarian’s sterling virtues, immense sacrifices, responsible motherhood and community impact.

In his goodwill remarks, Secretary of the Buoye Omuso Brown Major House, Wari-Alabo Christopher Airigha Brown noted her industry, dexterity, entrepreneurship and inclusivity that touched and transformed several lives, praying for more years on earth and good health for the celebrant.

The Head of the Diriwari Tobin family, Wariopusenibo Golden Tobin, who is also the Head of the Sunday Tobin Burusu in the Tobin (Konibo-Ye-Awanta) House, noted his mother’s impact on his life and those of his siblings, wishing her many more years on earth and greater grace for more impact.

Another of her son, Smart Tobin, who is the Secretary of the Tobin (Konibo-Ye-Awanta) House, poured encomiums on the celebrant for her commitment to her Christian faith and godly upbringing she accorded her children, as well as her dedication to the church where she has risen to the rank of Mother-in-Israel.  

Director, Diriwari Tobin Foundation, Franklyn Tobin celebrated his mother for surpassing the global life expectancy average, calling on all to eulogize her or epitomizing godly virtues and modelling positive values.  

A former President of the Finima Women Association (FIWA), Dr. Ibimina Victor-Akan reminisced the mentorship and role modelling through which the celebrant impacted her lie and those of her peers, asserting that she deserves the honour being accorded her.  

In all, Finima Community stood still for a respectable amazon, celebrated mother, godly role model and amazing woman who stood out in the hall of fame of Ibani womanhood.