The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Lieutenant General Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, and other prominent personalities on Saturday joined family members and well-wishers to celebrate the 88th birthday of Mrs. Elizabeth Adalikwu while paying tribute to her late husband, Pa Peter Adalikwu, during a thanksgiving and memorial service at St. Charles Catholic Church, Obudu.
Speaking at the event, Odey described Mrs. Adalikwu as a woman of remarkable faith, resilience, and virtue whose life has positively impacted generations.
The Deputy Governor said the accomplishments and character of her children were a reflection of the discipline, hard work, and godly values instilled by Mrs. Adalikwu and her late husband. He noted that several of her children were either his classmates or close friends, making the occasion particularly significant to him.
He described the memorial as a fitting honour for the late Pa Peter Adalikwu, whose legacy, he said, continues to inspire his family, the Obudu community, and many others. Odey also prayed for God’s continued blessings, good health, and long life for the celebrant.
In his goodwill message, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel A. Undiandeye, commended Mrs. Adalikwu for her unwavering faith, humility, and devotion to family. He described her as an exemplary mother whose children have continued to distinguish themselves in service to humanity and God, and prayed for God’s continued grace and strength upon her.
Delivering the family’s tribute and vote of thanks, Dr. Paul Adalikwu, Secretary-General of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), explained that the gathering was organised to commemorate the memory of their father, Pa Peter Adalikwu, who died in 2006, while celebrating the 88th birthday of their mother.
Describing Mrs. Adalikwu as the pillar of the family, Dr. Adalikwu paid an emotional tribute to her.
“For 88 years, you’ve been the heart of our family. Your strength, your faith, and your love built the home we all cherish. I’m so proud to be your son. May the Lord bless you with good health, peace, and joy on your special day and always. We love you,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to God for preserving their mother and thanked all guests for joining the family to celebrate her life and honour the memory of their late father.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, KSM, thanked God for Mrs. Adalikwu’s life and prayed for her continued good health and longevity.
He also described the late Pa Peter Adalikwu as a respected patriarch whose legacy of integrity, love, and service continues to unite and inspire his family and the wider community.
The thanksgiving and memorial service attracted senior government officials, military officers, clergy, traditional rulers, community leaders, family members, and well-wishers, who gathered to celebrate Mrs. Adalikwu’s milestone birthday and honour the enduring legacy of her late husband.
