It was a celebration galore as families, friends, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate Pa Rev. Samuel O. Arabina on the auspicious occasion of his 100th birthday anniversary.
The epoch-making event attracted dignitaries, sons, and daughters of the Ijaw extraction, as well as Nigerians from all over the country, to the Protab Memorial School Field in Kaiama, Bayelsa State, which was filled to the brim.
Pa Arabina, a seasoned Niger Delta leader, peacemaker, and preacher, is renowned for his soul-touching sermons and for being vociferous against the injustice meted out to the Ijaws and the Niger Delta region in general.
Pa Arabina’s life is a remarkable story of determination to make a difference despite being born a sickly child, an orphan, at the early age of eleven.
With a standard 6 certificate in 1945, Pa Arabina began his missionary voyage in the early 1970s as an evangelist with the Holy Ghost Devotees Church, Jos, Plateau State, where he led many souls to Christ.
Described as an “inspiration” by Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey, South-South Vice-Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Pa Arabina, even as he clocks a hundred, “doesn’t use glasses, doesn’t use walk sticks.”
Wisdom Fafi, an honorable member representing Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency 2 at the House of Representatives, described the centenarian as “the oracle of God. God’s general who has impacted so much spiritually on the lives of so many people.”
“He is one man that does not need your money to support you, to pray for you, and to guide you,” he added.
Speaking to our correspondent, Mr. Konsida Ebifegha, a close associate of the Arabina’s, described the celebrant as “God’s general who is not materialistic; whose interest is purely for the kingdom of God.”
Pa Arabina attributes his longevity to the grace of God.
Speaking at his birthday celebration, Pa Arabina voiced his discontent over the increasing rate of corruption.
“Corruption is continuing, which is bad. We have preached against it even in the church.
“But it seems these corrupt politicians are stubborn. They are not ready to hear the word of God again.’
Making a solemn call for change in the society, the man of God charged people in the society to stay away from vices injurious to the peace, progress, and stability of Bayelsa and Nigeria at large.
“See the type of dresses they’re wearing; see the type of life they’re living; enter into unnecessarily secret societies. Corruption everywhere. The devil is at work,” Pa Arabina noted.
The renowned Bayelsa State preacher is blessed with three surviving children: Mrs. Mercy, Mr. Emmanuel, and Mr. Victor Arabina, and many grandchildren.
