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A former Director General of National Maritime Authority (NMA), now Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. John-Maria Chibuninem Egesi, who recently marked his 80th birthday, has attributed his longevity and life journey to God’s grace, love, service and the strength drawn from faith.
Speaking at a thanksgiving celebration attended by family members, friends, colleagues and well-wishers, Egesi said the occasion was less about age and more about gratitude for the people and experiences that have shaped his life.
During the surprise birthday party by his family themed: “8 Decades of God’s Grace and Faithfulness,” Egesi reflected on his journey, noting that he did not come from a family known for longevity, making his 80 years a testimony to divine grace.
“I don’t come from a family where people live long,” he said, stressing that reaching his present age was “by the grace of God.”
The octogenarian also used the occasion to redefine love, insisting that genuine love transcends material possessions and is rooted in God.
“Money is not love,” he said, emphasising that the love that matters is spiritual love from God.
A major theme of his speech was service to humanity. Egesi said he had acquired many “children” along his journey, embracing people from different ethnic backgrounds and treating them as members of his family.
He urged people to accept whatever God places before them and to see service to others as a responsibility rather than a burden.
According to him, life’s difficulties should not necessarily be interpreted as divine punishment, but can become instruments for building character, compassion and resilience.
“Crosses make us better people. It is crosses that make us charitable,” he said.
Egesi particularly acknowledged the role of his wife, describing her patience, sacrifice and acceptance of his limitations as central to the success of their marriage.
He noted that a good person is not defined by material possessions, such as owning cars or houses, but by the ability to accept God, carry life’s burdens and care for others.
The celebrant devoted a significant part of his reflection to the Catholic faith, particularly the Blessed Sacrament, which he described as a source of strength throughout his life’s journey.
He said the Eucharist had given him the grace and strength to endure challenges that might otherwise have overwhelmed him.
“The Blessed Sacrament extends life,” Egesi declared, explaining that it gives believers the spiritual strength to carry burdens and continue their journey despite pain and adversity.
Recalling periods of severe difficulty and emotional distress, he said his faith helped him overcome moments when he felt close to giving up.
He also reflected on the difficult experiences he encountered during and after the Nigerian Civil War, noting that his survival through those periods reinforced his conviction that God had always been present in his life.
At 80, Egesi said he remained grateful for the opportunity to continue serving, advising and supporting others.
He urged his children, friends and guests to give glory to God, stressing that life’s ultimate measure should not be wealth or status but the grace to live meaningfully, love others and remain faithful to God.
