Senator Ikpea Leads Thanksgiving Service at Avenue Baptist Church, Warri

Senator Ikpea Media Force

Senator Joseph Igiagbe Ikpea, accompanied by members of his family, friends, political associates, traditional leaders, religious leaders, old students’ associations, and other well-wishers, on Sunday, January 18, 2026, joined the congregation of Avenue Baptist Church, Warri, in a special thanksgiving service to appreciate God for His guidance and grace in his political journey.

Also in attendance were notable personalities including the Edo State Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Chris Okaigban; Comrade Pedro Esangbedo (aka Escobar), Edo Central Senatorial Vice Chairman and Oil and Gas stakeholder; Paragon Igueben, Igueben Local Government Chairmanship hopeful; alongside several political associates, community leaders, and supporters.

The well-attended service was officiated by the Presiding Minister, Rev. Dr. Sylvester Ogheneakpobor, who warmly welcomed the senator and his entourage to the church. In his opening remarks, Rev. Dr. Ogheneakpobor highlighted Senator Ikpea’s long-standing relationship with the Baptist Church, describing him as a devoted Christian and a consistent supporter of the church’s mission. He also took time to enumerate the senator’s humanitarian contributions and community-focused initiatives, which he said have positively impacted many lives over the years.

The presiding minister admonished Senator Ikpea to remain steadfast, reminding him that leadership is a divine assignment. He charged the senator to serve with diligence, integrity, and a strong sense of purpose, emphasizing that public office is a mission that requires total commitment to the service of God and humanity.

In his response, Senator Ikpea expressed profound gratitude to the church for its unwavering spiritual support, particularly the prayers and encouragement he received throughout his journey to the Senate. He acknowledged that his success was rooted in divine grace and the collective intercession of the church family.

The senator also thanked God for the emergence of Senator Monday Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State, noting that his leadership has helped to change the narrative of governance in the state. He attributed his own elevation to the Senate to God’s divine orchestration, working through committed leaders and the will of the people.

Senator Ikpea further called on the church to continue praying for the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government and for all political office holders at both state and federal levels, stressing the importance of prayer in sustaining good governance, peace, and national development.

Delivering a sermon and charge drawn from Joshua 1:9 (NIV), Rev. Dr. Ogheneakpobor encouraged the senator with the biblical exhortation to be strong and courageous, assuring him of God’s abiding presence in all his endeavors. The scripture served as a reminder of divine support in the face of leadership responsibilities and challenges.

The service culminated in heartfelt prayers offered by the church for Senator Ikpea, his family, and friends, as well as for the current government at both the state and federal levels. As a mark of honor and goodwill, the church presented the senator with a congratulatory card, which he received with appreciation, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to the Baptist Church family and its values.

Following the thanksgiving service at Avenue Baptist Church, the senator and his entourage proceeded to a separate reception venue, where friends, associates, political stakeholders, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate with him in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere.

The reception was graced by dignitaries including the Edo State Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Chris Okaigban; Comrade Pedro Esangbedo (aka Escobar), Edo Central Senatorial Vice Chairman and Oil and Gas stakeholder; Paragon Igueben, Igueben Local Government Chairmanship hopeful; traditional leaders, political associates, members of old students’ associations, and religious leaders.

In their various tributes at the reception, members of the Alaja Grammar School Old Students’ Association, through their PRO, took time to enumerate the political journey of Senator Ikpea, from his service as a local government chairman, to his role at the State Primary Education Board, and now as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. They also highlighted his leadership qualities and humanitarian disposition, particularly his support for school renovation projects and education-related initiatives.

Responding, Senator Ikpea thanked everyone for honoring him with their presence and reiterated his commitment to education, youth development, and human capital advancement.

Speaking at the reception, Chris Okaigban thanked the people of Delta State, noting that Senator Joseph Ikpea grew up in Delta State and found grace in the state. He described the senator’s emergence as a positive development for Delta State and spoke on the formation of the Grace Group, the political evolution of Joseph Ikpea, and his eventual alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC). He described Senator Ikpea as a man of empathy and a good heart who always desires to see people happy, and commended him for not forgetting his roots by returning to Delta State to celebrate with the people.

In his remarks, the senator’s younger brother, Mr. Tony Ikpea, recalled Senator Ikpea’s time as Head of Administration at Lee Construction, where he said he performed exceptionally well. He expressed confidence that the senator would deliver excellent performance in his senatorial responsibilities and called on all stakeholders to continue to support him.

The reception was enlivened by entertainment from various comedians and performers, who thrilled guests with rib-cracking jokes and performances, adding color, joy, and laughter to the celebration.

The event ended with warm interactions, networking, and group photograph sessions among guests, bringing the thanksgiving celebration to a memorable and colorful close.