05/08/2026
FROM BIRTHDAY TO IMPACT: HOW HONOURABLE THANKGOD IBEH CELEBRATED WITH THE PEOPLE
Leadership is not measured by how much you spend on yourself, but by how much you invest in the lives of others.
While many celebrate birthdays with lavish parties, Honourable Thankgod Ibeh (TKC), the APGA candidate for the Amuwo-Odofin Federal Constituency, chose a different path. He turned his birthday into a Festival of Hope, Football, and Empowerment—a day dedicated to the people.
On Sunday, August 2, the FHA Stadium, 23 Road, Festac Town, became a gathering point for residents, youths, women, community leaders, and football lovers who witnessed a celebration built around service, opportunity, and community spirit.
Football That Brought Communities Together
The maiden edition of the Honourable Thankgod Ibeh Cup featured four community teams:
⚽ Kirikiri All Stars
⚽ Mile 2 Estate All Stars
⚽ Festac All Stars
⚽ Amuwo Oriade All Stars
After an exciting final, Kirikiri All Stars emerged champions, winning 4–3 on penalties after a goalless encounter.
To encourage grassroots sports and reward excellence, Honourable Ibeh presented ₦750,000 in prize money:
🏆 Champions – Kirikiri All Stars: ₦300,000
🥈 Mile 2 Estate All Stars: ₦200,000
🥉 Festac All Stars: ₦150,000
🏅 Amuwo Oriade All Stars: ₦100,000
The winning captain commended the quality of the tournament and described it as a major boost for grassroots football in Amuwo-Odofin.
From Football to Empowerment
The celebration continued with an empowerment programme through the Uzokamma Foundation, transforming the football arena into a platform of hope and opportunity.
Five women received complete grinding machine sets, giving them practical tools to strengthen their businesses and support their families.
The excitement on the faces of the beneficiaries reflected the true essence of the celebration—putting smiles on people's faces through meaningful empowerment.
Rewarding Loyalty
In one of the day's most touching moments, Honourable Thankgod Ibeh surprised his longtime associate, Chijoke ("Small"), with a brand-new generator in appreciation of his years of loyalty and dedication.
Speaking emotionally, Small recalled that Honourable Ibeh had consistently supported people long before becoming a political aspirant.
"Before politics, we already knew him for helping people. Today I own my business because of the opportunities he gave me."
Creating Entrepreneurs, Not Dependence
Perhaps the defining moment of the event came when Honourable Ibeh invited young men who had completed barbering training but lacked the resources to start their businesses.
Four young men stepped forward.
Each immediately received:
✅ A brand-new generator.
✅ ₦50,000 to purchase professional clippers and begin work.
It was a powerful statement that real empowerment equips people to earn a living with dignity.
"The Best Birthday Gift Is Touching Lives"
Addressing journalists, Honourable Thankgod Ibeh explained why he chose to celebrate among the people instead of hosting a private party.
"As long as I'm happy, everybody should be happy. I wanted to extend the love God has shown me by putting smiles on people's faces."
He also shared his vision of expanding grassroots football by creating football academies, discovering young talents, and opening pathways for gifted players to achieve greater opportunities.
According to him:
"Football promotes unity, discipline and love. When we empower our youths, we build a stronger nation."
He reaffirmed that empowerment would remain central to his public service vision.
"This is only the beginning. By God's grace, if given the opportunity to serve in the National Assembly, I will continue to pursue programmes aimed at empowering the people of Amuwo-Odofin, improving living standards, and supporting a safer and more prosperous constituency."
Leadership in Action
The celebration demonstrated a campaign message centred on service, opportunity, youth development, and grassroots engagement.
Rather than making his birthday solely about himself, Honourable Thankgod Ibeh used the occasion to promote sports, encourage entrepreneurship, reward loyalty, and support members of the community.
For many who attended, it was more than a birthday celebration—it was a day that reflected a vision of leadership rooted in community connection and practical support.
© Comrade OLOLADE Johnson
(Nwanne Di N'Mba)
DG TKC Campaign Organisation
