KSJI Celebrates Sir (Dr.) George Ikioumoton at 70 with Thanksgiving, Grand Reception, and Legacy Leadership Centre Launch
The Knights of St. John International gathered in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, for a memorable celebration marking the 70th birthday anniversary of Sir (Dr.) George Ikioumoton, Chartered President of Commandery 535 and Chartered Grand President of the Port Harcourt Grand Commandery.
The celebration combined thanksgiving to God, knightly fraternity, honour, leadership and legacy, reflecting the remarkable journey of a man whose years of service have left a strong imprint on the Noble Order.
The celebration began with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Ovom, Yenagoa, where members of KSJI, family, friends and well-wishers gathered to thank Almighty God for the life of the celebrant.
The Mass was officiated by a distinguished team of clergy comprising Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Opelema, Rev. Fr. Sir Wilson Uadiale Akhigbe and Rev. Fr. Joseph Opuowei.
Their prayers and reflections added a deeply spiritual dimension to the occasion and underscored Sir George Ikioumoton’s longstanding commitment to the Holy Mother Church.
The church also witnessed the presence of senior officers of the Knights of St. John International from across Nigeria.
Leading the national representation was the Supreme Subordinate President of KSJI Nigeria, Major General Joachim Chuks Amamgho, alongside the Supreme Subordinate Secretary, Brig. Gen. Chuks Onuah.
The Port Harcourt Grand was strongly represented by the Grand Respected President of the Ladies Auxiliary, Lady Theresa Barong Akugbo, as well as senior Grand Officers representing the leadership of the Grand Commandery.
The impressive attendance of KSJI leaders, clergy, family members and friends reflected the goodwill, fraternity and respect the celebrant has built through years of service to the Church and the Noble Order.
Following the Thanksgiving Mass, the celebration moved to the D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall at Government House, Yenagoa, for a grand reception in honour of the celebrant.
The reception brought together an impressive gathering of KSJI national and regional leadership and was chaired by the Supreme Subordinate President, Major General Joachim Chuks Amamgho.
Among those represented at the reception were Lady Ivy Onuah, representing the Supreme Subordinate Auxiliary President, Lady Nonye Okafor; Brig. Gen. Chuks Onuah, Supreme Subordinate Secretary; Col. Promor Ebiware, representing the Grand President of Port Harcourt Grand, Brig. Gen. P.M.C. Okeke; and Lady Theresa Barong Akugbo, Grand Respected President of the Port Harcourt Grand Ladies Auxiliary.
Also present were Col. Anthony Nwadiubu, Coordinating Grand Master, Nigeria, and Immediate Past Grand Master, Cardinal Onaiyekan Chapter of Chevaliers, Abuja; and Brig. Gen. William Odey, Grand Master, Cardinal Ekandem Chapter of Chevaliers, Calabar.
The celebration was further enriched by the presence of the Ikioumoton family, members of the Izon Ladies Association, and the Old Boys of Kaiama Grammar School, where the celebrant received his secondary education.
A major highlight of the reception was the display of revered knightly traditions.
The ceremonial presentation of the sword and the traditional crossing of swords for the celebrant added dignity, symbolism and military grandeur to the occasion, particularly during the cutting of the 70th birthday anniversary cake.
These traditions reflected the discipline, fraternity and honour that remain central to the Knights of St. John International.
The reception was also marked by generous hospitality, with guests treated to an extensive array of meals and refreshments throughout the celebration.
Beyond the pageantry of the birthday celebration, the occasion took on an even deeper significance with the official launch of the George Ikioumoton Leadership Centre.
The initiative represents the celebrant’s desire to extend his legacy beyond personal achievement and invest in leadership development and human capacity building.
The announcement was warmly received by the dignitaries and guests present.
The Supreme Subordinate President, senior Supreme and Grand Officers, members of the Ikioumoton family, the Izon Ladies Association, Kaiama Grammar School Old Boys and other well-wishers responded with financial contributions towards the take-off of the Centre.
The launch therefore transformed the birthday celebration into a legacy moment, connecting Sir George Ikioumoton’s years of leadership and service with an initiative intended to develop others for the future.
The 70th birthday anniversary of Sir (Dr.) George Ikioumoton was more than a personal milestone. For the Knights of St. John International, it was an opportunity to celebrate a life of service, leadership, fraternity and commitment to the Church.
From the solemn Thanksgiving Mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church to the grand reception at Government House and the launch of the George Ikioumoton Leadership Centre, the occasion reflected the respect and goodwill the celebrant has earned within the Noble Order and beyond.
The Knights of St. John International join his family, friends and well-wishers in thanking Almighty God for his life and praying for many more years of good health, wisdom, peace and fruitful service.
Happy 70th Birthday to Sir (Dr.) George Ikioumoton, the “Global General”.
St. John the Baptist, pray for us.
Written By:
Sir John Dan Aputu