It was a moment of thanksgiving, reflection and renewed commitment to service as a former civil servant and grassroots politician, Hon. Simeon Omale, marked his 60th birthday with the unveiling of a humanitarian foundation aimed at supporting widows, orphans and other vulnerable groups in society.
The thanksgiving service, held on Sunday at Jubilee Assembly International Ministry in Ganaja, Lokoja, drew family members, political associates, community leaders and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate what the celebrant described as “God’s unbroken faithfulness” over the years.
Addressing the congregation in an emotional speech, Hon. Omale, said the occasion was not only to celebrate his birthday but also to mark his retirement from the Kogi State civil service and his 19-year journey in politics within Omala Local Government Area.
“Look at me very well, don’t I have countless reasons to praise God? It’s my birthday, I can’t keep quiet,” he declared, drawing applause from the audience.
Hon. Omale used the occasion to formally announce the launch of the GG-PEV Foundation, a platform he said was inspired by his desire to give back to society and promote good governance and excellence.
According to him, the foundation will focus on providing food support for widows and orphans, while also championing leadership development and value reorientation across communities.
He outlined three flagship programmes of the initiative, including the Kogi National Public Lecture Day and Confluence Leadership Excellence Merit Awards (C-LEMA), scheduled for June 18, 2026, in Lokoja, as part of activities marking “Kogi Youth Leadership @ 10.”
Also in the pipeline is the GG-PEV Food Bank Initiative, expected to be launched in September through a crowdfunding model, as well as the Omala Leaders’ Day of Tributes and Orations, alongside the presentation of the Omala Legacy Award, slated for December 5, 2026, in Abuja to commemorate “Omala @ 30.”
In a move to engage youths and stakeholders at the grassroots, the former public servant disclosed plans to host the maiden Omala Round-Table Discourse in August at Abejukolo. The event, themed “Harnessing Youth Voice for Sustainable Development in Omala LGA,” is expected to provide a platform for constructive dialogue and policy ideas.
Speaking further, Omale urged Nigerians, particularly leaders, to embrace a culture of compassion, mentorship and shared progress. He reeled out practical steps for societal impact, emphasising the need to uplift others and create
opportunities for the less privileged.
“If you have more than you need, build a bigger table, not a higher fence. If you rise before others, light the path, not close the gate,” he advised, among other calls for selfless service.
He expressed appreciation to God, his family and supporters for standing by him throughout his journey, praying for continued guidance in the years ahead.
The event featured prayers, songs of thanksgiving and goodwill messages, as attendees described Omale as a committed community leader whose legacy of service continues to resonate across Omala and beyond.
