Jossy Nkwocha has crossed paths with Ibim Semenitari in Journalism, mostly at the Newswatch group. Life brought both of them again in the Garden City, not for Journalism, but for roles not far from it. Whereas Ibim (as she simply is called) came to serve as commissioner for information in the Amaechi administration and later as acting managing director of the NDDC, but actually to look after her aging parents, Nkwocha came to help Indorama build (or rebuild) a world class petrochemicals facility and from there acquire a strategic doctorate degree in Public Relations, said to be one of the first two Africans to bag such gem (Reputation Capital expert).
Last week, Nkwocha penned down his desire to tap into a great anointing, that of longevity which was granted Ibim’s parents, Gabriel and Christie Toby, two celebrated lovebirds in the Niger Delta for 60 years.
Their love story or marriage is highly renowned for the purity of its background and what the young Gabriel went through to win the soft palms of the best-behaved Christie, daughter of a then Reverend later bishop. As they clocked 60 years in honeymoon (marriage) while Gabriel Toby clocked 87 years, all of Niger Delta came together from church to reception on their matter. Nkwocha first visited them literarily.
Nkwocha opened the penning: “Today, Thursday, 29th January 2026, I was privileged to be invited to the 60th Wedding anniversary Thanksgiving and Reception of His Excellency Sir Dr Gabriel Toby, former Deputy Governor of Rivers State and his amiable wife, the personable Dame Dr Mrs Christy Toby.
“I considered it a huge opportunity to tap into the divine grace and anointing of this model couple. It was double celebration as Sir Dr Gabriel Toby was also marking his 87th birthday. What a grace! Even at their old age, the couple are still strong, dancing, and looking radiant.”
Nkwocha must have had big privileges with the family. He recalled how: “In 2005, Family Life Organisation (FAMILO), where I was Executive Director, honoured Sir Gabriel & Dame Toby as “Unique Couple & Ambassadors of Happy Marriage” to mark the 2005 international Day of the Family.”
Looking back now, he said, that Award was truly well deserved.
