“Hello, everyone! Thank you for joining us today to celebrate a remarkable life of purpose, love, and service.
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
‘But let Patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing’ — James one, verse four — this is today’s birthday scripture. And one of the most quoted verses that continues to guide our honoree is Philippians four verse eight:
‘Whatever things are true… noble… just… pure… lovely… of good report — if there is any virtue and if anything praise‑worthy — meditate on these things.’
My name is Patience Afoma Bari — born in 1975 as the second of six children to Mr. Valentine and Mrs. Grace Adigwe. I grew up in a joyful, faith-filled home, alongside siblings Okechukwu, Ikemefuna, Joy, Mariam, and Anna.
My schooling began at 512 Road Primary, then Awori Ajeromi Grammar. I went on to the University of Calabar, where I nurtured my passion for languages. One of the highlights of my studies was a foreign exchange program in Côte d’Ivoire — diving deep into French culture and language was truly inspiring.
After graduation, I was sent to Kebbi State for my NYSC. Rather than see it as hardship, I saw chance—the chance to serve, to teach, to sprinkle joy. Even animals seemed to dote on me! During that time, I started a French club at Federal Government Girls’ College, Gwandu, wrote a French book, and even designed two signposts. God rewarded our efforts: I was awarded second-best corps member in the state and given an honorary state award. I was retained and sent to Army Day Secondary School, where my love of teaching only grew stronger.
Inspired by the lessons I learned, I launched another French club, organized the first French‑English excursion to Dosso, Niger Republic, and introduced a French‑Nigerian Cultural Day celebration. I also produced three state-sponsored French almanacs—what a blessing!
Over 19 years of teaching service—rising to Level 14—I furthered my education with three postgraduate diplomas in Education, Customer Relations, and Management.
But teaching was never just about academics. My heart belongs to service in ministry. As part of the Fellowship of Christian Students, I introduced water baptism and valedictory services and served as FCS State Secretary for four years. At my next posting in Emir Haruna Rasheed Boys’ College, with fewer than ten students, I began a fellowship, taught Christian Religious Knowledge, and helped prepare two SS3 students for their exams. Every seed matters.
At Living Faith Church, Winners Chapel, I coordinated the Children’s Unit with love and creativity: we produced a Christmas colouring book, a compilation of 100 action songs, and a faith‑based word-search book to make learning Bible verses fun and memorable.
I hold a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling, and I remain excited about future studies and growth.
In 2006, I entered a beautiful new season together with my cheri, Mr. Halleys Bari. Together we are blessed with our firstborn daughter, Kate Amanda (Pickin), and then the rest of our joyful children — Sebastien, Diane, and Désirée, fondly called mpompom. Over the last 19 years of marriage, God has shown us kindness, and our toast remains true: “Many waters cannot quench love.”
I’m also passionate about acting, singing, writing, and serving humanity in any way I can. In 2015, I joined the FRSC Special Marshals, and I’ve served as State Secretary, Unit Secretary, and Financial Secretary—and now I am privileged to serve as Unit Treasurer for Apapa.
Now, at 50 years of age, I stand here with gratitude—fulfilled, hopeful, and still moving toward my purpose. Thank you all for being here, not just to mark a day, but to celebrate the faithfulness of God in every step of this journey.”
(End with a gentle, heartfelt “Thank you.”)
Feel free to record this yourself or use any voice‑to‑speech tool, speaking slowly and warmly, with pauses at the scripture quotes for emphasis. If you’d like, I can also suggest tone notes or timing cues for each section. Let me know how you’d like to proceed!
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