ARISE IGALA MAGAZINE - ISSUE 33

”

EXCLUSIVE You fought a good fight but ended this way at noon for reasons we may never be able to fully understand but we are consoled by the fact that life is not how long but how well. You lived a good life and nothing could stop you from expressing yourself and enjoying your passion”.

”

Evang. Dr. Ali Johnson Onoja ISSN: 2141-7423 ISSUE 33 NIG. N1000 USA $10.00 UK £5.00 JULY - AUGUST, 2016

You were a wonderful person to associate with. We had dreams on how to move our dear community, Ogugu forward. Your dreams and vision will continue to live with us”.

Lawrence Ekpah

...And The Church Prayed For The Family Of Late

ENGR. AKOH SAMUEL ONOJA

C e l e b r a t e

I n s p i r e

C h a l l e n g e

ADVERT

COMING SOON

A PUBLICATION OF

SPLASH NETWORKX INTERBIZ LIMITED LOKOJA, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA +234(0)706 821 8712, (0)903 325 4418

2

Arise Igala-Issue 33

Current Residence Port Harcourt Interest Modelling, meeting new people and sporting Occupation Student/Model Favourite Igala Food Oje uchu & Obo Akpa Like(s) Sincerity Dislike(s) Lies Igala Hero/Heroine Inikpi (Oma Ufedo Attah) Dream for Igalaland Development and love

OMA UFEDO ATA

Native Town Odolu, Igalamela-Odolu LGA

FACE OF INIKPI

Full Name Favour Ojochenemi Okereke

Phone 0813 459 7752 Arise Igala-Issue 33

3

ADVERT

4

Arise Igala-Issue 33

GRAND PATRON His Royal Majesty DR. IDAKWO MICHAEL AMEH OBONI Agabaidu, Ata Igala & Chairman, Kogi State Council of Chiefs.

FOUNDER/PUBLISHER ONOJA JAMES OKPANACHI President/CEO, Onoja Dreams Network Limited Managing Editor Emmanuel Nathan Oguche Online Editor Idakwo Oguche Columnists Ojochide Yusuf-Nathan Emmanuel Nelson Arome Pst. Livinus Husseini Okpe Mallam Mohhammed Atojoko Contributors Idibia Ojabo Muhammed Nasirdeen Lawal (Eleojo Mama) Moses Abimaje David Usman Yakubu PHOTO PARTNERS De Famous Studio | JT Digital World | Ottagab Voice & Vision PRODUCTION ARISE IGALA MAGAZINE (ISSN: 2141-7423) is published by ONOJA DREAMS NETWORK LIMITED (RC 868974), ABUJA: C29, MIB Plaza, First Avenue, Gwarinpa, F.C.T. | LOKOJA: C/O NUJ Press Centre, Lokoja. +234 (0)803 698 0602, (0)805 663 0751, (0)803 968 1501 Website: www.ariseigala.com, Twitter: @ariseigala, Facebook: ARISE IGALA Magazine Email: ariseigala@gmail.com, ariseigala.sales@gmail.com, ariseigala.opinion@gmail.com Copyright (c) 2010-2016 Onoja Dreams Network Limited

VISION To inspire a generational change that will give birth to a new breed of Igala people in the face of globalization thereby changing perspectives on selves as we consciously bring out the beauty in our people

MISSION To be (and remain) the most informative, educative, entertaining, challenging, inspiring and authentic source of information on the past and current issues of Igala Kingdom and her people as the authoritative voice and image maker of Igala race via publications and media activities.

MANDATE Our mandate is to Celebrate, Inspire and Challenge Igala sons and daughters at home and abroad into positive ventures for the benefit of mankind.

Arise Igala-Issue 33

5

ADVERT RATE

ISSN: 2141-7423 ISSUE 23 NIG. N500 USA $5.00 UK £4.00 MAY - JUNE, 2015

ALHAJI YAHAYA BELLO RECEIVES ROYAL BLESSINGS ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARDS/ LECTURES 2015

ADOJI

BABA GOES HOME IN PEACE, FULFILLED

MEET AKUBO ADEGBE

ARISE IGALA

MAN OF THE YEAR THE FUTURE LOOKS LIKE THIS

C E L E B R A T E

I N S P I R E

C H A L L E N G E

2016 OFFICIAL ADVERT RATES IN ARISE IGALA MAGAZINE (ISSN: 2141-7423) Published by Onoja dreams network limited (RC 868974)

SPECIALS Inside Front Cover --------------------------------------------------------------N450,000 Inside Back Cover ---------------------------------------------------------------N400,000 Back Cover ----------------------------------------------------------------------- N650,000 Spread ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- N700,000 Front Cover Strip --------------------------------------------------------------- N300,000

REGULARS Full Page ------------------------------------------------------------------------- N250,000 Half Page ------------------------------------------------------------------------- N200,000 Quarter Page -------------------------------------------------------------------- N150,000

EVENTS Within Kogi State & Abuja ----------------- N150,000 per page Outside Kogi State & Abuja ---------------- N150,000 Per page + Cost of Logistics

SPECIAL PROJECTS Negotiable

Note: - The cost of two colours is minus 15% of original cost and Black & White is minus 25% of original cost.

- All charges attracts 5% VAT and Political Ads/Events attract 15% extra charges.

BASIC CIRCULATION AREAS Kogi, Abuja, Lagos, Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Delta, and Kano.

Also, direct delivery services are available to individuals, associations, groups nationwide and across the globe plus 24/7 online and social media services/ activities.

Hotline: +234(0)803 698 0602 6

Email: ariseigala.sales@gmail.com Arise Igala-Issue 33

...And The Church Prayed For The Family of Late

ENGR. AKOH SAMUEL ONOJA

CONTENTS

REGULARS

11

FACE OF INIKPI

>

PUBLISHER’S DESK

>

INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW

22

3 9

23

TRIBUTE 24

We invite comments and request that they be civil and on-topic. We do not moderate or assume any responsibility for views. The views in this publication are not sacrosanct. Readers have right to reply. All photographs in ARISE IGALA are copyright of the magazine and may not be reproduced, copied or used in any form without written permission from the publisher.

Arise Igala-Issue 33

7

ADVERT

8

Arise Igala-Issue 33

PUBLISHER’S DESK

ONOJA J. OKPANACHI PUBLISHER/CHIEF EDITOR

“...Only Remembered

By What We Have Done” This is an everlasting TRUTH.

I

t is true that man can only be remembered by his deeds while on earth but the unfortunate fact still remains that man keeps forgetting this truth particularly when acting.

Unfortunately again, man lives like he is fully in charge of his tomorrow while forgetting the very fact that someone else, the Most High is the One who is undoubtedly in charge and He watches all to see the faithfulness level.

The message here is very clear; the man who is alive today will certainly not be someday and then what happens next when such time comes to pass? Would the man have the opportunity

Arise Igala-Issue 33

to re-write his life story and fix things right? The answer is obvious - NO. But man will only be remembered by what he has done and it is for this reason that one must live well to leave behind very good legacies so that one would have completed a good race.

they leave behind.

Why do men live like they can carry over all the wealth, riches and monies they are wrongfully amassing against all odds to the detriments of their fellow beings when the time comes to bow out of existence? Why? I ask again, why would men live their lives inflicting pains on others when there is a sure day when they will be made to account for all their deeds on earth?

Why? Should I ask again?

Why are we so forgetful that we are mere mortals and that “dust will certainly return to dust” when we breathe no more? Why? Please, why are we not making efforts to respond to these questions begging for answers? Why?

Going back a little, this time last year we still have Prince of the Niger, Abubakar Audu with us. Barr. James Ocholi, SAN was still very much with us and our very own Engr.

Akoh Samuel Onoja was also here with us but today, we add ‘late’ to the front of their names because they have gone to the world beyond and the only thing we have of them now are the legacies Arise!

9

TRIBUTE

BIOGRAPHY OF

LATE ENGR. AKOH SAMUEL ONOJA

(1960 - 2016)

development and Maintenance of the National Institute of Transport Technology, Zaria under the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Federal Polytechnic Idah Where he served as the director of Works and Physical Development Services, National Directorate of Employment where he was Head of Department of Special Public Works, Federal Ministry of Works Abuja and Ministry of Works and Housing Maiduguri, Borno State. In the private sector he flourished as Contract/Civil Engineering Manager at Flour mills Nigeria Ltd, a position he held for over 10years.

E

ngr. Akoh Samuel Onoja was born on 25th of April 1960 to the family of late Mr. Thomas Idoga Onoja and late Mrs. Sarah Ocheniya Idoga Onoja in Abocho Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. He was the second born and first son in the family of eight children. He attended Ogugu Community Secondary School in Ogugu Kogi State from 1972 to 1977. Afterwards he proceeded to Murtala College of Arts, Science and Technology Makurdi in Benue State in 1977 from where he obtained his IJMB with distinction. By June 1989 he qualified as a Chartered Engineer (COREN).

In 2001, he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA). His passion for Engineering and entrepreneurship made him set up several firms amongst them are EL-Ason Managers and Mashoka Global Hotel.

Engr. A.S. Onoja had over 30 years post graduate civil engineering experience which transverse various sections of the civil engineering profession in both public and private sectors, this includes over 10 years in physical planning

10

He participated actively in various community and lawful organization services with aim towards upliftment and development of the community, Kogi State and Nigeria right from his days in the university. Until his demise he was president of Ogugu Development Union (ODU) for several years after he was invited home by the Ochogwu Ogugu and other stakeholders to revive and reposition the association for effective and sustainable grassroots development. He attended the Redeem Christian Church of God where he was an Elder. Beans was his favourite food and therefore it was a tradition to consume Rice and Beans as lunch every Sunday afternoon in his household.

He married his wife Mrs. Rachael Eleojo Onoja in 1983 and they are blessed with seven children, Mrs. Ladi Okoh, Miss Victoria Onoja, Miss Deborah Oka Onoja, David Idoga Onoja, Miss Christiana Ojonugwa Onoja, Paul Adejo Onoja, Omar Onoja and two grandchildren Gideon & Olivia Okoh. His immediate brothers and sisters are Ile (late), Ali, Ojone, Abuche, Ibeh, James (late) and Ojonogecha (late).

Engr. A.S Onoja was a loving husband, caring father, disciplinarian, honest, fearless at telling the truth and he was a foster father to many people and very passionate about the upbringing of the fatherless.

Arise Igala-Issue 33

The body of late Engr. Akoh Samuel Onoja laid at the ceremony ground

Family of the late Engr. A.S. Onoja singing hymn at the ceremony ground

The family on their knees receiving prayers from the church elders

Arise Igala-Issue 33

The church elders prayed for the family of late Engr. A.S. Onoja

11

Chief Ogwu J. Onoja, SAN (2nd left) arriving the ceremony ground

The family stand at the ceremony

The government stand at the ceremony

12

The family of the departed, Late Engr. A.S. Onoja

Arise Igala-Issue 33

The church elders stand and other officiating ministers at the ceremony

The man, DCP Aurelius Y. Adejoh (rtd.), humble but a great lion at heart arrives

Mr. David Ibeh Onoja (R) being consoled.

He’s one of the younger brothers of late Engr.

A.S. Onoja Arise Igala-Issue 33

The veteran broadcaster, Tims Ejiga anchoring the ceremony

13

The clan spokesman at the burial ceremony

Chairman, Ogugu Development Union (ODU), Lokoja delivering the union’s message at the ceremony

Enemona Anyebe, a well rooted community leader speaking on behalf of the community and his political party, People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

Edward Onoja delivering the message of Alh. Yahaya Bello, Kogi State Governor 14

Arise Igala-Issue 33

The traditional rulers delivering the council’s message at ceremony

The body of late Engr. A.S. Onoja arrives the ceremony

When the body of Late Engr. A.S. Onoja arrived home from Lokoja a day before the burial

The children of late Engr. A.S. Onoja praying together as the body of their late father arrived home peacefully Arise Igala-Issue 33

15

The body arriving Ogugu centre from Lokoja

Right in the ambulance awaiting to be received by elders of the family

Elders of the family, ODU Members and well wishers at the late Engr. A.S. Onoja’s residence to receive the body

Family members at late Engr. A.S. Onoja’s residence when the body arrives 16

Arise Igala-Issue 33

Mr. Enemona Anyebe (L) Community Leader and well rooted politician condoling the family of the late Engr. Akoh

Crowd at the residence of late Engr. A.S. Onoja day the body arrive

Children of late Engr. Akoh arriving home

L-R; Mr. Onuche Onoja, Hon. Comfort Onoja and Mr. Simon Shuaibu Onoja Arise Igala-Issue 33

17

INTERVIEW

Dr. Ali Johnson Onoja addressing the people at the burial ceremony of his immediate elder brother, late Engr. A.S. Akoh.

The daughter of Late Engr. A.S. Onoja giving vote of thanks at the burial ceremony

The daughter of Late Engr. A.S. Onoja giving vote of thanks at the burial ceremony

18

L-R; Dr. Ali Johnson Onoja and Mr. Lawrence Ekpah

Arise Igala-Issue 33

INTERVIEW

L-R; Mr. Lawrence Ekpah and Mr. Nicholas Yakubu Onuh

Some stateholders condoling with Dr. Ali Johnson Onoja (middle)

L-R; Pastor Abraham Oguche (Founder, Faith Gospel Centre) and Onoja J. Okpanachi

Arise Igala-Issue 33

Members of Igala Leadership Forum , Lokoja and some community stakeholders with Lawrence Ekpah, middle (7th from right)

19

The body of Late Engr Finally Arrives His Count on Friday, July 1, 201 Sorrounded by Children Immediate younger brother, D 20

Arise Igala-Issue 33

r: Akoh Samuel Onoja try Home for Interment 16 at Ogugu Centre. n, Nephew (Right) and Dr. Ali Johnson Onoja (Middle) Arise Igala-Issue 33

21

INTERVIEW

“CHARACTER, CHARACTER, CHARACTER IS WHAT LIVES AFTER YOU HAVE GONE TO THE WORLD BEYOND” –Hon. Edward Onoja Here’s a brief interview with Hon. Edward Onoja at the burial ceremony of late Engr. Akoh Samuel Onoja on Friday, July 1, 2016 at Ogugu Centre, Olamaboro Local Government Area, Kogi state.

Excerpts:

Can we meet you? es, my name is Edward Onoja, the Chief of Staff to His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello and am here representing him at the burial of one of the great illustrious sons of Oguguland where I also hail from.

Y

We read the tribute from the governor, please, tell us what

From the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia came the message of His Excellency which you delivered as regards people occupying public properties, so how soon could have inspired do you think that will such a tribute? come to reality?

Very few people are That’s already statesmen and Engr. Akoh a government is one of them. He has fallen, an Iroko has fallen. pronouncement. His Excellency has made He is a peace maker, a that pronouncement and team builder, a unifier, a enforcement will begin harmonizer and someone shortly across Kogi state. who has achieved so much and His Excellency, All public institutions and lands that have a man who also reward been encroached will excellence has honoured be recovered for such him with that tribute in institutions. That’s exactly the national space. what the government is going to do.

Finally, what’s the message from the life of this man to other Nigerians?

Character, character, character is what lives after you when you have gone to the world beyond.

Always remember good name is better than wealth.

22 22

Arise Igala-Issue 33

INTERVIEW

“WHY WE TURNED OUT EN MASSE TO ATTEND LATE ENGR. AKOH SAMUEL ONOJA’S BURIAL CEREMONY IN OGUGU” –Hon. Mohammed Ibrahim

and also going through his achievements from academics, work life through to state and community engagements, it obvious that he is a statesman.

The Governor lauds him greatly His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello in his tribute in honour of this great Iroko indicates how much value he placed on his character and personality so it become inevitable for us to represent the governor to show in practice that he meant his words.

I

n a brief chat with Hon. Mohammed Ibrahim (aka Ayuba Nana), the Ankpa Local Government Administrator gave reasons why the Kogi state political appointees turned out en masse to honour late Engr. Akoh Samuel Onoja in his country home where he was laid to rest on Friday, July 1, 2016.

Arise Igala-Issue 33

Meeting the administrator I am by God’s grace the administrator of Ankpa Local Government, Kogi state.

On the visit to Ogugu It became very crucial for us to honour this illustrious son of the soil given his contributions to the stability and development of his immediate community

To show support and love to the Chief of Staff In addition, we are also here to show support and love to the Chief of Staff to Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state because he (the Chief of Staff), Edward Onoja is mourning this great man who hails from the same place with him.

The man demonstrated such characters that Edward Onoja so much admired his lifetime.

23

SelectedTributes TRIBUTE BY THE GOVERNOR OF KOGI STATE Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has described the death of Engr. Akoh Onoja as a colossal loss to the change community in Kogi State and Nigeria as a whole, saying the erudite scholar and community leader was one of the foot soldiers that ensured the victory of the party in the State.

Governor Bello said the late Engr. Onoja was “an inestimable blessing to humanity and a patriot who lived like a true nationalist in words and acts”. According to the Governor, the late Onoja was an incurable advocate of the change mantra as enunciated by the leader of the nation, President Muhammadu Buhari.

We saw the patriotic zeal in the late Engr. Onoja. He worked tirelessly for the party with the believe in a new Nigeria, a Nigeria of equality and prosperity, a Nigeria of shared opportunities and hope, a Nigeria of freedom. Like a Trojan, he worked with progressives across the state to enthrone a government of real progressives.

After our victory at the poll, the late Onoja continued to show unblinking commitment to enabling the party deliver on its promises to the masses of Kogi State by preaching peace and tolerance among the people of the state.

“The late Engr. Onoja was a sterling mirror of the detribalized culture we are building in Kogi State. As a party stalwart, he was a light in the dark when needed. He displayed exemplary leadership and uncommon drive for excellence, equity and justice. He will sorely missed by all and sundry in the state for his infectious charisma and sense of responsibility”.

Bello prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed and the fortitude of all affected to bear the irreparable loss.

Until his death, Engr. Onoja was a staunch supporter of the All Progressive Congress.

He was highly instrumental to the success of the party in the state.

He was an advocate of the reclamation of public lands from encroachers and an avowed crusader of social justice. The late Engr Onoja attended Ogugu Community Secondary School and later, Ahmed Bello University, Zaria, where he studied Civil Engineering.

An experience Engineer of repute, the late Akoh Onoja worked in various organizations such as the national Directorate of Employment, Nigeria Railway Corporation, Federal Polytechnic Idah and Later, Burham Cement.

24

Arise Igala-Issue 33

SelectedTributes

The proprietor of the flourishing MASHOKA HOTELS was a Community Leader. He serves as the national President of the Ogugu District Union.

TRIBUTES BY FAMILY AND FRIENDS My dear husband, I really don’t know how I feel right now because everything seems empty, you sent me to the loveliest message on the 10th of June which was my birthday, this wasn’t what we planned Akoh, we had great plans, you left us too sudden, where do we start from now? God knows all. Your love will always remain in my heart.

Mrs. Rachael Onoja (Wife)

Daddy with a heart full of grieve, pains and how sudden this happened, is a colossal and painful fact that death took you away before my very eyes.

You were a cynosure, technocrat, leader and everything to me. Words cant described how dear you are to my heart.

I appreciate how you model me. I will sustain and build on your legacies. I love you daddy!

Adieu my mentor!

David Idoga Onoja (Son)

TO OUR GENERAL AND TOUCH BEARER, WE SAY GOOD NIGHT As you are rested in eternal repose today, we ruminate and cogitate on your trail blazing and distinguished life achievements as a brother, husband, father, engineer, career public servant, patriot and an outstanding community leader. We recall the fearlessness with which you served, your willful dedication to duty and your selfless obligation to the pursuit of those causes very dear and inspiring to your community and generation. While you have departed abrupyly and without notice, we are comforted in the generation. While you tarried temporal and sinful world, the family you loved, the community you lived and served, your peers and co-travelers with whom you had sojourned the forlorn but tumultuous roads of this world, were evidently proud to celebrate your life and its meaning. EGBON, God we cannot question. Adieu! Rest quietly in the inseparable bosom of our Lord until we meet to part no more.

CHIEF OGWU ONOJA, SAN The Agenyi Attah of Igala Kingdom Arise Igala-Issue 33

25

SelectedTributes TRIBUTE TO LATE ENGR. AKOH SAMUEL ONOJA, NATIONAL PRESIDENT, OGUGU DEVELOPMENT UNION. (ODU) The mystery of his death, only God knows. It defiles all human knowledge from the beginning and so shall it be to the end. How would I have known that our stay together that Sunday 12th June, 2016 was going to be the last. We held discussion on several issues bothering on Ogugu in particular and the society at large. You were a distinguished scholar and professional in your chosen field of Engineering. In all, you were a courageous leader and especially community leadership.

Those of us who know you and have been with you since your youthful years will miss you. The Engineering profession will miss you, Ogugu Development Union (ODU) will miss your leadership and the entire Ogugu people will miss you. Adieu. Rest in the Lord.

Enemona Anyebe National Deputy President, Ogugu Development Union, (ODU).

THE AUDACITY OF DEATH: A TRIBUTE TO LATE ENGR. AKOH S.A ONOJA Once again the painful, daring, reckless and arrogant enemy of humanity has struck.

On this occasion, its wicked hands did us an irreparable damage which is hard to bear.

It has snatched away our humble, brilliant, amiable, creative, hard-working son of Ogugu, Engr. Akoh S.A Onoja, in a rude and shocking manner.

The sudden demise of Engr. Akoh S. Onoja will remain one of the greatest losses of a loving, unassuming, brilliant and hard working son of Ogugu. He worked selflessly and tirelessly for Ogugu.

He was a positive activist, a leader of immense stature and a great achiever. He had tried to correct so many wrongs by virtue of his exalted position as the national chairman of ODU, before he met his untimely death.

We, the Coordinating Partners and entire members of Ogugu Development Initiative (ODI), condole with his wife, children, other members of Late Mr. T.I. Onoja’s family, and Ogugu at large, on this regrettable and sad occasion. We wish the family God’s guidance protection.

May his great soul rest in perfect peace. Amen!!!

Long Live ODI! Long Live Ogugu Community!!

Mr. Gabriel Akoh Chief Coordinating Partner Ogugu Development Initiative, (ODI)

26

Arise Igala-Issue 33

SelectedTributes TRIBUTE TO MY SENIOR BROTHER He paid the supreme price for what he believed in. my prayer is that the ideas he died for will not die with him but continue to thrive after his departure. May God grant him eternal rest.

Onoja Ibeh David

TRIBUTE TO MY IMMEDIATE SENIOR BROTHER This marks the end of more than 50 years of earthly relationship as your immediate junior brother. Your intellect, academic brilliance and industry has always been a source of inspiration. You fought a good fight but ended this way at noon for reasons we may never be able to fully understand but we are consoled by the fact that life is not how long but how well. You lived a good life and nothing could stop you from expressing yourself and enjoying your passion. We did all that was humanly possible to stand in the gap for you spiritually and otherwise especially in the last years of your earthly existence when you knowingly chose to follow the path and company that led to your death against all voices of opposition and caution from me and your other siblings.

Your untimely death is a tragedy for the essential elements of an egalitarian society.

You were a man of conviction, courage and determined and faced all battles frontally with passion and dexterity. I hope that the struggle that claimed your life will forever remain evergreen in the minds of Ogugu people that you so loved and fought for till the very end. We give God glory for your life and pray that the lord will grant you peace in your heavenly abode (Amen).

Evang. Dr. Ali Johnson Onoja

TRIBUTE TO MY BIG BROTHER The news of your demise came to me as a rude shock. When I go down the memory lane, I recall with nostalgia the moments you shared with my family way back in Kano, during your long vacations in the late 70’s. I also recall the feat of graduation from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1981 at the age of 21. I drew a lot of inspiration from this feat as a little boy growing up with aspirations. I will indeed miss you. Rest in perfect peace big brother.

Arc. David Audu Musa

Arise Igala-Issue 33

27

SelectedTributes TRIBUTE TO MY COUSIN Late Bro. Engr. Akoh is somebody who always fight for justice. A man who looks into dispute without fear or favour; during OSHA Lagos dispute with the 5 clans from OFANTE, he stood firmly and settled the crises based on honesty. He was elected to be OSHA chairman, Lagos Branch for five years until he handed over to Mr. Sani Ekele.

Late Engr. S.A. Onoja as National President, Ogugu Development Union (ODU) fought for the recovery of Ogugu Community Secondary School’s land sold out by some elements in the community and he was on the case until death. As a matter of fact, he is likened to late KEN SARO WIWA who fought for the Ogoni people and late Prince Abubakar Audu who died for the people of Kogi State. In summary, Engr. Samuel Akoh Onoja’s death is a great loss to the families of Onoja, Ofante, Ogugu and entire people of Kogi State.

Supol Emmanuel Abuh (rtd.)

TRIBUTE TO A FRIEND How would one think of writing a tribute in honour of a friend whose night has come at dawn? I try to do this in deepest pain and agony. How would I have thought that 3rd June, 2016 was the last day we had to meet after you had told me we had to meet on your return from Lokoja that day we parted? Is this the misery of life and death? We had related for the past 39 years as friends and college mates from MUCAST, Makurdi to A.B.U Zaria. We went into the world in our individual ways, yet the cord of friendship tied us together. We had shared experiences, and encouraged one another when the need arose.

Your hilarious jokes and fun had always kept one laughing even in difficult circumstances. You were forthright in our relationships and had always stood by the truth, and what was right. You always spoke the truth and had confronted any matter or person you were convinced was on the wrong side. Could that be your own fault?

Life indeed is very brief, but you have left your marks on the sands of history. Return if possible is an empty wish, therefore rest in the bosom of the Lord. Good night dear friend, Engineer Akoh Samuel Onoja. We shall meet in the morning on that beautiful shore.

ELDER E.A. AGADA (JP)

28

Arise Igala-Issue 33

SelectedTributes TRIBUTE TO MY SENIOR, FRIEND AND INLAW Our path crossed during our school days in OCSS. You were a wonderful person to associate with. We had dreams on how to move our dear community, Ogugu forward.

Your dreams and vision will continue to live with us.

Akoh, continue to rest in the bosom of our Lord, till we meet to part no more.

Good night Akoh Lawrence Ekpah Abuja

TRIBUTE TO MY COUSIN Oh my beloved brother Engr. Akoh Onoja, your sudden journey was doubtful, when people started condoling me and convincing me you are no more with me, you left without farewell and when your present contribution and brotherly love is needed most. I cried of your untimely departure but most hopeful to see you again on the last day when our lord will blow the trumpet. Brother, Go well and rest in peace.

Chief Paul Ibrahim Onu Ajah, Ofante TRIBUTE TO MY COUSIN If God did not allow it, you would not have gone so soon. The big question now is “what happens to the struggle for the Emancipation of the human race you are noted for? O Lord, you are the only one that knows all things. Rest in the bosom of the Lord. Good night Akoh

Dr. Jerry Ekele Abuja

Arise Igala-Issue 33

29

ISSN: 2141-7423 ISSUE 33(B) NIG. N1000 USA $10.00 UK £5.00 JULY - AUGUST, 2016

ASSISTANT INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE

ABDUL SALAMI

IY A JI True Definition of fine Officer

C e l e b r a t e

I n s p i r e

C h a l l e n g e

In a handshake with President Muhammadu Buhari, Commander-in-chief of the armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria during a visit of Police Management Team in 2015

COVER

AIG ABDUL SALAMI IYAJI:

TRUE DEFINITION OF A FINE OFFICER OF THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE

A

bdul Salami Iyaji, an Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police is one of the officers of the Nigeria Police Force whose personality defines what a fine officer truly is.

Born on the 7th day of March, 1960, Abdul Salami naturally falls to the group of humans who are meticulous, determined and very focused. He is in the class of people who are vision driven, faithful in service and cannot easily be swayed as

In a convocation outfit in 1982 at the University of Lagos

he is more concerned with the goal - the set objective. He pays less attention to distraction and carefully observe things before deciding on the way to go. These attributes no doubt make him a fine officer of the force.

Starting out as a young boy, it wasn’t all rosy; his formal education began in 1967 at LGEA Primary School in Ofugo, Kogi state from where he obtained his first school leaving certificate in 1972. A year

AIG, then an SP as Nigerian Contigent Commander, UN Civil Police in East Timor, 2001

COVER Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Accountancy from Nigeria College of Accountancy, Jos, Plateau State.

Growing through the system in the service of his dear fatherland, Abdul Salami Iyaji has served in the Nigeria Police Force in the following capacities and places; Admin. Officer, Crime Officer and Traffic Officer between 1985 to 1989 at the Divisional Police Headquarters, Gombe, Bauchi state. Then he was posted to Apapa Port in Lagos state as Divisional Crime Officer and served there from 1989 to 1994. His performance elevated him to Officer-In-Charge, Crime Intelligence Bureau (CIB), Rivers State Command between 1994 and 1995. In 1996, Abdul Salami was back to Lagos but this time at the Admin. Department, Force Headquarters, Annex, Lagos state and he was there until 1999.

AIG (right, with hands in pocket ), back then as a form 2 student at Enjema Community Secondary School, Ofugo in 1974 with friends

later, 1973, he proceeded to Enjema Community Secondary School and completed his education at that level in 1977. Abdul Salami’s quest for knowledge pushed him to School of Basic Studies, Ugbokolo in Benue state in 1977 from where he completed his ‘A’ Level before proceeding to the University of Lagos that same year to pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc. Hons) degree in Business Administration which he successfully completed in 1982. In 2014, he obtained a

33

Serving diligently in the previous assignments, Abdul Salami Iyaji was posted to the Anti-Fraud Unit, Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon Close, Lagos state where he served

AIG A.S. Iyaji inducted as a Certified National Accountant (CNA) in 2014

Arise Igala-Issue 33

COVER

AIG, wife and children

between 1999 to 2003. Then, 2004 came and he was promoted to an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Budget, Force Headquarters, Abuja. He served in this capacity until 2009 when he was again elevated to Deputy Commissioner of Police, Budget, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

From 2013 to the month of May, 2016, he was the Commissioner of Police in charge of Budget, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

While serving faithfully, he was promoted

to Assistant Inspector General of Police in June 2016 and he is in charge of Accounts & Budget at the Force Headquarters, Abuja where he is currently serving in the capacity of AIG.

AIG Iyaji and Wife Hajia Safia Iyaji with family friends in U.S.A.

Attending Bankers and Allied Matters course in 2003 at Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu

His foreign assignment is to the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor - UNTAET (March 2000 April, 2001) serving as the Nigeria Police Contigent Commander.

COVER

With a fellow UN Police Ofiicer

An ever ready, gallant officer of the force, Abdul Salami Iyaji always equip himself with both professional and official trainings to stay constantly in tune with trends and developments in the system and society at large. Some of such trainings include: 1. Service Wide Training on Public Sector Budgeting (By Budget Office of the Federation) from 3rd - 7th July, 2007. At this training he distinguished himself emerging in the 2nd Position out of 312 participants.

In 1981 as an undergraduate at the university of Lagos State from left; Hon. Justice H. Yusuf of the FCT High Court, Late Hon. Zakari Adam, Former Special Assistant to Kogi State Governor on Media, and AIG Iyaji

5. Higher Management Course (By Administrative Staff College of Nigeria) from 13th - 24th February, 2006 6. Senior Police Officers Traffic Course, Police College, Ikeja, Lagos.

7. Advance Detective Course, Police Staff College, Jos 8. Senior Command Course, Police Staff College, Jos 9. United Nations Police Officers Course, Stockholm, Sweden

2. Computarised Salaries And Wages Administration (By ICAN Ikeja District Society) from 26th - 28th July, 2006

10. United Nations Pre-Deployment Course, Northern Territory University, Darwin, Australia.

3. Leadership and Strategic Management (By Centre For Management Development, Lagos) from 19th - 23rd August, 2013.

This meticulous officer, Abdul Salami Iyaji enjoys playing Squash Racket and Table Tennis. He also enjoys photography. He is a member of International Association of Police Chiefs. A Fellow, African Business School (FABS) and also, an Associate Member, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria.

4. Cyber-Crime Investigation (By U.S. Department of Justice) from 22nd - 26th, September, 2003.

35

Arise Igala-Issue 33

EVENTS & PEOPLE

ONOJA ROCKEFELLER OJOTUMALE Ojotumale celebrates first birthday at

MINISTRY OF MERCY

ORPHANAGE, Lokoja, Kogi state.

It was in fulfilment of the promise made by parent of the celebrant at birth to mark his first birthday with the less privilege that the celebration took place at the Ministry of Mercy Orphanage in Lokoja on Saturday, June 18, 2016.

Unlike the usual celebration of birthdays, this one was done in a very humble manner, sharing with children at the orphanage. The celebration took a different dimension when invitees picked serious interest in celebrating with the orphanage anytime they have birthdays et al. Coming to such places to share and show genuine love to those from whom you expect nothing in return is a pure demonstration of thanksgiving to the Almighty Creator, they emphasized.

Among those that accompanied The ONOJAS to the birthday celebration were members of Igala Leadership Forum, Lokoja, friends of the forum form across different parts of the state, friends of the family and well wishers.

All of these people also gave gifts of cash, clothes, foods, books, pencils, rulers, pens and children’s play items

EVENTS & PEOPLE among other things. They felt very fulfilled as they came to the realization that the little things they often ignore could mean everything to someone else. Hence, they promised never to waste anything any more as they will begin to save, package and donate the little they have to charities.

Ojotumale at home in his native attire with the birthday cake

Parent of the celebrant, Mr. & Mrs. Onoja J. Okpanachi remain grateful and called on all in attendance to keep spreading the message of love and the need to support charities no matter how little.

Ojotumale with mum, aunties and a family friend

Onoja Rockefeller Ojotumale with Grandma at home after the MOM Orphange outing

At home with mummy’s friend and well wishers

Rockefeller’s aunty, Martha and her friends at home to celebrate with him

Representative of the orphanage addressing all that came to visit the children while celebrating with Rockefeller

37

With mum and a family friend, young Pastor

L-R: Enyo(Cousin), Ufedo (Aunty),Iye (Aunty) carrying Ojotumale, Ojothonu (Cousin) and Olubo (Aunty) at home

Arise Igala-Issue 33

EVENTS & PEOPLE

Special group photo with the children at the orphanage as Rockefeller cuts his birthday cake

Rockefeller’s mummy and friends as the celebration winds up at MOM Orphanage

Baba JFO perfoming for the children as they groove on with joy

Sharing with the children as the groove is on to make them happy and loved

Rockefeller’s dad, Onoja J. Okpanachi thanking all that made it to the orphanage and encouraging them to make it a culture

Visitors praying for the orphanage home, all the children and staff before departure

PERSONALITY PROFILE

MEET

NICHOLAS

YAKUBU ONU

B

orn October 22, 1965, the agile Nicholas Yakubu Onu hails from Adum-Emomoka in Ogugu, Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Yakubu started out as a clerical officer with the Inspectorate Division (now Department of Petroleum Resources - DPR) of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in 1981. He rose to the position of Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Head, Human Resources, DPR Lokoja before retiring from service December 31, 2015.

Nicholas Yakubu Onuh 39

HIS ACADEMIC JOURNIES Yakubu attended Ogugu Community Arise Igala-Issue 33

PERSONALITY PROFILE

Secondary School (OCSS) in Ogugu and then to Times Journalism Institute (TJI), Lagos from where he obtained a Diploma in Journalism/ Mass Communication. He later proceeded to Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ) and bagged his Higher Diploma in Journalism/ Mass Communication. Nicholas Yakubu Onu then moved on to obtain his B.Sc. in Political Science from University of Abuja; PostGraduate Diploma (PGD) in Public Administration from Lagos State University (LASU) from where he also earned his M.Sc. in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management. He is today a member Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (IPMN) and Associate Member, Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM).

THROUGH POLITICAL AND UNION ACTIVITIES While in the service of DPR, he was a versatile union leader and an activist. As a juniour staff then, he held various posts in National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG), DPR Chapter where he served as Secretary, Vice Chairman and Chairman of DPR Chapter of NUPENG for many years.

His promotion into the seniour cadre in the service of DPR offered him more opportunities to serve in various capacities as an executive member of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Seniour Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), DPR Chapter; Yakubu was Secretary

of PENGASSAN, DPR Lagos Chapter and Chapter Chairman of PENGASSAN Lagos Headquarters.

At the branch level, he was elected Public Relations Officer (PRO) and later elected as Auditor for another term. At the PENGASSAN Zonal level comprising of South-West states of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti, he was elected PRO before he was transferred to Lokoja DPR field office. Also, at the national level of PENGASSAN, he was severally a national delegate in view of his positions at the various levels as an executive.

Yakubu is known to many in the union as a fearless trade unionist.

His colleagues while in the service of DPR loved and cherished him greatly because of his fearless position of resisting policies that are inimical to the welfare of staff.

After retiring from service, he joined politics and he is a card carrying member of All Progressives Congress (APC). And, since his active involvement in APC, he has participated in all means worthy of a member to ensure the upper stance of the party in ward and local government.

Today, Nicholas Yakubu Onu who is now settled in Lokoja shuttles between the town, Lagos and Abuja doing the business of buying and selling (KATA/KARA) to keep body and soul actively together. He is happily married to Mrs. Joy Vivian Onu (nee Musa Amego) and blessed with four lovely children.