THE NATION
31
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012
PEOPLE
•From left: The celebrator Dr Enikuomehin; Ondo State Deputy Governor Alhaji Alli Olanusi; Mrs Bosede Enikuomehin and Hon Nomiye
•Justice Chris Ajama
•From left: Alagho of Odo-Nla Oba Elia Ikuomola; Deji of Akure Oba Adebisi Adesida and Aboji of Ikale Oba Babatunde Fajuyile
•From left: Head of PDP National Legal Unit Ibrahim Garba; Hon Uche Igwe and son of former PDP National Chairman Obioma Ogbulafor
•Former NDDC Chief representing Imo State Mr Joseph Akeru
•Regent, Kalasuwe of Apoiland Princess Adesola Ebiseni and Ondo State Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources Sola Ebiseni
•Elder Orubo
Honour for ex-NDDC chief I
T was a gathering of the well-heeled. They came from different parts of the country to Igbokoda, a riverine community in Ondo State. Songs of praise wafted in the air. Even, passersby could hear the melodious rhythms by the choir. It was at the thanksgiving service for Dr Benson Enikuomehim, the immediate past representative of Ondo State on the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) last Sunday. The Civic Centre, Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State hosted eminent personalities from within and outside the Sunshine State. For some of the dignitaries, their dressing showed where they hailed from. Decked in white flowing Agbada, Enikuomehin alongside his wife, Bosede, were the cynosure of all eyes. They mesmerised the guests with beautiful
Igbokoda, a riverine community in Ondo State, came alive last Sunday when one of its prominent sons, Dr Benson Enikuomehim, the state’s former representative on the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) held a thanksgiving service. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO was there.
dance steps. In his testimony, Enikuomehin thanked the Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, for giving him the opportunity to serve on the board of NDDC despite being from another party. He described Mimiko as a man with a kind heart whose desire to give Ondo people the best is unquestionable. “We were discussing on who will represent the state on NDDC board, I suggested some names to him and His Excellency asked. ‘What about you?’ I told him, we were not in the same party, he replied that he needed somebody who will represent the state well and said ‘I’m nominating you,’” he recounted. The celebrator expressed sadness over the way people went about trying to malign his personality when the Presidency sent his name alongside other nominees from other states to the National Assembly for confirmation. “You can imagine the trauma of swearing-in your colleagues from other states, but at the end of the day the good Lord won the battle for us,” he said. Enikuomehin reeled out some of the projects he embarked on in a year and eight months in office before the dissolution of the board by President Goodluck Jonathan.
He thanked God that the 20-month journey has been a success going by the projects carried out. He hailed the monarchs, his ‘think tank’ team and the people of the state for their support. The church service featured praise and worship, opening hymn, Bible reading, special prayers for the celebrator, offerings and choir ministration. Bishop Olu Lawrence, who delivered the sermon, thanked God for bequeathing a personality like Enikuomehin to the people of Ondo. Bishop Lawrence prayed God to accept the offering of the celebrator. The cleric expressed satisfaction with the performance of Governor Mimiko and Dr Enikuomehin. The ceremony train moved to the Naval Officers’ Mess, Igbokoda for the reception. Guests were entertained by the an entertaining troupe from Ondo State Cultural Centre. The lavish reception was emceed by the celebrator’s Personal Assistant, Alex Kalejaye and one Goodluck Akinyemi. Mouthwatering local and foreign cuisines were served to everyone. A member of the House of Representatives,
Hon Raphael Nomiye, described the celebrator as a fantastic man. “During his tenure on NDDC Board, he performed well. His tenure witnessed a lot of developmental projects in Ilaje land and we are so proud of him,” he said. Hon Nomiye who represents Ilaje Federal Constituency at the lower chamber wished Enikuomehin long life and prayed God to give him more powerful position to be able touch more lives. Enikuomehin’s counterpart from Bayelsa State, Elder Anthony Orubo, described him as a true friend. “I left Bayelsa on an election day because of his kind-heartedness. He is always ready to help people solve their problems. Ondo is lucky to have him as a son. I believe the sky is your limit,” he said. Chairman, Ilaje Local Government Area, Prince Banji Okunomo, described the celebrator as his leader. Okunomo noted that he was instrumental to various Federal Government projects in the area. He wished him well in his future endeavours. The celebrator thanked God, Governor Mimiko and the people of the state for giving him the opportunity to serve. He described his stay on the board as eventful, challenging and full of success stories.