Social Media Agogs for Elder Statesman Tom Ikimi @79.
By Innocent Okoh
The social media was on Monday awash with congratulatory messages from political associates, friends and mentee of chief Tom Ikimi, the Oduma of Esan Land, on his 79 birthday, as they extolled his personal and political leadership qualities which has over the years helped to shape the unity, peace, continuity and development of the Nigeria democracy.
Chief Ikimi is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, but the good will messages didn’t come only from leaders and members of his party, other well meaning individuals and lovers of democracy took to the social media to pen down some lines in appreciation of the elder statesman and former minister of Foreign Affairs.
I took time to read through the lines of some of the heart felt congratulatory messages and it was mind blowing.
First to meet my attention at the early hours of 10th April, 2023, came from Rt.Hon. Marcus Onobun ksc, Speaker Edo State House of Assembly and Member-Elect, Esan West, Esan Central and Igueben federal constituency at the House of Representatives, he eulogized the Oduma of Igueben, as the Oduma of Edo politics and a generalissimo in Nigerian politics.
The Speaker and member-elect said in quote, ” As a student of politics and a son , I have watched and learned from all your many giant strides in politics and I’m proud to say I have a father and mentor in you sir”
” As you add another year to your age,it is a blessing to Esan land, judging by your sacrifices for democracy in Edo State and Nigeria in general, that is why I have dubbed you the generalissimo of Nigerian politics”
Next birthday message that caught my interest came from the Member Representing Esan South East Constituency and Member-elect under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Edo state house of Assembly, Hon. Sunday Osezua Ojiezele, according to him, “Dear great leader of our party, elder statesman, former minister of Foreign Affairs, and member of the Board of Trustees PDP, Chief Tom Ikimi, it’s with great delight that I join others across the country and the world to celebrate you today on your 79 years birthday, it’s no doubt you are a quintessential democrat, who has over the years restore and defend our nation democracy, and you have always believed in political inclusiveness, equality, fairness and true federalism.
“Recently you proved it again that you are a game changer before the State House of Assembly Election in Edo state when you led other leaders of the party to hold a meeting at the home of Senator Odion and Akhere Ugbesia, at Ubiaja, and that meeting went a long way in uniting the party leaders and members in the region and in no doubt contributed to the victory recorded by the PDP.
And at midday more messages came pouring in amongst them is the beautiful one from Hon Prince Joe Okojie, Former Commissioner for Agriculture and also a former Special Adviser On Agriculture and Food Security to Edo State Governor..
Prince Joe Okojie describes Sir Chief Tom Ikimi as “a unifier in the political space, especially in Edo politics. He further said; ” Chief Tom Ikimi is a man who has contributed greatly to the success of democracy in Nigeria; He is a true son of Esan land. Sir on this special day of your birthday, I join Edo people to celebrate you and I thank God for making you to come out from the nation’s of Esan. We are indeed Blessed by your leadership. May you live long sir..
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, soon released a statement to felicitate with a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Tom Ikimi.
Obaseki said, “I congratulate Chief Tom Ikimi, elder statesman and a great leader of our party, on the occasion of your birthday and pray that God grants you wisdom and strength to contribute to the growth and progress of our dear country, Nigeria.
“A cerebral leader, you distinguished yourself as an Architect, politician and businessman, serving our nation at every given opportunity with a deep sense of patriotism and a desire to effect change and inspire hope.
The governor added, “A worthy son of Edo State, you have continued to show the indomitable Edo spirit and the core virtues of hard work, diligence and enterprise.
“I congratulate you on your 79th birthday and pray for many more years of good health and wisdom.”
And the next message that caught my attention was from Chief Barr. Alex Adoghe.
According to him, “You are a visionary leader and a true inspiration to me personally and many others of my contemporaries.
I wish you many more years of spreading your wisdom, which benefits each and every one of us for the greater good of our esan land, Edo State and Nigeria in general.
“You are a strong, confident leader and politician like you who is so devoted, dedicated, and puts in so much effort deserves at least one day to sit back and revel in all of your political accomplishments and hard work. Your birthday is the perfect day for doing just that. Best wishes to you on your special day today.
Many happy returns to you and cheers to your new age.
Hon.(Dr) Joseph Ikpea, was not left out in the train of Eulogies for Chief Tom Ikimi, on the occasion of his 79th birthday.
In a statement he personally signed Hon. Ikpea said “Happy birthday High Chief Tom Ikimi the Ineh of Igueben kingdom, Akirogun Ife, Oduma of the Universe, Africa icon, an accomplished architect, a politician of reputable standards and a Knighht of Saint Gregory The Great (KSGG).
“We appreciate your unique role and contributions towards peace and prosperity of this nation and pray for a healthier, more prosperous long life and showers of heavenly blessings so that we can continue to tap from your wise counsel.” He said.
The President of Esan Youth Organization, EYO, Comrade Kingsley Ohens, was also in the train as he appreciates the elder Statesman and Oduma of Igueben, being one of the great pride of Esan Land, he wishes him happy birthday and many happy returns. Adding that chief Ikimi, has been one of the great pillar in Esan people, upholding the great culture and traditions of the Esan people and as such he would be acknowledged and appreciated from ages to ages.
Those are the few I will be taking in this special eulogies to chief Tom Ikimi by illustrious sons of Esan Land, on the occasion of his 79th birthday. Wonderful Media Communication also join to wish you happy birthday and many more years of celebration in good health. CHEERS.
