Alhaji Adubi was his popular name. Many of us fondly called him so. Ohueta and Ihima are hard-hit by his demise. So are Ebiraland and Kogi State, as a whole. He lived a cheerful, impactful and exemplary life.
Why then should his death not shock those who knew and/or closely interacted with him? I am one of them. My consolation is that his actions, trade, and character are impressive legacies for our youths in particular, and our adults as well, to emulate.
During his youthful days, uncle Adubi chose tailoring as an occupation or trade. He was committed to it diligently. He later took this trade to a higher level by dissipating energy to travel out of Ihima (his native home) to learn embroidery – a fashion design that was not in supply in what is now known as Kogi Central at that time. His enterprising demeanour and innovative mind brought him into limelight in Ebira-land. He became very popular by his trade.
It is heart-warming that most of our youths are doing well in their studies and other endeavours today, but Adubi has thought the vulnerable ones that no trade is small; it is what you make of it. What matters most is the seriousness and/or innovation you bring to it. By having a sure and lucrative trade or occupation, our vulnerable youths could shun political thuggery, cybercrimes and other social vices and triumph. Adubi has given a good example.
He was a progressive man who put high premium on the education of his children. He obviously made some sacrifice and wise investment in this regard, and these have paid off today. By God’s grace, he has produced a university professor, a mass media guru, and a top-level nursing officer, among others. We give glory to God that these children gave him comfort and good welfare before he departed.
Ohueta adults have something to learn from this, the youths too should note the successful children under reference above and also put in hard-work, self-development and commitment. Through Adubi, Ohueta has produced its first professor. What is more, Ohueta has now joined the special club of professors in top-most tertiary institutions that prepare the academic excellence of the country’s future leaders. May Ohueta produce more professors, for us, Amen.
It is however sad to disclose that I had personal experience of some close youths who were given academic admission opportunities but declined with a ridiculous excuse that their brains would not be able to cope. Please, some of our youths should shun laziness or slothfulness, and be enthusiastic to acquire knowledge. Knowledge is not only power, it is also wealth.
Adubi was an ambassador of peace. Aside from what he did for others in this regard in Ohueta and Ihima, I personally benefited from his peace mission twice.
First, when serving as Permanent Secretary at the Kwara State, Liaison Office, Lagos in the early 1980s, I used my friendship tie with Hon. Salami Robin of blessed memory to secure elevation/appointment of Local Government Education Secretary for our able Chief I. A. Jegede (now His Highness). The appointment attracted allocation of official car and driver, among other benefits. Jegede was well qualified for the post. There were additional two or more of the same position that were still vacant at that time. Robin, from Okene, was then the Chairman of old Kwara State Education Board.
But Dr. John Lawani, who was then the Commissioner for Health in the old Kwara State, felt that he was the political head of Ihima and that I did not clear the appointment with him. He therefore used his closeness to the then Governor, Alhaji Adamu Atta to halt Jegede’s appointment.
The crisis that arose made Adubi and Alhaji Siaka Yakubu to take the trouble of going to the Ministry of Health in Ilorin for a peace meeting with the aggrieved commissioner. I, too, had to abandon my liaison functions in Lagos to meet them in Ilorin for the scheduled amicable settlement. Adubi was a vocal, diplomatic, sincere, and patient personality – the rare ingredients required in peace – making.
Secondly, when I was at the National Population Commission, there was an unfortunate political difference between our brother, the then Deputy Governor, Dr. Philip Salawu and myself. As some people were enjoying the dispute, others were fuelling it. Only Adubi and Pastor Joseph Suleiman (Manjoe) consistently worked assiduously to end the rift.
Both of them had to travel to Lokoja to meet the two of us involved, and finally settled the dispute. My joy therefore is that the word of God in Matthew 5:9 says: “Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called the sons of God”. I therefore fervently pray the gracious Lord to let the deceased be one of His sons that will make heaven. Also, may the good Lord bountifully reward Manjoe for his ever impressive exploits in both the vineyard and the community.
There is truism in the wise saying by Henry W. Longfellow, an American poet that:
Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Foot-prints on the sands of time
Truly, Adubi has departed. But as revealed in the foregoing write-up, he has left behind worthy virtues such as hard-work, innovative spirit, sincerity, progressive ideals, the spirit of peace mission, etc. These are commendable legacies that should be emulated by those of us that are still alive.
At this juncture, I fervently pray God Almighty to grant His Royal Highness, the Obobayin of Ohueta; the wives and children of the deceased; and all other sons and daughters of Ohueta (including my humble-self), and other relations/associates of the deceased, the fortitude to bear the heavy loss, Amen.
In conclusion, I say to Uncle Adubi: Adieu, Adieu, Adieu!
