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Tag: Ayomike

  • Ayomike: A man for all seasons

    Ayomike: A man for all seasons

    I had planned privately to surprise him with a visit in Warri. I had never met him in person. On phone we spoke so regularly it seemed we had even hugged. There had been no tactile contact between me and Johnson Oritsegbubemi Sunday Ayomike. When news came that he passed, I was more than heartbroken. I lost a father. When he turned 90 in April, I asked him how he felt.

    He said, “my body is weak, but my mind is very active.” He was a man of the mind. I recall our many intellectual engagements, whether about a derailing political elite, the decline of debate, the materialism of a decaying generation, or a column he read, or the failure of our people to appreciate the study and sublime compulsion of history, he was always high on the marks.

    As an author, he sent me several books, those he wrote and classics he had read. He was immersed in Itsekiri history, and he was sensitive to what German philosopher Nietzsche called the “theory of eternal return,” how history comes when we think we have forgotten it. I cannot forget his prelude to any important point during our phone dialogues, “look, Sam…” and he would go off from idea to idea. As The Nation newspaper editorial characterised him, he was a renaissance man, an author, administrator, teacher, raconteur, activist, peacemaker, curator, historian. My former teacher, Professor Femi Omosini, who taught me the renaissance years, described Leonardo Dan Vinci, as “a universal man of the renaissance, a jack of all trade and master of many.” Ayomike was no Dan Vinci, he was our own JOS, our own renaissance man, who combined ethnic fidelity with nationalist elan. We don’t have men like him anymore. O de ju ma.

  • Ayomike buried in Warri

    Ayomike buried in Warri

    The remains of Itsekiri national leader and renowned historian, Pa Johnson Oritsegbubemi Sunday Ayomike, were on Friday laid to rest in his Warri home.
    The interment and the preceding requiem service, held at the First Baptist Church, Mission Road, Warri, followed up on the Service of
    Songs, which was held in his home on Thursday. The ceremonies would be rounded off with a Thanksgiving Service on Saturday at the First Baptist Church.
    Delivering the requiem message on Friday, the guest preacher, Dr Ayodele Gbode, reflected on the uniqueness of the life of the
    deceased, whom he noted to have excelled in fields that were not his areas of professional training and how he imparted the world he found
    himself positively.
    “Health Commissioners today must be medical doctors, but they can’t even build hospitals. Papa also served as Information Commissioner and left indelible marks like everywhere else he served.
    “Pa Ayomike was no less outstanding and kept faith with being a man of integrity and achievements as an Information Commissioner. He returned back to work in the corporate world because the company knew he kept his dignity in public service and had immense value to offer. Today’s Commissioners for Information are thoroughly bread to tell lies,” he said.
    On the lessons the living could learn from the exemplary life of Pa Ayomike, Gbode cautioned the Ayomikes and guests on the occasion to
    realize that “No condition is permanent. Only a few have the value to live a good life, prepare for the time to die and join their maker as
    Papa has done.”
    “No one has the power to elude death. No cult, no power can elude death. When you die, life goes on after you, no matter how valuable
    you are.Naked we came, naked we shall return. You can’t live earth without any wealth or belonging.
    “Only your relationship with God can determine where you go after death. After death, no one can return to make amends. Pa Ayomike
    fought the good fight indeed. He knew it Nd five hours to his death, he was still praying, breath his last not owing anyone, angry with no
    one.
    “Don’t get to death before you know there is judgment after death. Death is not the end of things in life. It cannot end the consequences
    of your actions while you lived. The consequences lay in the grave with you till you meet judgment with the Lord,” the clergy said.
    Speaking to the Nation after the service, the Chairman of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILoT), Chief Edward Ekpoko, said he would miss the departed leader more than most people mourning him today, noting that he was about the closest to him, asides from his immediate family members.
    Ekpoko, who took over the mantle of leadership of the ILoT from Pa. Ayomike and who was known as his closest disciple, said the impacts of
    the departed leader would remain irremovable in the psyche of, not just Itsekiri people, but the whole of the Niger Delta and the Nigerian nation, owing to his immense contributions to society.
    The Acting Governor of Delta state, Kingsley Otuaro, who led other functionaries of the state government to the ceremony on Friday, also
    offered condolences to the Ayomike family on behalf of the state, praying God to grant the family the fortitude to “bear the irreparable
    loss.”
    Other dignitaries present at the service were, former Delta governors, James Ibori, his successor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, his wife, who is a
    niece of the deceased, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, Sen. James Manager, as well as the Publisher of the Vanguard Newspaper, Mr Sam Amuka.
    Also present to pay last respect were NFF President and CAF Committee member, Amaju Pinnick, Rep. member, Daniel Reyenieju, Delta Assembly Speaker, Sheriff Oborevwori, newly installed Ologbotsere of Warri, Ayiri Emami, Chief Great Ogboru, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Joseph Ayomike, younger brother to J.O.S and current head of the Ayomike

  • Ayomike to be buried in Warri November 5

    The funeral rites of ex-Chairman, Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILoT), Pa J.O.S. Ayomike, have been fixed for November 2, 3 and 5.

    A statement by ILoT, signed by Chairman, Chief Edward Ekpoko, said the late Itsekiri leader would be buried in Warri, Warri South Local Government of Delta State.

    Pa Ayomike, known for his activities in Itsekiri land and Niger Delta, died on October 4 in Warri.

    The statement, which officially announced his passage, recalled his life and time.

    It said: “The Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILoT) wishes to formally announce the death of its immediate past Chairman and an acknowledged Niger Delta leader, Pa J. O. S. Ayomike. He was 90 on April 7.

    “Pa Ayomike was a management staff of Nigeria Tobacco Company Ltd, from 1966 to 1980, where he rose to senior management positions and had experience of, and exposure to, several training courses in Nigeria and overseas.

    “During this period, upon secondment, he was a civil commissioner in Midwest/Bendel State, from 1975 to 1979. He served as commissioner for Health from 1975 to 1976, commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, from 1976 to 1978 and then commissioner for Information, Culture and Sports, from 1978 to 1979.

    “His obsequies will take place on November 2, 3 and 5 in Warri, Delta State.”

     

     

  • Why history must be taught, by Ayomike

    Why history must be taught, by Ayomike

    •A speech by J.O.S. Ayomike during the golden jubilee of the Federal Government College (FGC), Warri, Delta State.

    I Must confess tonight my great pleasure and surprise, coming to receive from your August body, ‘an award for an exceptional life-time achievement’ during your historic Golden Jubilee Reunion. Surprised! Yes, because I know that since your college was established among three others in the country then, I have never had any dealings with her. My Children and wards passed through other schools in the state and Western Nigeria. I can’t claim to have got into your compound, except once, to have a brief meeting with Governor Onanefe Ibori. Thus you will appreciate the weight of my BIG surprise, that still; you guys have me on your radar. Therefore, I thank you immensely for beaming your laser to locate me for this honour today. Big thanks.

    “I wish to use this occasion to make a call close to my heart. It has bothered many Nigerians that ‘history’ as a formal discipline is no longer taught in our schools up to the tertiary establishment. I call on the education planners in the country to rethink and go back to teaching history. On my part, as a first step, I make a donation to your library of historical tools that are significant to our development. (Obtained from UK museums):

    “Two large framed photographs of: (a) Nanna’s palatial residence, out –houses and stores in Ebrohimi before the war of 1894; (b) four British warships booming cannon fire on Ebrohimi (air filled with smoke) about a week before the fall of the town; (c) a dozen copies of the Biography of Prince Ogbe Yonwuren (A potentate, whose community where he lived over 100 years ago abuts your school premises); a dozen copies of other valuable books (all to be collected next Wednesday).

    Finally, I wish to congratulate you on this historic reunion. As I look around in the hall, I see happy smiling faces; faces of success, faces of promise. Know that our country is facing difficult times! We have no other country. Let us rebuild our country. Abraham Lincoln, 16th American President said “the greatness of a country consists not in the number, but in the quality of its citizens”.

    Rise from your jubilee and join the few striving to refloat our nation. Once again, I congratulate you and thanks.

    • Ayomike is a Senior Citizen and author resident in Warri.
  • Why history must be taught, by Ayomike

    Why history must be taught, by Ayomike

    I Must confess tonight my great pleasure and surprise, coming to receive from your August body, ‘an award for an exceptional life-time achievement’ during your historic Golden Jubilee Reunion. Surprised! Yes, because I know that since your college was established among three others in the country then, I have never had any dealings with her. My Children and wards passed through other schools in the state and Western Nigeria. I can’t claim to have got into your compound, except once, to have a brief meeting with Governor Onanefe Ibori. Thus you will appreciate the weight of my BIG surprise, that still; you guys have me on your radar. Therefore, I thank you immensely for beaming your laser to locate me for this honour today. Big thanks. “I wish to use this occasion to make a call close to my heart. It has bothered many Nigerians that ‘history’ as a formal discipline is no longer taught in our schools up to the tertiary establishment. I call on the education planners in the country to rethink and go back to teaching history. On my part, as a first step, I make a donation to your library of historical tools that are significant to our development. (Obtained from UK museums):

    “Two large framed photographs of: (a) Nanna’s palatial residence, out –houses and stores in Ebrohimi before the war of 1894; (b) four British warships booming cannon fire on Ebrohimi (air filled with smoke) about a week before the fall of the town; (c) a dozen copies of the Biography of Prince Ogbe Yonwuren (A potentate, whose community where he lived over 100 years ago abuts your school premises); a dozen copies of other valuable books (all to be collected next Wednesday).

    Finally, I wish to congratulate you on this historic reunion. As I look around in the hall, I see happy smiling faces; faces of success, faces of promise. Know that our country is facing difficult times! We have no other country. Let us rebuild our country. Abraham Lincoln, 16th American President said “the greatness of a country consists not in the number, but in the quality of its citizens”. Rise from your jubilee and join the few striving to refloat our nation. Once again I congratulate you and thanks.

    • J.O.S Ayomike is a Senior Citizen and author resident in Warri. He delivered this speech during the golden jubilee programme of FGC, Warri, Delta State.

     

  • Why history must be taught, by Ayomike

    Why history must be taught, by Ayomike

    I Must confess tonight my great pleasure and surprise, coming to receive from your August body, ‘an award for an exceptional life-time achievement’ during your historic Golden Jubilee Reunion. Surprised! Yes, because I know that since your college was established among three others in the country then, I have never had any dealings with her. My Children and wards passed through other schools in the state and Western Nigeria. I can’t claim to have got into your compound, except once, to have a brief meeting with Governor Onanefe Ibori. Thus you will appreciate the weight of my BIG surprise, that still; you guys have me on your radar. Therefore, I thank you immensely for beaming your laser to locate me for this honour today. Big thanks.

    “I wish to use this occasion to make a call close to my heart. It has bothered many Nigerians that ‘history’ as a formal discipline is no longer taught in our schools up to the tertiary establishment. I call on the education planners in the country to rethink and go back to teaching history. On my part, as a first step, I make a donation to your library of historical tools that are significant to our development. (Obtained from UK museums):

    “Two large framed photographs of: (a) Nanna’s palatial residence, out –houses and stores in Ebrohimi before the war of 1894; (b) four British warships booming cannon fire on Ebrohimi (air filled with smoke) about a week before the fall of the town; (c) a dozen copies of the Biography of Prince Ogbe Yonwuren (A potentate, whose community where he lived over 100 years ago abuts your school premises); a dozen copies of other valuable books (all to be collected next Wednesday).

    Finally, I wish to congratulate you on this historic reunion. As I look around in the hall, I see happy smiling faces; faces of success, faces of promise. Know that our country is facing difficult times! We have no other country. Let us rebuild our country. Abraham Lincoln, 16th American President said “the greatness of a country consists not in the number, but in the quality of its citizens”. Rise from your jubilee and join the few striving to refloat our nation. Once again I congratulate you and thanks.

    • J.O.S Ayomike is a Senior Citizen and author resident in Warri. He delivered this speech during the golden jubilee programme of FGC, Warri, Delta State.

     

  • Ayomike: $16bn Delta Gas Project controversy is resolved

    A frontline Itsekiri leader from Ugborodo (Escravos) in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, Pa J.O.S Ayomike, has assured that the controversy over the $16 billion gas project in the community has been laid to rest.

    Speaking against the backdrop of recent comments on the project, the Itsekiri leader advised his kinsmen, particularly of Ugborodo lineage, to refrain from unauthorized statements capable of derailing the multibillion dollar project in the Itsekiri community.

    The $16bn project had generated controversy among the Ugborodo leaders and later between the Itsekiri community and their Ijaw neighbours of Gbaramatu clan, leading to concerns that the project might be relocated from the state.

    However, Ayomike said, “As a frontline Itsekiri leader (and of Ugborodo), I have been at the centre of the on-going reconciliation to bring lasting peace to Ugborodo Community, hence I have refrained from making statements concerning the EPZ Project.

    “This silence has to be broken at last in the interest of the Community regarding the NNPC-driven EPZ Project in Ogidigben-Ajudaibo in Ugborodo Community. The controversies trailing the project-siting had long ended and work is progressing as programmed. Therefore, recent comments and press interviews on the project, not authorized by the Chairman of the EPZ Interface Committee, should be completely ignored by the public.

    “Until early this year when President Jonathan turned the sod on the site, negative reports/comments often appeared on the siting controversies. A reconciliation process, at whose centre I am, working round the clock to achieve full peace in Ugborodo, is nearing conclusion.

    “Therefore, nobody of Ugborodo – no matter his personal feelings – is permitted to comment outside the Chairman of the EPZ-Interface Committee on the proposed Gbaramatu Seaport Project, an arm of the Escravos Development Programme promoted by the Nigeria Port Authority, for which land is yet to be acquired.

    “In making this statement, full consultations have been made with all peace-loving people of Ugborodo Community who are anxiously inviting our new Governor to visit this biggest project-to-be in his State, in preparing the ground for the visit of Mr. President,” he added

    Pa Ayomike urged all prospective investors in the project to take advantage of the restructured NNPC to get involved in the project, which, he said,  will help develop Ugbodoro.