By Obianuju Kanu-Ogoko
Unexpectedly! The Great Araba left a gaping hole. When the Iroko falls, it leaves a crater so large and deep in its stead, that it can be mistaken for an eruption site.
High Chief Raymond Dokpesi! Ezomo International, Father, Leader and Mentor! To Know Ezomo, is to encounter extraordinary blessing in one’s life. I count myself blessed and most honoured to be called Daughter by this great Icon.
Very few are ascribed with rounded excellence; In academia, administration, family and in friendship, Ezomo exuded eminence. A highly conventional man who navigated contemporary times with ease and candour. It can only be EZOMO!!!!
In writing tributes in my years of admistration, I have always so easily paragraphed my thoughts, however, It is impossible to write Ezomo a themed tribute. Ezomo is beyond any ordinary scripting. For this reason, I will tell of him in bits. Not so much so of him that was experienced, but a peek at what we lost:
Ezomo The Father: I remember when I lost my Dad and called to inform Ezomo, He replied ” So sorry my Daughter, but remember that I am here for you” I will do my best for you to the best of my ability! Ezomo kept to this promise to the end. To his Children, Ezomo loved every Child individually, yet collectively. Ezomos Parenting style is better experienced than described. He was dedicated to every Child as though they were an only Child. His eyes sparkled in the presence of his biological Children, Grandchildren, relatives and adopted Children alike.
Ezomo The Administrator: He spots and adores excellence and grounded scholarship. Ezomos attention to detail is phenomenal. In his administrative space, work was 24hrs. He would wake me up to write a letter at 3am so he doesn’t loose his thought. He would give synopsis and go, please build on it. In Ezomo’s demise, we lost both talent and intellect. Oh! What a loss!
Ezomo The Entertainer: His story times were equally remarkable! Ezomo recounted past stories and encounters in a flash. I disliked stories that impeded on my time until I met Ezomo! He knew exactly what story to tell to every audience. His stories were audience specific and ecliptic at all times. Ezomo was a thriller. Simply irreplaceable!
Ezomo The Politician: Politics was his forte! His extraordinary political vision is beyond these times and era. He was futuristic and intentional in strategy and execution. Dedication and commitment applied in all his endeavours, but much more in politics. On every issue, he was honest and forward. Ezomo tried to navigate the negativity of our political space with humility, truthfulness and a positive disposition. Politics has no nomenclature to describe and accommodate the quantum work done by High Chief. Engr. Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, the Albert Einstein of Nigerias Politics.
Ezomo The Disciplinarian : With Ezomo, you must receipt, account and present. At work and at family level, his tolerance threshold was well understood by all. Ezomo did not condone indiscipline and made everyone believe that he had earned any action he took himself. He was more disciplined than he made people believe.
Ezomo The Godly: The 6am and 5pm Church services, incessant fasting and prayers were appendages of his daily living. It doesn’t even matter what religion Ezomo practiced. He was “HUMANE “. In my view, he lived as God intended. Open in deed and in words. He acknowledged his mistakes and tried to make amends where possible.
Ezomo The Entrepreneur: Ezomo understood how to build wealth from nothing and gave reverence to high attainments. You couldn’t think and act like Ezomo and not be well off. Moreso, he had experience and advice for almost all sectors and endeavours. Name it and Ezomo would discuss it aptly.
Ezomo The Philanthropist: He gave freely to the NEEDY! Ezomo came through for anyone in lack. He treated wealth as an instrument of support and upliftment. He supported the impoverished and deficient. Ezomo was materially and intellectually generous. If you focus, there was an impactful lesson in every encounter with him. He shared his material wealth and knowledge with all and sundry.
Ezomo The Peace Maker: In all our political travails, Ezomo continued to sue for peace and reconciliation. He believed in absolute forgiveness irrespective of indignation. He guided his Team to the path of harmonious and constructive resolution of issues. Ezomo was conscientious and thoughtful in all things.
In High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Nigeria and PDP lost a gem! I lost a visionary of unquantifiable intelligence and brilliance, a Father and a Mentor extraordinaire.
Adiue Ezomo!!!
Pained but hopeful in total submission to the will of God Almighty, our shield and comforter.
