MY TRIBUTE TO A MAN WHO WAS HUMANIST TO THE CORE DURING HIS STINT ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH: LATE ASTUTE THINKER DR OBADIAH MAILAFIYA, RETIRED CBN DEPUTY GOVERNOR.

I met him in 2019 when he was a guest speaker at University of Jos alumni event. I learnt a lot from the presentation of this Oxford trained scholar. His presentation was apt and succinct. He was very expressive and had good command of English. He thought me about the Victorian writers who starts with conclusion. He spoke profoundly well and did justice to the topic given. He was a bank of wisdom and indeed a reservoir of knowledge, RIP Sir.

After his presentation. Due to my proximity to my Lecturer emerita Dr Mrs Plangsat Bitrus. My wife and I had the rare privilege of having a lunch outing with him at Afrione, together with his elegant Berom wife from Kuru.

The lunch lasted for over an hour. He was so kind , gracious and generous with history of his life to us as he shared his experience graciously. How he met his wife in school, the dating process, shuttling with his car, struggling to stardom, his research, travels and service to the nation as an envoy. He is such a magnificent fellow to be with. I must say he was a good story teller. You never get tired or be weary around him, adieu Sir.

He advised us on some reputable journals of choice to publish in since my mentress and I were working on a particular paper. He was very comfortable with the research area recommend some key publishers to work with.

His intent to contest the presidential election was liberally discussed as well. He gave us his business card and also avail me some direct advise on home management, to him I remain grateful till date. Rest in peace amen

During his DSS invite and detainment, I called his line but his brother reached out to the phone. I conveyed my family’s good wishes to him in proxy. Since then, I have been remembering him in my thoughts and prayers.

As he is no more, I will forever cherish the moment shared with him. I am glad I sat and listen to his expositions in that conference. He was a fine scholar in all ramifications and good eloquent speaker. Adieu.

His activities on being the voice of the minority in Nigeria was exceptionally wonderful. He spoke against so many national odds and bad omens bedeviling the nation.

His focus was on national wellness of all and Leadership rightness to Nigerians. He wanted to become leader in other to share his excellent wisdom with all and contribute his quota to the development of the nation concurrently.

Today he is no more. He left this system of things called world. May his soul find eternal rest amen.

I write today in his honor because I have lost a fine gentleman. A worthy statesman. Quintessential Nigerian. Great mind. Season analyst of good repute. A good Christian. Speaker of truth to power. A humble humanist in all fronts. A visionary with reputable national vision for Positive impact. Adieu Sir.

The wealth of his knowledge will not be forgotten in a hurry. I recalled days back, when he cried out that his life is in danger. This is unfortunate that this Nigerian died while he was still been harassed by state powers. May his soul rest in peace amen.

To the middle belt region of this Federal Republic, I send my unreserved condolences. God will raise another voice. God will console the entire minorities in Nigeria over the departure of this soldier of truth in Jesus name amen.

To his wife and children, kindly accept my sympathy. To his friends and associates, partners and contemporaries, be strong, take solace in God.

To the body of Christ, God knows best. To all Nigerians, indeed a patriot is gone. A race has ended too early. Let be encouraged by his legacies.

To the international community, International establishments and organizations, don’t forget his works and words. Be close to his family.

Little wonder it was said that death is an amputation. A greater part of humanity has been amputated by death…tears…tears…tears
Good night my Father, friend and worthy compatriot. RIP.

Rest in Power. You fought a good fight. You stood for truth and honesty. You said factual facts and the evidence of your national outbursts are very visible in reality.

Arrivederci. Ponlo tyang Kala. How I wish RIP mean return if possible?. You were a good in-law to the Berom nation and Kuru community is proud of you.

Rwang, P.S.
Concerned Nigerian and admirer of the departed faithful.

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Rwang Patrick Stephen Eulogizes Late Dr. Obadiah Mailafia