User:TabithaCromwell
THE burial of renowned Itsekiri historian, Pa Johnson Oritsegbubemi Sunday Ayomike, on November three, 2017 expectedly attracted a sizeable crowd of properly-wishers who came to pay their final respects and venerate a man who lived a life of greatness.
In maintaining with the mood of the occasion, the throng of dignitaries produced up of previous and present political leaders, chieftains of industry, conventional rulers and religious leaders seized the moment to give vent to their feelings via a torrent of tributes, with each eloquently describing a man who obviously touched their lives in several significant approaches.
Described as an outstanding historian, prolific writer and a founding member and the instant previous chairman of the Itsekiri Leaders of Believed, ILoT, Pa Ayomike also earned plaudits for the selfless and outstanding contributions he produced when serving in different capacities. For instance, the Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, described the late nonagenarian as a great historian and neighborhood leader who promoted harmonious relations involving the Itsekiri nation and other residents of Warri, adding that he "will be remembered for his phenomenal and outstanding contributions as an advocate of modern Itsekiri causes."
Pa Ayomike, who was born on April 7, 1927 at Ogidigben in Ugborodo in the present day Warri South West Local Government Region of Delta State, began his journey to greatness with his major school education at the Initially Baptist College Sapele, which he completed in 1945. He later attended the Government Teachers Education College, Abraka, getting a Teachers Grade II Certificate in 1956. He also attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, exactly where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Company Administration in June 1966.
In the course of his profession improvement, Ayomike had at unique occasions served as a teacher, salesman, senior management staff (Nigerian Tobacco Business Restricted from 1966-1980) as effectively as a cabinet commissioner with varying responsibilities in Midwest/Bendel State from 1975 -1979.
He authored eight books bordering on history and ethnography, apart from writing numerous published essays on economics, oil and politics, liberty and democracy.
He was a recipient of numerous honours/awards for his contributions to the development of his Ugborodo Neighborhood, Itsekiri, Bendel State (now Edo & Delta States) and Nigeria. He was listed in Who’s Who in Africa in 1981.
Against this backdrop, it is obvious that Pa J.O.S. Ayomike ranked among fantastic achievers and influential leaders in Nigeria, for which his reputation will continue to resonate in his major sphere of influence, the Niger Delta. The younger generations have a lot to understand from Pa Ayomike’s life and occasions, specifically the lesson that greatness is not in income but achievements and the effect we leave behind in the lives of other individuals.
