BY: Prince Suleiman Adinoyi
Certainly, death is inevitable! Every living soul has its death coupon already issued depending on when, where and how. It is most certain that we will all embark on that eternal journey someday. In spite of this, we still grieve when we lose or think of our beloved ones we have longed lost, particularly, our parents.
The late Alhaji Ismaila Chogudo Aliyu is the son of Aliyu Ochu Maigida Onumoko (The Royal Niger produce buyer/sales man for Ajaokuta), the son of Ohi-Itakpe Abede who also doubled as custodian of Irapa Adiyaya who aided the bringing home from Upake groove to Ukoruwen (Okengwen Ehi), the Irapa Adiyaya.
Good deeds go hand in hand with a life well lived. It is an instance of gratitude, service and kindness to all who get to share it. Indisputably, Alh. Aliyu Ismaila Onumoko (Grand Son of Ohi-Itakpe Abédé) is a testimony of an icon that lived his life well that many are proud of.
Alh. Onumoko (I) was the source of many’s progress, cheerfulness, courage and a strong pillar upon which they rely.
Apart from his children, he has taught many to be generous and God fearing, even when he was bed-bound and could not talk. It was on record that he beckoned on his children to always be good ambassadors to others.
Alh. Onumoko was a shining beacon of hope to Okengwen and Ebira Nation as a whole. He was an irreplaceable icon of humanity and defender of societal values. His qualities of tolerance, forbearance, forgiveness, decency and respect for others are a model for us all.
As it is often said, a lion begets lions, Alh. Onumoko’s good values have took turn on his children. Since his demise, his children have continued to witness robust growth and the celebration of his Daughter, Hajia Habibat Oyiza Tijani (Nee Onumoko), as the Kogi state Accountant General is nothing but an upshot of his selfless service and influence in the society.
Regarding many testimonies and sermons from several Royal Highnesses, Sheikhs and men of Calibre that graced the event, it is important to mention at this point that we all will need to borrow a leaf from the life of Alh. Onumoko (I) and be good ambassador in the society and to our immediate family.
In juxtaposition to that of his children, the growth of his community that he had built so much on is evident, no wonder the prayers of the great scholars at the event evoking God to continue to rest him in His bosom, answer the prayers of his daughter, the new Accountant General, Haj. Habibat Oyiza Tijjani (Nee Onumoko), the First Class Chief, HRH, Alh. Abdullahi, son of Ismaila, son of Aliyu and Designated Adudi Obombom OnumokoII, Esusu Okengwen Ehi, and every of his children to continue to excel in their endeavours.
