From Akpovoke Otiti Asaba
According to Sonia McDonald; “Challenging times calls for challenging leadership skills in our sphere of influence”.
It is on this premise, I dare to reiterates that it is so rare in our society today to see leaders who are simple and can also relate with the public irrespective of their background, societal status and the midst of work pressure.
This is the true figure of Sir, Eddy Ogidi-Gbegbaje, a Permanent Secretary in Government House who bows out of service today is a very distinctive being who stands out amidst others in difficult times.
His life has always been lived for others, hence his name is always in the lips of many, both the young and the old. A man who sees others problems or challenges as his. A father figure to those he seniors as he is always there and available to offer solution to problems and a large part of his earnings is often spent on charity. A philanthropists that spends most of his earnings on charity.
Little wonder he is referred to by those who knew him very well as, ‘King of men’. It is not exaggerative when one say that Sir Eddy Ogidi-Gbegbaje has paid his dues in life.
Charity they say, covers multitude of sins. This is not to say he is a sinner but, his attitude of fulfilling one of the corporal works of mercy as a staunch Catholic, has indeed made him surmounts fears and worries of life. Though he is retired, yet he will continually succeed in all he does as his act of hard work, courage and awesome character with the mindset to ensure success and a better society for all, irrespective of social, political, economic, education and ethnic differences has paved the way for him.
Gbegbaje, is indeed a leader armed with sincere solutions to emerging societal problems and recognised for being a brave and courageous leader with a heart of gold.
A man of exceptional intellectual and with capacity to make positive changes that has benefited the people as he pushes ahead in the journey of life.
The erstwhile Permanent Secretary is known to be a man that forges ahead with task, even with greater risk, most especially when he knows that the end result is for the benefit of humanity. He is a goal getter who is ready to take on difficult assignments with the aim of breaking jinx in human lives and existence. He is a man that is poised to break new grounds, make new discoveries that will help salvage humanity and propel a nation into greatness, peace and prosperity.
He is a father figure with creative instinct. A knight of Saint John International KSJI, of Catholic faith and a Permanent Secretary Government House. In his time, he brought innovations and creativity to bear in the history of the Civil service and also brought a distinctive approach to the affairs of men.
As he bows out service, I celebrate his goodness to men and women as a man blessed by God ad has decided to lift men and women up whenever there is a casting down in their life. Congratulations Sir Eddy Ogidi-Gbegbaje.