by Odimayo Olatunde
Many prominent Nigerians have continued to shower encomium on the exemplary leadership of a former lawmaker representing Kogi West senator Jonathan Tunde Ogbeha as he marks his 73rd birthday today 1st September 2020.
Prominent citizens in the country who took turns to celebrate the living legend described him as a man for all season whose legacies cannot be forgotten.
They described Senator Tunde Ogbeha whom many described as a man whose legacies continues to speak for him following his immense contribution to the development of his home town Lokoja the state capital, Kogi state and Nigeria in general.
According to their remarks, Senator Ogbeha is one distinguish lawmaker in Nigeria who has touched the lives of many peoples positively irrespective of their tribes, religion or political affiliation.
This philanthropist per excellence was born in Lokoja on 1st September 1947.
He is the second of four children of late Pa. Joseph Abu Ogbeha and late mama Priscilla Ogbeha.
On 1st September, 1973, Senator Ogbeha married Jacinta Nshobo Mofan in Abeokuta and the marriage was blessed with a son Simbabi who is currently the Managing Director Confluence Cable Network.
Senator Tunde ogbeha was commissioned second lieutenant into the Nigerian army in 1970. He served in various capacity of the Nigerian army including 93 infantry battalion, Nigerian army Abeokuta, General staff officer 2 Nigeria army headquarter, command and staff college Nigeria defence Academy, Jaji, Director of equipment, Army headquarter, commander 1 mechanized brigade, defence adviser, Zimbabwe, commandant infantry center and school, jaji, and chief of administrator headquarter, Nigerian army.
Senator Ogbeha who was a former Nigeria ambassador to Equitoria Guinea was the pioneer military governor of Akwa Ibom state between 1987-1988 and the military governor of old Bendel state between 1988-1990.
The leadership and humility style of life of the two time Kogi west senator 1999-2007 made him stand tall among his equals.
Attesting to this outstanding qualities of senator Tunde Ogbeha, a retired permanent secretary Joseph Alhassan said the former Lawmaker is a huge figure who has continued to served God and man diligently.
For Idris Abubakar Lokoja, chairman peoples democratic party, PDP, Lokoja Local Government, senator Ogbeha is one single Nigerian who believes in peace and the development of Kogi state and Nigeria in general.
A one time supervisory council Medical and health Workers union of Nigeria Hon. Gimba Mohammed described him as man of integrity that should be emulated by all Nigerians.
Other prominent Nigerians including Hon. Kabiru Yusuf, popularly called KBY, immediate past Chief Press Secretary to Architect Yomi Awoniyi, and Publisher of Nigerian Post Newspaper Mike Abuh, Hon. Mohammed Maikudi Yusuf former special adviser to Kogi state government, Hon. Mohammad Abdulrahaman Immediate past PDP vice Chairman Kogi State all maintained that the history of Kogi state and its creation cannot be complete without mentioning senator Tunde Ogbeha.
Also, the Kogi State chairman Nigeria Union of Journalist, NUJ, comrade Momohjimoh Adeiza lauded senator Ogbeha for taking many Nigerians off the street through the establishment of the first private radio and television station in Kogi state.
” This is a man who decided to give back to the society that produced him. He established a radio and television station so that our unemployed citizen would be taken off the street. He invested in Kogi and empowered my individuals irrespective of their affiliation. My prayer for him is that God will continue to give him the wisdom to bring developmental things to our great state and Nigeria in general” he added.
On his part, a former Secretary to the State Government Professor Olugbemiro Jegede onbehalf of himself and his family said ” We wish our humble indefatigable, hardworking and committed friend and brother. His Excellency, Distinguished Senator & Brig-General (rtd) Tunde Ogbeha, a memorable, wonderful and enjoyable birthday as he turns 73 today. May the good Lord continue to imbue him with healthy long life to celebrate many more as he serves Him and humanity on this side of eternity. Happy birthday and congratulations, sir”.
Meanwhile, the Member Representing Lokoja Kogi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Barr. Shaba Ibrahim has On behalf of the people of the Constituency heartily rejoice and Felicitate with the people’s Senator, An outstanding General, A Mentor, and Builder of modern Kogi State, Sen. Tunde Ogbeha on his 73rd Birthday.
The Lawmaker in a message to Felicitate with the Two Time Senator, said “your life has been a positive reference in Nigeria over the years and that has made us proud in Lokoja Kogi Federal Constituency.
“We’re happy associating with your laudable and milestone achievements as a quintessential General and Politician, and as one of the builders of modern Kogi State.
“Distinguished, Your simple disposition to life and your politics of maturity and service has endeared you greatly to us.
“As you Celebrate the addition of another year, we join in praying that we would live to celebrate with you in several many more years to come and restate that the people of Lokoja Kogi Federal Constituency have not seen the best of you yet”.
Similarly, the Zonal Chairman of Kogi West PDP, Prince Omofe Benson, says the party is with the people’s Senator, An outstanding General, A Mentor, and Builder of modern Kogi State on this auspicious occasion of his birthday.
The Zonal Vice Chairman in a message to Felicitate with the Two Time Senator, said “your life has been a positive reference in Nigeria over the years and that has made us proud in Kogi West PDP.
We cannot forget in a hurry your remarkable and outstanding representation as Senator when you served. The legacies are visible for all to see.
“We’re happy associating with your laudable and milestone achievements as a quintessential General and Politician, and as one of the builders of modern Kogi State.
“Distinguished, Your simple disposition to life and your politics of maturity and service has endeared you greatly to us and made you a reference.
“As you Celebrate the addition of another year, we join in praying that we would live to celebrate with you in several many more years to come and restate that the Kogi West PDP is happy associating with you.
“Accept our hearty congratulations on behalf of Kogi West PDP as we wish you many more years in the land of the living in prosperity and Good health”.
Senator Ogbeha who many described as a living legend has bagged many titles and awards to his name and has promised to do more to bring development to his people, Kogi state and Nigeria at large.
