By Danko Development Forum, (DDF) Lokoja
Yet again, the ancient city of Lokoja was thrown into mourning, as one of its illustrious sons; Dr. Godwin Thomas Ndaman Ajakpo, Galadiman Lakwaja, bid the world a farewell on Friday, December 18, 2020. His demise has created another huge vacuum towards the development of the ancient town. A distinguished Medical Practitioner, with an administrative and leadership acumen. A revered Christian, but detribalised and passionate Nigeria, who lived his life for the service of humanity.
Dr Ajakpo was born into a renowned family of Mr and Mrs MTD Ajakpo from the great Evangelist Thomas Walter Bako, whose effort and commitment were instrumental to the development of Lokoja and the country at large. Dr Ajakpo attended Holy Trinity Primary School, Lokoja and Government Secondary School, Okene for his primary and secondary education respectively. His passion for education pushed him to study Medicine at the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU) Zaria and also made him one of the best students of 1975 medical students set of the school, winning the Vice Chancellor’s Prize of the best student.
He fervently and diligently practiced his medical profession and grow through ranks. He was the Medical Superintendent, General Hospital Offa, Kwarra state, 1980 and was the Medical Consultant of Sheraton Hotel, Abuja, 2000. Until his death, he was the Executive Chairman and Group Medical Director of Sauki Private Hospital, Abuja. The first private hospital in Abuja, since 1984. He was several times a board member of National Health Insurance Schemes (NHIS) and that of Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital, Abuja. Also, Chairman Governing Board Federal College of Chemical and leather Technology, the current Nigeria Institute of Leather and Science Technology. Zaria. He served as a member of the 1988 Constituent Assembly and member of the National Political Reform Conference in 2005. He was one time Chairman National Christian Pilgrims Committee between 2004 and 2005.
In year 2002, he was conferred with the National Honor of the Officer of the Order of Niger, OON and Ambassador of Goodwill by Nation of Israel in 2005. These recognitions are not oblivious of his national services and profound achievements. He was a Fellow of Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria in family medicine, Fellow of Association of General Practitioners, Member American College of Physician Executive, Fellow of Nigerian Institute of Management and other prestigious body worldwide.
Galadiman Lakwaja was a quintessential personality with a great self discipline who had made his marks on the sand of time in his respective capacities with respect to his unflinching commitment to the service of his immediate community, Lokoja and humanity at large. He believed in human relation and development that severe ethnic and religious colourations. In advertently, he frequently availed himself to every reputable platforms where fundamental issues affecting the people can be better addressed.
His effort and consistent to the development of Lokoja were quite unparalleled. Immediately after his University education he joined a humanitarian service to lit his community, Lokoja. Dr Ajakpo with the support of other notable Lokoja indigenes such as late Chief Victor Ndalugi, then Makaman Lakwaja, flagged the defunct and prestigious Lokoja Indigenous Progressive Union, (LIPU) in the 1970’s. He served as the Secretary and later Vice Chairman of the Union. The Union became a reputable platform that championed the course of Lokoja and Lokoja indigenous people. The union served as a pressure group in which the indigenous people make claims of their demands, and incidentally promoted the socioeconomic and political developments of the ancient town. His unwavering commitment to Lokoja progress bought him a traditional Turban, as Galadiman Lakwaja in 1984 by the late Maigarin Lakwaja, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Yahaya Muhammadu Maikarfi II.
Dr Ajakpo’s philanthropic gestures in both employments and empowerments cut across religious and ethnic divides are significants in Lokoja and beyond. His desired to help people dominated our local space even after his death. He had always honored his people by keeping a good name of trying hard to be seen living above board. This is a core value of a true personality
which has attracted so many, all and sundry, that carved him as a role model. These characters and features are superficial, thereby stimulated the Executive and Members of Danko Development Forum, Lokoja, and honored him with an Award of Excellence for his contributions to the development of Lokoja and beyond at the forum’s 10th year Anniversary in December 2019.
At this juncture, the forum is using this medium to commiserate with family and friends over the demise of Galadiman Lakwaja, Dr GTN Ajakpo. The forum also extend their condolences to His Royal Highness, Maigarin Lakwaja, Alhaji Dr. Muhammad Kabir Maikarfi III and the entire people of Lokoja. The forum admires the life of Dr Ajakpo, he was such a great, distinctive man and a guide to us all. His death is very painful, dealing with this great pain of grieving would not be an easy experience. May the Lord comfort his soul, give the family and Lokoja people the strength to nurse his absence. Amen.
Bama Mundi is The Chairman of Danko Development Forum Lokoja, he writes from Lokoja.
