As the saying goes, every greatness starts small and every great distance covered starts with just a step. Permit me further to state; “every great man’s humility is tested by his wealth, fame and the collections of his achievements within himself and the people around. Prof. Chief Barr. Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome SAN is a great and humble achiever, one great Nigerian son who has sacrificed his youthful and valuable age, giving his all to the independence, unity, growth and greatness of the Nigerian nation.
As a practitioner in law, he has contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s legal jurisprudence both in practice and in offering corporate social responsibility to individuals, organizations, and government, especially at the lower tiers and the country. He is among other thing, a member of the International Bar Association (IBA), Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), African Bar Association (A.B.A), Pan African Lawyer Union (PALU), American Bar Association (ABA), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and many others. Ozekhome is a renowned constitutional lawyer, a human rights activist, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and an orator of high repute.
As a true Nigerian citizen, he has championed the course of true nationalism and progressive Nigeria where equity, justice and the rule of law prevail. He has displayed his dissatisfaction with the manners and fashion in which Nigerian institutions are governed.
“Many Nigerians do not believe in the Nigerian project. That is why the country is still advocating for nationhood. The current constitution of Nigeria is illegal. It was formulated by the military.” – Ozekhome. This quote is a reflection of his desire for positive change, which has been the campaign he has carried as a cross right from the days of the Military Junta. He has been arrested, humiliated, dehumanized and treated in many inhumane manners just because he will not sit on the fence and watch the struggles of the Nigerian nation go down the drain. He has been attacked on the print, online, on-air and on the roads, kidnapped and released for his diehard pursuit of a workable nation through an institutionalized working constitution and institutions. He has always put forth himself for the course of Nigeria in conversations, participations and instituted organizations like the CONFAB 2014 and many others. He has served Nigeria and its people in diverse capacities both on corporate, government and individual basis.
Mike Ozekhome is one of Nigeria’s heroes of democracy, who has given up his life to make sure Nigeria is what it should be and is still doing so until Nigeria and Nigerians get it right or do so until his last. This is the resolve of a man who will die for his country. His commitment to Nigeria’s democracy and true democratic norms earns him the place of a hero, which can never be overemphasized. No wonder writers like Clement A. Oloyede, Muiden Olaniyi, Abbas Jimoh and Peter Moses in their Daily Trust publication of Saturday, 22 June 2024, “The Forgotten Heroes of Democracy”, reviewed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘June 12’ speech, spotting the omission of a critical name like Mike Ozekhome, when he the president was listing the Heroes of Nigeria’s Democracy in his speech. This observation shows that the struggle and the labour of our Champion, Ozekhome, never go unnoticed, even if the leaders in power forget. This is why the world has honoured him both at home and in diaspora: a chieftaincy title ‘Ada Idaha Ke Efik Eburukutu Kingdom’, meaning pillar of strength of Efik Kingdom, by Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V., Pan African Award for Defending Nigeria’s Democracy, National outstanding Leadership Award, 2017 As Icon of Societal transformation, UN Eminent Peace Ambassador Award, Certificate of Authenticity of Distinguished Medal as Man of the Year 2011 by American Biographical Institute, Certificate of Ambassadorship as Nigeria’s Ambassador by the World Forum Federation. Ozekhome was also inducted into the American Hall of Fame for his inspirational leadership qualities, honoured with a medal as one of the Great Minds of the 21st Century by American Biographical Institute, a Lifetime Achievement Award by the United Culture Convention for his human rights defence, and many others.
Our own Mike Ozekhome is an orator, an author, a humanitarian, a defender of the oppressed, a Pro-Democracy Campaigner, Social Justice Crusader, a lover and promoter of sports, creativity and professionalism in young people, a teacher and mentor, a knight of the Order of St. Mulumba (KSM), and a lover of one’s country and its people. His life is a case study for young people that dares to make impact in life, for he is a mirror that reflects that path of the Biblical commandment of “Love your neighbour as yourself”. He plays his part for the betterment of all, shining his face with contagious smile and infectious laughter; nodding his head only when the outcome is for the good of the people.
Professor Mike Ozekhome SAN, pardon me, for words will rob me of my innermost description of who you are and what you represent, to every Nigerian of goodwill and those in diaspora as well. But in few words, I say, “You are a Great Man”.
Since October, 15 1957 that you were born, three years before our national independence. Major part of your youthful and useful years was all for struggle for the betterment of Nigeria. It has been a life of sincere sacrifice. As you celebrate your birth every 15th October, I and other young Nigerians, who cherish and model after you, celebrate HOPE for the Nigerian nation, for your lifestyle epitomized our long forgotten national theme: “Nigeria: Good People, Great Nation”. I celebrate you each and every day I have my breath within me, knowing fully well that Nigeria is not only filled with greedy an unpatriotic politicians, but also with great and sincere leaders and personalities, who will go to any length to achieve a great and flourishing nation.
Today, we celebrate not just another year of your life, but an exceptional achievements, with all the milestones and accomplishments that have defined your journey so far. Your dedication, hard work, and passion, especially to see Nigeria prosper are truly inspiring, and they remind us all of the power of perseverance, ambition and love for one’s country and its people.
As you step into this new chapter of your life-circle, may you continue to reach new heights, explore uncharted territories, and fulfill your dreams with the same zeal and determination. Praying that in your life time, you will be a witness to that great Nigeria of your dream. Here’s to a year filled with success, happiness, and endless possibilities.
Cheers to you and your remarkable struggles and achievements for our dear nation and its people. You are indeed “a tree planted at the village square, that shelters the rich, the poor, the passers bye, including the village heads and all elders”. You name is written in BOLD in the heart of many, who will remember you for good, telling your story in many and different lovely perspectives.
I celebrate you today and will celebrate you always; Professor, Chief Barr. Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome, Akapakpa Vighivighi Edoland and Enobakhare of Benin Kingdom.
A piece to encourage selfless service to humanity, celebrating a Humanitarian Lawyer for his outstanding contribution to shaping the course of Nationhood in Nigeria.
Written By:
Mazi Uchenna Nwafor
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