“Surprisingly again, he donated another big cash to the association and said, “Mark, see me in my office during the week” Trust a typical Delta guy, the following week I and my VP went to his office. Lo and behold, he fulfilled his promise. At this stage, I said thank you sir “spirit of Deltanism” This was the journey of coming in contact with a man who commends the pen and uses rhetorism to express nature. Very kind, humble, oratory, proficient in his dealings and a man of his words”
By Mark C. Orgu, News/Comments, June 15,2021.
COMMENTARY:Precisely in 2015, I had gone with a friend to the Nation Newspaper to see Mr. Wale Ajetimobi, a former Editor of the Nation’s Campuslife page, where I was a correspondent. I was the President of the National Association of Delta State Students, (NADESTU), Yaba College of Technology/the extension of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, same campus. Also, that time was the period we were preparing for the Association’s Cultural day and it behooves me as the president to search for prominent Deltans within Lagos and outside to attend the rich Cultural divergent heritage of Deltans.
Mr. Omatseye and I, during a panelist session in 2018 at Afrikanwatch lecture in Lagos
But before that visit to the Nation, I had asked people whether Omatseye is a Deltan or a Yoruba man, because his name sounds like Yoruba. I couldn’t get concrete answer, but I and my Vice President, Ken Olisa took the risk to visit Omatseye’s office. When we got there, we requested to see him, which the secretary kindly obliged. Finally, we were ushered in to see the big boss in Media industry. I and my VP then introduced ourselves
In his usual way, he accorded us hospitality, and said” I received your letter to chair Delta Cultural day in Yabatech. We responded, Yes Sir. Moved by Deltan Spirit, he changed our normal British English spoken language-(discussion) to our enviable popular demand language, “Pigin English (Warri). We laughed and laughed and finally he promised to attend the cultural day. As we were about to leave his office, he signed a very big cheque to support the event in advance, knowing very that we are students. Finally, he came, had fun with us, enjoyed various cultural display and traditionally opened the merriment for the cultural dishes, prepared by our members in the association. In his address, he didn’t forget our slogan: “Delta no dey carry last” Indeed, it was a memorable event as the news spread like wifi that really, Delta no dey carry last.
Meanwhile, as the fiesta was coming to a close he gave us futuristic advice to always put on the spirit of Deltanism so that, we don’t carry last. Surprisingly again, he donated another big cash to the association and said, “Mark, see me in my office during the week” Trust a typical Delta guy, the following week I and my VP went to his office. Lo and behold, he fulfilled his promise. At this stage, I said thank you sir “spirit of Deltanism” This was the journey of coming in contact with a man who commends the pen and uses rhetorism to express nature. Very kind, humble, oratory, proficient in his dealings and a man of his words.
My big Boss took me like his son and treated me like a Prince in the media profession, giving all the necessary supports in my career as a young growing journalist. Sometimes, he invites me to his personal project/office so as for me to gain wide exposure in the media profession. Indeed, I am proud and highly favoured. Like the popular immortal West East Rapper, 2Pac Shakur in one of his hit songs titled, Dear Mama, expressed, “There are no words that can express how I feel, you never kept a secret, always stayed real and I appreciate how you raised me and all the extra love that you gave me” This is exactly the impact Omatseye has put in my life. His birthday is June 15, while my birthday is June 7. What great month for us.
Omatseye is a father, mentor and guidance to many young journalists and none Journalists because he believes in human capacity building and development. Most of my Afrikanwatch lectures and award in Lagos, he attends and supports. Yes, of what greater love can one have than to see others progress. Omatseye is a man of his words and action, who loves and encourages young people at any given opportunity. He has won to himself national honour and international honour, most importantly, has won the crowd in the game of journalism. And that has given him victory, like the great Maximus in the reigns of the great Emperor Marcus Aurelius of Rome, who won his freedom and loved by the crowd.
As you mark your 60th birthday today, I wish you divine God’s good health of mind and body, including divine protection. Happy Birthday.
Mark Columbus wrote from Lagos (08028592006)
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