By Amb. Sunny Irakpo
I find it extremely difficult to write this tribute on your unbelievable and shocking demise which has left me demoralized and completely heartbroken. It is like a dream to me whenever I come to the reality that you’ve transited to glory. Is this what Life really is? Life is indeed nothing, but a vapour.
Fate and faith cum destiny brought us together in 2018 when you assumed office as the 8th Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos. Your first mission was when you declared “War Against Drug Abuse” amongst youths in Nigeria by taking your pulpit to the streets of Lagos to openly demonstrate and campaign to save the lives of the youths from total destruction. This made me to fall in love with your Episcopacy and aligned with your divine mandate. The Father-and-Son relationship between us became very strong and cordial. In the space of 4years, it was like I have known you for 30-years as a result of the access and openness you gave to me. You humbled me with your class, awesome and classless relationships which is uncommon. We discussed on youth development and employment and giving the youths opportunity which you were implementing. I could remember how you called me then from United Kingdom to relate the Primate message to me to present a Paper at the Standing Committee Meeting of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion on Drug Abuse and Addiction; A Battle for our Future. You gave Silec Initiatives the needed support and endorsement. The last time I visited you early this year was when I presented your nomination letter to receive a Global Merit Award on Social Impacts based on your performances and unprecedented achievements within 4years and you accepted to attend this global event with me in U.S. but due to your health challenge, you couldn’t make it. I and family and the entire Anglican Communion keep praying for your speedy recovery.
Travelled to the United States to implement the Silec Initiatives and WorldChicago partnership to unveil the NIGERIAN LEADERSHIP EXCHANGE with your Episcopal Blessings which I received lavishly from your fatherly throne. Excited that the global event was successful and coming back to Nigeria to present your Global Merit Award on Social Impacts to cheer you up on your predicament, to show our love and celebrate you for the 1million Naira scholarships package you gave to each and any first class graduates in Diocese of Lagos, the 500k business start-ups to the best of my knowledge which hundreds of the youths benefited ,what about the skills acquisitions and women empowerment scheme to alleviate poverty, the elderly you took care of,we cannot forget the world class centenary city where rehabilitation center and other giant projects is ongoing. Should I mention the radio program and visibility you gave me on our nation building Initiative? What about the financial and spiritual support but unfortunately, I arrived Nigeria to hear the saddest news of my life that threw in a lowest state that the man with Vision whom I loved and cherished so much has transited to glory.
Oh! I wept profusely that death has snatched you from me without achieving all we’ve planned to do for humanity and God’s Kingdom.
So pained and heartbroken to see that a good man is gone. I know death is the necessary end of all mortals but yours came at your prime age. The shoes you left behind is very big. Who will wear these shoes and fill this vacuum ? I take consolation from God’s Word that if we die in Him, we shall rise with Him in Glory.
Generations will live to remember you for what you have done on earth. You fought the good fight of faith gallantly. You were a Kingdom General indeed!
We shall all meet at the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ where death has no dominion. We all at Silec Initiatives, millions of lives you touched and the Anglican Communion, missed you.
The one you used to call my “Ambassador”, is saying; Good Night, My Lord Bishop, my friend, my mentor, my father, my teacher, Patron and Big SHOULDER that gave many lives meaning.
May God grant you eternal Rest. Amen.
Amb. Sunny Irakpo is the Founder/President, Silec Initiatives.
