Ekpoudom’s heart of kindness

First and foremost, we are thankful to God Almighty for making this day a success. We also accord to you our father DIG, Udom Ekpoudom (Rtd.) due respect and our mother, Noble Lady Dorathy Udom Ekpoudom and every other person here present. We are here to deliver a message of appreciation and to honour you as our father. It is conspicuous that you have made the maxim that says, “There is no hiding place for a golden fish” to come true by your gesture of generosity and kindness to humanity. Sir, you have distinguished yourself specifically to us as a father by doing what some parents cannot do to even their biological children despite golden opportunities at their disposal.

You have decided out of love to give us a hook to fish that will feed us throughout our lifetime rather than giving us a fish that can only feed just for a moment. You have made us to look unique among our peers. It is no longer a surprise that graduates in Nigeria with even first class honour can walk the streets of the country for more than ten years without getting a job and get worn out in value and in hope. On the 11th April, 2014, I was reading a vanguard e-paper and I stumbled on a news of a graduate attempting suicide in Akwa Ibom State as a result of hopelessness in search for a job for ten good years after graduation. When I saw this, I paused and said in my mind, Lord thank you for the gist of the eminent personality, DIG Ekpoudom in my life. A man whose paramount interest is to create job for the jobless even to those he does not know. There have been strange stories of decadence behind job search over time in today’s society, but because of your intervention in our lives, our stories are different.

Sir, I can also remember one occasion during the last industrial action in the centre which you came on the mission of justice delivery in which I was privileged to meet with you which I was surprised by your action, you asked of my name and you told me not to worry that our money will be paid. That was “prima facie” evidence that indeed you are a father. Upon giving us a secured federal government job, you also have such a beautiful deep concern about our welfare. A lot would have not had any business with us again, “papa sosongo”.

It is with all these that we say no, we must not behave like the nine lepers that refused to thank Jesus after receiving their healing. Sir, we are here as a family to say thank you for all you have done. Sir, we can confirm with you having known ourselves that numbered up to thirty four (34) graduates of Akwa Ibom State origin in FMC Keffi that got their jobs through your instrumentality. As well, we have also learnt that you even extended the same tentacle of kindness to non-indigenes of the State irrespective of their tribe, language and religion. Sir, we are also aware that the number was far more than this, but some people could not resume based on their reasons. Your openness of heart and desire to help was not hidden when we realised that you even mandated some people to coordinate all Akwa Ibom people in Keffi who were on contract or not having job at all to come or down tools of jobs that made them house maid and servants which is against the agenda of the present administration in Akwa Ibom State under the able leadership of our amiable Governor Chief (Dr.) “Ano Mkpo Inam”, uncommon transformer Godswill Obot Akpabio. 

This has reminded us that we should say please “Papa” do your children a favour and convey our sincere gratitude to our dear Governor who, by the touch of the Holy Spirit found you worthy to be nominated to serve the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a Board member in Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa State which you were later made the Board chairman by President Goodluck Jonathan through which our suffering and poverty is alleviated. Our Governor “sosongo”. We also extend our gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan for the vision to know that you shall be a square peck in a square hole while appointing you the board chairman. In the same way, we are grateful to our mother who happened to double as your dear wife, Noble Lady, Dorathy Udom Ekpoudom. As the saying goes, behind every successful man there is always a woman of substance. Mummy thank you, your support is outstanding.

Lest I forget Sir, on behalf of all new staff we are saying “Papa sonsongo”. It is only that we are working in a hospital environment of which everybody cannot travel at will despite public holidays. It is on this note that we are here to represent those who are unavoidably absent otherwise everybody would have been here.

Finally, for you to be a blessing to us we say may the good Lord give you and your family strength and long life to continue in the Lord’s work as we wish you higher offices in future. Having been acquainted with the culture and tradition of our land, common sense has made it very clear to us that if a child kills animal in the bush he has to take it home to the father as a mark of honour and respect. It is in this regards and in the spirit of Easter that we are here today and to present to you this token... Sir, we also want to assure you that we shall remain in Keffi as good ambassadors of yours, our families and our dear State. Sir, we also plead that you do not forget us even when you will leave the centre for a higher office by the grace of God. We also promise you if you call on us as your children at anytime we shall answer and make you proud. In our daily prayers, we shall not forget you and your family. Thank you for everything and remain blessed.

Being a speech presented by the Coordinator, Mr.  Okon Peter Sylvester of new staff of FMC Keffi, Nasarawa State of Akwa Ibom State origin on the occasion of courtesy visit to our ebullient father, the Board Chairman, Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Keffi, Nasarawa State; Dig Udom U. Ekpoudom (rtd.) NPM, FWC, OON, today 19th April, 2014 at his country home Ikot Ebo, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State