Eulogies For Nigerian Observer Ex Editor, Atakpu, at 60

It was  tribute galore on  the Deputy Executive Director of Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ  and Former Deputy Editor of the Nigerian Observer  Comrade Leo Ohiro Atakpu, as he celebrated his 60th birthday in grand style on Valentine’s day.
The birthday which witnessed high profile personalities across the country, including his family members, featured a guest lecture with the theme “Tackling Multi-Dimensional Poverty in Nigeria; Need for Reforms” delivered by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Wellspring University, Benin, Professor Patrick Ohikhena as well as panel discussions by Dr. Osaiga Felix Isibor, Senior Lecturer, Department of Marketing, University of Benin, Ms Sabina Idowu-Osehobo, former Executive Director, LAPO, Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo, Chairman, Governing Board of Conference of Non Governmental Organisations, Edo State, Dr. Oscar Ubhenin, Associate Professor of Public Administration, Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma and Mrs Blessing Eromon, Head, CLEEN Foundation, Benin among others.
Speakers after speakers who spoke in their  goodwill message  including  the Assistant Features Editor, Nigerian Observer Newspaper, Comr. Grace Ijeoma Umeh, thanked God for protecting and preserving the life of the celebrant and that of his family for making him impact positively on the lives of the common man.
They described Comr. Atakpu as a genius, consummate leader and an epitome of accountability, transparency and fair play whose comradeship has promoted a course of good governance in the country and the world in general.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion and Executive Director,  ANEEJ, Rev. David Ugolor, who recalled how the non governmental organisation was established about three decades ago, described him as a brother, confidant, trusted and honest ally and hardworking comrade.

According to him, Comr. Atakpu’s  inputs as the Deputy Executive Director of ANEEJ, had promoted the Organisation and the society to achieve their potentials toward the development of the country.
In the same vein, the wife of the celebrant, Barr.( Mrs) Oritsemueyiwa Atakpu, extolled the virtues of her husband, describing him as a true and honest husband, father, brother and close associate whose legacies would remain indelible in the family, especially in view of his humanitarian dispositions in building a viable and  prosperous society devoid of crimes and criminal activities.
They prayed to God Almighty to continue to give him a sense of direction to enable him discharge his responsibilities to transform the people and the country.
In his vote of thanks, the celebrant, who felt highly elated, thanked God for his life to witness another milestone achievement which reflects on his diamond age.
He particularly thanked his wife, the Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor and the governing board and staff of ANEEJ for standing with, beside and behind him to achieve these progressive feats, noting that if not for their support and cooperation, he couldn’t have achieved all.
He however assured of his total commitment and focus towards building an enviable society towards the development of mankind.
The high point of the ceremony was the cutting of the birthday cake, lots of eating, and dancing
Present at the ceremony include the acting General Manager of the Nigerian Observer Newspaper, Comr. Sylvester Oboh, the former Editor, Comr. Eubaldus Enahoro and former Feature Editor, Pastor Eghosa, among other guest from the Civil Society,  School mates of the celebrant, Church members and families