By ABUBAKAR YUSUF

It was a roll call of who’s who, not only in Kogi state, Igala land but the entire country when a board room guru and strategist, Dr Isa Salifu Harrie, was installed by the paramount ruler in Igala kingdom, the Eje Dekina and Acting Chairman, Igala Area Traditional Council, Eje Dekina, HRH Chief (Dr) Alhaji Usman Obaje OON held on Saturday May 15, 2021.

Dignitaries from all walks of life not only thronged the occasion at the palace of Eje Dekina to honour the astute banker, but defied the early morning rain that took over the day/ occasion and also coerced the Royal majesty to commence the occasion.

The decision of the traditional Institution to carry on with the installation in spite of the heavy down pour was a testament of the age long humanitarian and social services that involved the recipient and the new Omachi Eje Dekina, Dr Isa Salifu Harrie.

This was also applicable to many dignitaries that attended the occasion as an opportunity to honour the seasoned Banker who had impacted so much both in the private and public sector.

His noiseless disposition towards community services stands out among his contemporaries both within and outside his domain to promote equality and egalitarian society.

The ancient town of Dekina also came back to life as the occasion not only attracted dignitaries, but his contemporaries from all walks of life either in his school days or as a working class or boardroom executive.

High profile personalities from all walks of life including the heads of Federal Government agencies and parastatals, heads of departments and agencies of government, including top echelon in the private sector honoured the important occasion.

According to Eje Dekina, the new Omachi was installed from his track records of achievements as a community leader, philanthropist, opinion moulder who had made tremendous contributions to Kogi state, Igala land and Nigeria at large.

His unrivalled contributions to the social and economic development of Igala land, Kogi State remain significant to the development of the area in the annals of its history.

The zonal regional manager’s support to religious advancement without discrimination both to the Islamic and Christian religion was worthwhile.

It was a period of testimony from friends, well wishers, brothers and sisters who opined the singular honour bestowed on Dr Isa Salifu Harrie as well deserved and reward for good deeds in all ramifications.

According to some dignitaries, the honour was given to who really deserve it, as this will also spur him to make more overtures towards more communal services.

Dr Salifu in his usual magnanimity treated many dignitaries that honoured the occasion to a unique reception at his residence at Agbeji, his ancestral home.

At the reception in his residence, Dr Salifu appreciated dignitaries that attended the occasion having challenged the natural phenomenon of heavy down pour to make the occasion memorable.

He used the occasion to thank the Igala Traditional Council (ITC), through the Eje Dekina for finding him worthy to occupy the exulted position of Omachi Eje Dekina, with a promise to sustain and promote the culture and demands of his new status.

Dr Salifu prayed for a safe trip back to their various destination of dignitaries that attended the occasion.

•Yusuf, a Public Affairs Analyst, writes from Abuja.

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