Edo state APC Chieftain, Pastor Osagie Ize-iyamu has congratulated the former Edo AC chairman, Prince Tony Omoaghe on the occasion of his 80th birthday anniversary.
In a statement signed by Osagie and his amiable wife, Prof Idia Ize-iyamu, the duo describe Prince Omoaghe as product of truth and hard work saying he had impactful career in businesses, leadership, politics and many outstanding contributions to his fatherland.
The statement reads:
It is not easy to describe a man of many excellent parts. Many contending attributes are all at once conjured, that it becomes difficult to narrow down. When such a man clocks another year, he deserves to be celebrated; moreso when he is 80. In commemoration of such a wonderful day, we are often obliged to do everything we can to make it extra memorable. Such is the story of Prince Tony Omoaghe, the illustrious son of Ogwa, in Esan West local government area of Edo state. My family are remarkably honoured and privileged to celebrate with the Eziza of the Universe.
Being a product of truth and hard work, you have had an impactful career in business, leadership and politics. In your many outstanding contributions to your fatherland, you were the Chief Executive Officer of the very successful Morifa Ltd. back in the days. As a prosperous young man, you immensely supported the gubernatorial aspiration of Prof. Ambrose Ali of the UPN in 1979 and he became Governor of Bendel State, which comprises of what is now Edo and Delta states. This was no mean achievement especially considering that Prof Ambrose Alli came from a minority tribe. In the administration of Prof. Ambrose Ali, you were a key player and that government remains a reference point till date. Notable among the strategic responsibilities you undertook in that era was your chairmanship of Bendel Brewery Nig. Ltd. Your period as chairman saw the brewery becoming the cash cow of the government. Impressed, the state government decided to channel the company’s revenue into building critical infrastructures in Edo state amongst which was the Edo State University, Ekpoma now called Ambrose Ali University. Years after, you also played a critical part in the victory of Chief John Odigie Oyegun of the SDP as Governor of the newly created Edo state in 1991. Though the government was short-lived, you were appointed, Chairman of the board of Edo Broadcasting Service *(EBS).* On return to civilian rule in 1999, you again assisted immensely in the election of Chief Lucky Igbinedion of the PDP as Governor of Edo state. You were also the first elected deputy national secretary of the People’s Democratic Party *(PDP). Arising from political differences in Edo state which led to the emergence of the Grace Group with the slogan ” No man is God” you were persuaded to leave Abuja* after which you became the pioneer chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria *(ACN),* the platform on which Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole eventually contested and won election as Governor of Edo state in 2007. You have without contradiction produced four governors in Edo state at
different times and with different political parties. On this birthday, we officially acknowledge and crown you as the undisputed political kingmaker of our state. You have over the years remained a recurring decimal in political struggles and success, no wonder even the Buhari government recognized and appointed you as board member of the National Directorate of Employment *(N.D.E.)* in 2022.
These superlative examples of your personal commitments and contributions to our nation has not deterred you from being a successful family man and a dependable ally. After so many years of knowing you, I can confidently say that you are a kind, supportive and loyal friend. You are a deep thinker, an eloquent speaker with impeccable command of English, a courageous fighter, a man of profound conviction who has a heart of gold, a zest for life that is reassuring and a passion for collective advancement. You are cheering, compassionate, humane, humble and God-fearing. No matter the hour, whatever the need, you go the extra mile- giving and always ready to share a comforting word and a smile. Worthy of note too is the fact that you are a bridge builder whose tentacles run far. Regardless of age and class you relate easily with all, a quality that has endeared you to most and earned you the political title- *“The Convener”*, a position you have held creditably and used effectively to call state wide meetings to deliberate on matters affecting the political wellbeing and direction of Edo state. You are not one for sycophancy and eye service but truth; you tell it the way it is and always seek to get things resolved in the right and best ways.
At 80, you have proven to be a model and a mentor of significant influence. Your ability to lucidly recollect the events of the past and to articulate propositions for the present and future is simply breath taking. Your versatility and vitality impressively makes you a man whose brilliance is borne of nature and excellent cultivation. Indeed, my family and I cherish the warmth of your presence and we shall always felicitate with you in glitz and fanfare. We testify to it that in the midst of high and low moments that attend to every human being, God has in His infinite grace showered you with love. May He never cease to bless you with good health, a wonderful family and a heart of eternal glee. And may your story be like that spoken of in Proverbs 9:11- *“For by me the days shall be multiplied, and the years of your life shall be increased”.*
Happy birthday Sir.
*Pst. (Dr.) & Prof. (Mrs.) Osagie Ize-Iyamu*