- He Should Be Studied- Bayelsa Royal Fathers
A former president of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, on Thursday in Yenagoa described a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and group president of the Ayalla Group of Companies, Chief Robert Ayalla Enogha, as his son in whom he was well pleased.
Jonathan who was represented by Chief Tobias James, said this at the unveiling of a book, “footprints to greatness,” written by 46 professors of Ogbia extraction, in honour of Enogha who will turn 60 on December 24.
Jonathan said it was gratifying to note that Enogha who was his special assistant when he was deputy governor of Bayelsa State had grown steadily to becoming a man of influence in the businesses of hospitality, oil and gas, foodies et cetera.
The former president however urged him to remain his humble and resilient self in the years ahead, and not allow the encomiums poured on her to get into her head.
Jonathan’s acknowledgement of Enogha’s business integrity and character was re-echoed by the chairman of the state council of traditional rulers, HRM Bubaraye Dakolo, who eulogised the businessman, saying it was rare to find such a person in Ijaw land.
He said Enogha was a politician, industrialist, businessman, orchestra and philanthropist weaved into one and said it was not surprising that the water produced by one of his firms, the Ayalla water, was becoming a household name in the state.
Saying that Enogha deserves to be studied as a book, to enable people discover how he is able to function in all the capacities successfully and still keep his head above the waters, the royal father prayed God to preserve his life till he clocks 100 years on earth, to enable him continue to serve humanity.
A former chairman of the PDP in Rivers State, Felix Obua as well as the INEC resident electoral commissioner, Cross River State director, Dr Johnson Alalibo also praised his resilience and business acumen.
Group president of Azikel Group, Godbless Eruani said it was a spectacular moment for Enogha to be so celebrated in a book by 46 professors, saying he was a source of inspiration to the younger generation and a pride for the Ogbia people.
Enogha, believed to be the highest employer of labour, outside the state government, praised Jonathan for accepting him as his son and recalled how their path crossed, noting that Jonathan has played the father figure in his life which he had missed until the day they met.
He thanked Jonathan, his wife, Patience for all the support he has enjoyed from them, and took sometime to remember his late wife, Esther, as well his late mother and his late personal assistant, saying they meant a lot to him.
