Amb. Godknows Bolade Igali

Nine years gone, yet memories stay strong just like an evening gone.
In all the rivulets, creeks, and waterways of Bayelsa, your name is etched in the hearts of all. Yes, young and old; great and small. Yes, in all of Ijaw Nation, Niger Delta, and Nigeria, DSP illuminates radiant as a shining star that seems never departing.

By Godknows B. Igali In virtually all cultures of the world, the age of 90 is not only venerated but also seen as signifying the attainment of the full life cycle and the apogee of spiritual growth. Beyond that, this age is considered as the epitome of accumulation of knowledge and insight into the things…

Today, the usage “titan” is often ascribed to someone who is god-like and influential in given fields. On 4th September 2024, that word resurfaced compellingly in Lagos to remember a contemporary giant, Pa Akintola Williams, one year after his departure on 11th September 2023.

“Sovereign Immunity” is perhaps the oldest notion of international law and has existed from when the formal development of human society had its nascence. According to Professor EH Feichbenfield, (1931) a leading scholar in the field, this goes back to the oldest norms of what was considered wrong and right. Indeed, it was premised on the fact that all collections of human beings are equal to one another and, should, be respected as such. From the most unrecorded and uncodified ancient systems of morality and international jurisprudence, it was recognised that in the same way in which men are bonded by certain standards or behaviour, various collections of human groups must conform to what is generally accepted as right in their relationships.

Both Okwadike and the hawk-eyed Diplomat in two dissimilar ways toiled for Nigeria in its journey of statehood. They bore a common cord. That is placing nation above self and toiling until they reached the touchline. Thanks goodness, Nigeria honoured them respectively with toply distinctions of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) and Officer of the Order of the Federal (OFR). Although they have now “faded like the stars of the morning”, but of conscious memorial shall be their works; in all of Nigeria, and no less amongst Ndi Anambra and their wives, children and families, for whom our hearts remain binded in prayers.