Onoja: A People's Personality (2) »

When a life is dedicated to service and impact, there is always that dose of being a people’s personality. The popular dictum that states that, “Before someone is honoured with a prestigious title in a town, he has to be a good person,” applies more to the assertion.

Perhaps, people may ask, Who is a good man? What is even the yardstick for being a good man? What are the qualities involved? Does being a good man necessarily have to be with facilitating stomach infrastructure for the people? These and many more posers come up, whenever there is a debate about a who a good man should be.

When some of these posers are raised, what should be done is to look at the person/personality involved and what they have done in/and out of power. It should be far from the perspective of him/her going round to put money in people’s pockets or selling ice cream which a nice man will always do, but in cementing that lifelong bond with people, through capacity and providing lifelong things, that would further make them fulfilled.

Chief Edward David Onoja sees his opportunity to lead as a platform to not just build, but transform the destinies of many, whom he has come across with. In my previous article titled, “Onoja: Keeping Date With Destiny,” particular reference was made to him honouring Cecilia, the woman that assisted his dream, and gave him the platform to fester at his turning point, Guaranty Trust Bank in Jos.

Even in her demise, the people’s personality saw the need to reward good with good by providing her parents, a residential building in honour of his boss, whose dream was cut short by death. It is therefore instructive to mention how CEDO as he is fondly called by his people, has continued to stay to the divine calling of transforming lives, one that the Almighty has endowed him with.

Onoja understands the essence of building capacity, and why it should not be underestimated. He believes that one cannot predict what an ordinary seed can germinate to if properly nurtured and protected. This is why he continues to ensure that fortune smiles on the way of people, through a well-coordinated philanthropy.

CEDO donated Sports Utility Vehicles to three young entrepreneurs, Alh. Umoru Abu (a.k.a. Tablet of Anyigba, Dekina LGA), Emma Prince Oruma (Ankpa LGA) and CEO, Enemona Foundation, Mr. Gabriel David Onoja (Inele Olamaboro LGA) and the son of Chief Oloro. They got the vehicles in recognition of their spirited efforts in supporting the needy and astute commitment, to community development in their domains.

Some of the other people, who have also benefitted from his kindness and large heart among whom are Mrs Victoria Isreal Obayomi, an aged widow from Kabba, who got a new house, courtesy Edward’s impacting spirit.

Just like his boss, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Onoja ensured giving the woman the two bedroom flat, whose construction began in August, 2021.

The Olamboro born star in the horizon of Kogi Politics, did not leave the small village of Iboko-Efaku in Ofu local government alone, in his politics of impact in the lives of people. Another apartment was handed over to a strong pillar of support, Hajiya Memuna Idrisu (Iye Jabe), for her unflinching and unperturbed loyalty to the cause, on November 16, 2020.

In all of these places, the people trooped out massively to express their unwavering and undiluted loyalty to their man, the one who prioritises them, their welfare and good living.

The last story on this edition of this piece is for Mr. Abraham from Ogulu, someone who ordinarily offered to paste posters as far as the 2011 when he did not eve a win. It means that whoever does good should continue, as they will find their reward someday.

Presenting keys to residencies, vehicles and support to people of diverse background attest to the fact that Onoja is from the people and for the people.

These acts of gratitude and recognition, as well as providing honour to whom its due sets him above his peers both in politics and out of public life. Onoja’s acts is a clear direction to something, that if trusted with a bigger responsibility, the indices are reassuringly smart and momentum gathering confirming his ability to do well.

For he that does good, goodness is always waiting as the Karma. The people’s personality stands with a different vision of development, an unmatched sterling record of transformational and unrelenting commitment to better the lives of the people.