Jude Ogbeche Ngaji, a former Ogoja/Yala House of Representative candidate in the 2019 general election has written a touching tribute to Late Barr Okpokam.
Ngaji in his tribute highlighted memories of their early struggles and Secondary school experiences while noting that Okpoks (as he was fondly called was loved by all).
Read Full Tribute Below
'TRIBUTE TO MY FRIEND, SIMON OKPOKAM AYIM, 49yrs."
"It has been hard writing these lines, because I couldn't find the exact words to describe our relationship and all the feelings involved in it. Somehow, it was easier to just sit and cry in the dark than to do this at last. But when you promise something."
"Okpokam was born November 6th, 1970 in Ogoja; one of the oldest provinces in the country even before independence. Ogoja is a quite multicultural town of fun loving friendly people with swiftly bridged of North and South bond blossoming in the gentle green valleys and habitations.
I have known Okpokam for many years; from our early years at Igoli-Ogoja to Mary Knoll College, Okuku-Yala, and our dogged activism in Ogoja Youth Movement (OYM) for the creation of Ogoja State. He was a very patriotic grassroots politician who had great love for his people; very friendly and loved by everyone. His contributions to debates and discussions were that of a true Cross Riverian. There is only one life and he lived his very well. We will miss him dearly because the inevitable death, has created a vacuum."
"I recall with nostalgia our cosy relationship at Square Promotion Theatre, Ogoja; with him as President and I as Production Manager. We have been privileged to work closely in the live entertainment movement for some years; organizing a variety of events, shows, quiz, debates etc etc. He was so passionate about creating imaginative and memorable experiences responsible for the development and organisation of several concerts, musical theatre productions and live events in Ogoja and environs. With a wealth of experience of musical theatre, concerts, sports events, charity functions, and more under his leadership, Square Promotion Theatre took great pride in successfully handling each and every element of our events then."
'Although politics and business later kept us at different tides at sometimes, our relationship went on like that for long years, positive thoughts, encouragements, comforting...up until his surgery which was successful to the glory of God. Thereafter, each time we speak I could hear the sound of relief in his voice with a reassurance that all was well.
Simon was a very pragmatic human being who argues with precision, beaming seriousness and sincerity. The blind saw his love and the deaf heard his patriotic voice for an egalitarian society. While he speaks, he scares crows from drying nuts and scavengers from their prey."
"Despite his young age, he still beat the monsters at their own game - they slumbered while he projected great hope to the human race. He confidently resisted intimidation and empty rhetoric. He kept his light aglow for a brief moment and when the sun went down, in death his is stiff and lifeless in the quiet of being.
As the first Male child of his mother, he indeed carried on the responsibilities of a true son that we were all proud of. Back in the days at Ogoja and to Palm Groove in lagos, he worked very hard, saw himself through school, graduated and as a lawyer. He us responsible man who played the role of a father, was named and called father by his friends and siblings."
"Okpoks, as I call you, please note that death has no shame, that death has snatched you away from us today, note that you fought like a man. God knows best as we can't question his decision.
You left an uncommon legacy that will always be remembered. I will forever mourn your demise. You’ve gone so soon but you shall not sleep in vain. The lord shall grant you a peaceful repose.....Amen!"
Late Okpokam until his death was the Senior Legislative Aide to Rt Hon Jarigbe Agom and he died on Sunday 14, July 201also a close friend of Ngaji.
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