By Jimitota Onoyume

President of Organization of African Unity – Southern Carolina (OAU – SC), Grand Knight Emeritus, Sir Tonna Okei , has bagged a meritorious award from the Association of Nigerian Physicians , America Carolina’s Chapter (ANPA).

Presenting the award, President of the association , Dr Joel Onafowokan, lauded the awardee , saying it was in recognition of his service and consistent advocacy for human capital and community development.

His words : ‘’When he Okei aka Ikuku Oma was sick, he was still serving the people . He was connecting doctors to the places that were in need of their services , to the African-American communities that had not been able to get any type of care. Sir Okei is a knight, he is a statesman in Delta state.

“Like Okei, we need to break barriers to help others get to the place they need to be. It only starts with a dream and we need to be a source of inspiration. In every family, there are challenges going on. We need to extend that hand of hope. We ‘re here to break down walls of partitions of culture, of racism. We can do that. We need to make sure we are inspiring the next generation to make sure that we can make a future for them.

” Okei’s resolute empathy for enhancing life chances of his fellow human beings is not only historic and exemplary but worthy of emulation.”

Okei, elegantly decked in his rich Agbor traditional attire expressed gratitude for the honour, stressing that it would spur him to greater service to humanity.

He said : ‘’We are a communal people, and it is not enough just to dislike what is bad, but we must be an advocate for change. Indeed, permit me to invoke the immortal words of Martin Niemolloer a German sage who once postulated that “First they came for the socialist, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not one of them, then they came for the Jew and again I did not speak out because I was not one of them then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me.” So therefore, let us take refuge in the words of MLK who said “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”.

‘’Distinguished members of ANPA it is very important especially as we face a new government in America to be ever vigilant and be an advocate for our people. We the Leaders must rise up and take the challenge of advocation for our people. I am happy that Dr. Onafowokan and his cabinet are doing this. Let us ensure that we build alliances with other powerful group for that is the way forward. There is a reason why the western world are busy building alliances like NATO, G7, G20, EU and Brics among others.

“Therefore, we must seek alliances with the powerful associations and leaders in our country so as to be able to leverage this relevance to advocate for the good of ANPA people. Let us be communal and we must reject all those who are pushing for regional or parochial settings. It was Ronald Regan that cried out, tear down that wall. Let us tear down all walls that stop us from building an alliance with other groups.

‘’To do this we must ensure we only elect men and women who can deliver capacity driven leadership. It is said that Nemo dat quod non habet, you can’t give what you do not have, Dr. Onafowokan and his team sure have what it takes to bring about a better ANPA. Let us ensure that after our tenure or earthly journey, we can, as we prepare to exit this world like Saint Paul of Tarsus, say the following words- “bonum certamen certavi cursum consummavi fidem servavi- I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.”This is my mission and hope.

‘’We must learn to be tolerant, and this is what Democracy is all about’’.

ANPA gave a gift to the wife of Okei, Dr. Toyin Okei. Some other dignitaries at the event include Dr. Andrew Ighade and wife, Dr and Dr Mrs Cadmus, HRH Dr. Ekunsanmi, Diokpa Pharmacist Sunny Obuseh, Diokpa Dr. Chiedu Okocha, Lt. Col and Mrs Uba Okeke Rtd, Mr Frank Onyeajam, Ms. Onyeka Okei,and Dr. Fidelis Edosomwan.