EMMANUEL MUSA OTEIKWU: CELEBRATING THE 69 YEAR YOUNG LEGEND

Many would consider themselves fortunate to have grown up with a father, I call myself blessed to have grown up with this great man. On the 1st day of February, 1952, from very humble beginnings, a remarkable destiny was birthed in the person of Mr. Emmanuel Musa Oteikwu (Daddy). 

He would go on to train up and forge children that have risen up to great places of influence in different spheres of life. I will comment again that I am blessed to be called his son.

When others had to look for mentors in other places, we already had a readily available one at home. A lot of the principles that have guided me safely in life, I learned from my father. 

Mr. Emmanuel Musa Oteikwu had a rare style of parenting. He didn’t rule his household with “an iron hand”. He didn’t believe in strictly confining us to prevent us from “getting into trouble” or instilling fear in us. He told us about life, giving us high guidelines and yardsticks to live by. And having done that, he trusted us like an infant, believing that we would comply. And I am glad and proud to say that we didn’t disappoint him.

We could always count on him to be calm in the face of whatever storm, whatever challenge, whatever problem, whatever difficulty. He was our immoveable support while we were growing up. And even till date, he is ever ready to give wise counsel to us and guide accordingly, always there when we need him.

When my ministry started at the tender age of 12, he didn’t think it was ridiculous or impossible. He supported me all the way. When I had the lofty dream of becoming a medical doctor, he didn’t consider that we didn’t have the financial means. He paid no regard to the mockers and messengers of doom around us that believed it was impossible. And today, so many things that people thought were impossible for us to do, have manifested into reality. All those who questioned, “Can anything good come out of that family?” have been silenced and embarrassed by our great success.

Despite financial crises which we faced in our home, we never knew hunger. Daddy strove to ensure that no one in the house went to bed hungry. And he was able to achieve this in all honesty. I grew up to know him as a dangerously honest person, a highly principled man who imprinted same on all his children and persons that were opportune to relate closely with him. 

Daddy is humble—humble to a fault. His level of simplicity is unmatched. And from him, I have learned that it pays to be humble. When you see yourself as nothing and ascribe all that you are to God, He continually honours you in embarrassing ways. 

It didn’t matter that Daddy came from very humble beginnings, he didn’t let it deter him from being studious. He has an unquenchable hunger for knowledge and this drove him to read vastly.

Another remarkable quality he had was his ability to remain clearheaded and approach all issues objectively. Through this, we were able to see him constantly apply wisdom to various situations. He wasn’t quick to react in anger, he was able to keep a cool head even during tough times. In addition, he was very strategic in his approach and oftentimes thought outside the box to get things done. And he was able to teach these characteristics to his children. 

Daddy is also a highly optimistic man. He believed that there was no problem that didn’t have a solution. All it took was time, and readiness to use the reasoning which God has blessed us with. He wasn’t a man that could easily be brought down by challenges. He taught us to keep rising and soaring above whatever challenge came our way. He believed that challenges don’t exist to bring us down, rather, they exist to train, teach, toughen and take us to the top which we were made for.

One thing has never been in doubt, and that is, Daddy’s love for his family. rand secure haven for all. And I can testify that his children enjoy same in our immediate homes.

Against all odds, he has produced a consultant cardiologist, a specialist gynecologist, a staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria, a civil engineer, accountants, a geologist, nurses, computer scientists...and counting.

For all your life teachings, I remain thankful to you sir. For all your sacrifices, the numerous times you inconvenienced yourself to make us happy, I am intensely grateful sir! I love you deeply, immeasurably, and incomparably. 

Indeed, he is a man who constantly attracts the highest respect from most that come in contact with him. Daddy has so positively impacted lives to an overflow.

Happy birthday Daddy! God will grant unto you long life. Your generations to come shall call you blessed. The Lord’s glory will always surround your life. You will keep enjoying the fruit of your labour until He calls you back to him. The seeds of integrity and strength of character which you have planted in us your children will never die, they will keep producing good fruit and multiplying even in the lives of people within our spheres of influence. Shame, pain and sorrow shall never be known in your life. As Caleb said at the age of 85, that he was still as strong as when he was 40. So shall your strength be continually renewed and rejuvenated. As the Lord shall add years to you, He shall also take you from strength to strength to greater strength.

My birthday wishes to you are just a glimpse of my innermost, heartfelt feelings. A lifetime isn’t enough to exhaust them all. God bless you Daddy!