By Ori Martins
A former South East representative in the Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), High Chief T. O. E. Ekechi, PhD, D.Litts. has described Prince Lemmy Akakem (Deputy Chairman, Imo State Council of Elders) who is marking his 75 years birthday in superlative, poetic language wrapped and embellished in beautiful prose elements without being grandiose.
In a birthday message personally signed by the marketing and media guru and addressed to Prince Akakem, and made available to journalists in Owerri, Ekechi urged nde Imo to stand up for Ndaa Lemmy… “a natural prince” who is a “true definition and reflection of his tittle – Okpata Ozuoha”.
The Ngor Okpala born business mogul praised the erstwhile Spartans and Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland) of Owerri chairman, as a gentleman “born to Royalty, immersed in affluence, and inducted into fame at youth, yet opts to a living in the hearts of men”.In wishing Akakem a resounding birthday celebration, Dr Ekechi who signed the statement with his wife, Tata, described Prince Akakem as a sincere “benefactor who gives without asking,and forgives without conditions… and from whom Love oozes in pure innocence”!On his persona and personality, he applauded him as Mr. Charm, Mr. Evergreen: radiant, relevant, fresh and timeless whose life’s secret code is “simple and easy (Surulere)” noting that Prince Lemmy is neither translucent nor opaque but absolutely transparent” in all his dealing with fellow men!
Perhaps, what stands him out most from his contemporaries besides his sense of humility is his sense of gratitude. Akakem has this tendency to appreciate little courtesies and favours out of proportion almost to the embarrassment of the giver. In a remarkably sensational choice of words, Ekechi toasted “to Okpata Ozuo Oha, the effervescent, urbane, sanguine leader of Style and class, of finesse, elegance, verve and panache who inspires confidence and admiration”.
He concluded by praying to be like Prince Akakem while inviting The Prince to anoint him with the oil of youthful age and wisdom.
