Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari have praised the Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom, Bayelsa State, King Edmund Maduabebe Daukoru on the occasion of his 80th birthday and book launch.
The eulogies came as King Daukoru announced that he would soon be launching the next phase of development of his kingdom, which will encompass a gas turbine, integrated farming and fish culture; land reclamation and large-scale reticulated water system; among others. “Just pushing my goodwill some more,” the Mingi XII said at the birthday lecture on “The Imperative of Energy Security for Accelerated Rural Development: A Special Case of the Niger Delta Region” and book launch in Abuja, yesterday.
In his goodwill message, Chief Obasanjo said the king has lived a well-fulfilled life and God has been kind to him in many ways, adding that the former minister of petroleum resources has shown the path to millions and nourished positive and creative thoughts in many.
“Over the decades, you have shown uncommon courage, leadership, vision, loyalty and unbounded patriotism to your people and your country, Nigeria. You have been an embodiment of love, compassion, hope, affection, discipline, and identification with the common good,” Obasanjo said. He said King Daukoru is a prominent royal father in the “all-important oil-bearing South-South zone of the country, you have deployed your good offices to ensure peace in the area and there is no doubt that your Kingdom, Bayelsa State and the South-South geopolitical zone, has continuously savoured the full benefit of your enviable position as one of the revered elders of the area.”
Also, Jonathan described the former president and secretary-general of OPEC as a statesman of repute, with an excellent career record of success and notable strides in public and private service. Mr Jonathan said Daukoru has been a role model to many Bayelsans and others across the country, mentoring them to greatness and inspiring them to the pinnacle of their dreams.
“As a first-class monarch in Bayelsa State, you have demonstrated great leadership skills beyond your immediate kingdom. As the Chairman of South-South Monarch Forum, you have been consistent in promoting peace and advocating for the development of the people of the region,” he said.
While Buhari refers to the king’s age as a landmark by divine grace, he was thankful to God Almighty who bestowed him with the gift. “I pray for longer years in good health and sound mind.”
On his part, former head of state, Abdulsalami Abubakar said King Daukoru is a complete elder statesman, a philanthropist and a patriotic Nigerian who contributed immensely to the well-being of the nation, adding that he is indeed an asset to this generation.
“HRM has impacted positively on many lives while he was serving as a Minister of State Energy in Nigeria and other positions he held,” Abubakar said.
Former deputy governor of Edo State Mike Oghiadomhe said over the years, Daukoru has come to epitomise “a rare amalgam of quintessential cerebral disposition, diligent fidelity to the best of our traditional institutions, and enduring faith in Almighty God.”
Among other heavyweight political and traditional leaders at the event are his eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Your Majesty, King Jaja, Dandeson Douglas Jaja.
