May 13, (THEWILL) – Former Nigeria Military Head of State, Rtd General Yakubu Gowon, has extolled Edo State deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, for his exemplary character and humility.
This is even as a first-class Benin Chief, the Oliha of the great Benin Kingdom, has applauded the Edo number two citizen for his simplicity and humane disposition.
General Gowon gave the commendation on Friday, during the 50th-year anniversary celebration of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, in the ancient city of Benin, Edo State capital.
While delivering his address, the former Head of State delightfully acknowledged the presence of the Deputy Governor, among the prominent personalities that graced the glamorous event, describing him as a young gentleman with so much respect and uncommon dignity.
According to Gowon, “Some years ago, I met a young man who offered me a seat in one of the airlines flying from Abuja to Benin. The top seats were already taken. I had to sit in the back seat in the middle of some young people because I had to be in Benin on time that very day”.
“This young man left his front seat, came to me and said; no, you have to go to the front seat and take my seat. I said no to him and that I will manage the back seat, even though I have been rejected by the young people behind me.
“But he insisted, not knowing that he was a Deputy Governor of a State. Honestly, I have appreciated him since then and I’m still very surprised that he is still here.
“Are you still the Deputy Governor? Gowon asked Shaibu. Yes sir, Shaibu responded in the affirmative. Spontaneously, the mammoth crowd including the representative of President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Godwin Obaseki, erupted with a resounding ovation.
Continuing, the former Head of State retorted, “So, that means you have been a Deputy Governor for almost 8 years and you will be 16 years as Governor by the time you finish”, General Gowon said prophetically.
Similarly, a notable and first-class chief, the Oliha of Benin Kingdom, Chief Edionwe Oliha, also shared his pleasant experience with the Deputy Governor, who offered his official vehicle to convey him and another prominent Benin Chief to his palace when his car broke down.
The two Chiefs, who represented the Oba of Benin at UBTH’s 50th anniversary celebration were almost stranded at the entrance of the hospital while driving out, as the SUV car conveying them suddenly came to a halt.
Shaibu immediately ordered his convoy to stop and respectfully, offered his official car to the Chiefs and sat with his driver in the front seat with the convoy in tow.
Upon arrival at Chief Oliha’s palace, he prayed for the Deputy Governor and blessed him.
“For what you have done for me, God will continue to rescue you by taking you from the place you are to the place you deserve to be. You will go there and we will all be witnesses to that day”, Chief Oliha also said prophetically.
Meanwhile, Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu has described 50 years of UBTH existence as a milestone worth celebrating.
The Deputy Governor made the remarks when he spoke with newsmen during the celebration to mark the historic event in Benin City.
He commended the founding fathers of the medical facility for their visionary ideals while giving kudos to the management team of UBTH, under the leadership of its Chief Medical Director, CMD, Prof. Darlington Obaseki, for keeping alive the dream of making the hospital a world-class centre of medical excellence.
Earlier, Shaibu was given a Meritorious Award of Excellence for his ‘selfless service to humanity’.
