…Say: He’s a Legal Icon,Mentor, Support Pillar , Father Figure.
As Prof Francis Dike, (SAN), former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Imo State celebrated his 84th birthday on Tuesday, September, 21, 2024, his expansive residence in the heart of Owerri, the state capital was a beehive of activities.
The auspicious occasion which was attended by many who have benefitted from the highly esteemed legal luminary’s milk of human kindness, professional advice, selfless services and lot more.
These beneficiaries include the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Imo State Council, Orluzurumee Youths Assembly, the academia represented by an internationally acclaimed erudite scholar, philosopher and former Imo State governorship candidate, Prof Protus Uzorma, including the group of relatives from Nwangele LGA, who featured with their Igba Ndi Eze ,among others.
These distinguished bodies and personalities poured encomium on Prof Dike, who they described as a compassionate mentor and father figure who has consistently been a beacon of light and pillar of support to many who looked up to him for succor in their moments of trial and tribulation.
They prayed that the Almighty God continues to bless him with good health, long life and peace of mind.
Prof Portus Uzorma, who presented an Award of Excellence to Prof Dike on behalf of his Non Governmental Organization,NGO, known as Prof Uzorma Foundation For Justice and Equity in an emotion laden voice, recalled the attributes, landmark achievements, unblemished image and impeccable track record of Prof Dike.
He went on to described him as a very rare gem who embodies qualities that are worthy of emulation as far as humanity is concerned.
Protus Uzorma fondly referred to as the Mayor of Imo Youths by virtue of his antecedents and passionate commitment to the welfare of Imo youths commended Prof Dike’s visionary, humane, impactful and people-oriented leadership qualities that distinguish him from the crowd.
He noted that Prof Dike is the President and leader of Orlu Elders’ Council, while he, Uzorma is the Secretary.
Speaking earlier a Veteran Journalist and Publisher of Nigeria Newspoint Newspaper, Elder Lambert Ojukwu (Ugo Ebe N’aja) who led the delegation of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Imo State Council to the occasion, accompanied by a former Chairman of the Union Comr. Steve Uzoechi, of New Telegraph Newspaper, Barr Vivian Otti, Chairman, National Association of Woman Journalists (NAWOJ) ,Imo State chapter, Val Okara of Daily Times Newspaper, Elder Martin Opara, Deputy Editor, Nigeria Watchdog Newspaper and Comr.Austin Agwulonu,Exco member,NUJt said, “our dear Prof, we are here at the prompting of Comrade Precious Nwadike, Chairman, Imo NUJ to congratulate and celebrate you on your 84th birthday. “Though our able Chairman, Nwadike, is unavoidably absent, he said we should come and felicitate with you. We, as a union cannot thank you enough for all you have done and have continued to do for us. We pray that God in his infinite mercy continues to bless, guide and protect you to continue helping and assisting humanity.
Prof Dike’ 84th birthday was celebrated with fun fare as different dance groups entertained the guests who were served different appetizing delicacies and assorted drinks.
Some dignitaries present at the occasion include, Chief Bob Kay Njemanze, Chief Mike Obioha, Prof Dike^s son Dr Dike Jnr, among others.
