THE LEGEND LEFT PREPARED
By ONOJA OKPANACHI
Born in Odu Ogboyaga in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State on June 21, 1942, Senator Dr. Alex Usman Kadiri started from a humble beginning and rose through the ranks to the pinnacle of his pursuits in life. His last official/ceremonial outing was on June 21, 2024 when he marked his 82nd birthday in a grand celebration which brought together all classes of people together in his place of birth, Odu Ogboyaga to rejoice with him as he returns thanks to God Almighty for his life’s journey to that point. Coincidence that may seems but everything has so far shown a man who is prepared to leave at anytime with great consciousness of his time on earth drawing an end – in his actions and words, one could feel his preparedness to answer the call anytime.
(Attached pictures to this story are from his last birthday celebration in Odu)
A standout positive character, highly principled individual and positively firm when he took positions on critical issues and developments. All these made him a one of a kind personality. In his lifetime, he was fearless, just and spoke truth at all times irrespective of the situations as he always put the interest of the people ahead in all considerations. A very dedicated nationalist till his last breathe who used his offices and positions to better the lots of Nigerians – his contributions to various sectors of our dear country are numerous.
As we were preparing for a special documentary release on him today (June 28) to mark a week after his 82nd birthday, he left and his departure altered that plan but leaving us with great lesson of how everyone should always live prepared to leave anytime the Almighty calls. His consciousness in words, planning and actions was to an extent scary but he did all in gratitude to God Almighty for his time here on earth.
Highly contended, Senator Dr. Alex Usman Kadiri lived a life that he counted his blessings always instead of nagging for what he couldn’t achieve.
Undoubtedly, one of the most organized persons I have personally known so far – all that he was blessed with, that he laboured for or that life gave to him, he clearly distributed them to all his loved ones over a year ago. Amazingly, I witnessed some of the handing over of notorized documents of properties to people he wish to aquire them when he is gone and today, I am sure the peace he enjoyed in his lifetime will follow even now that he has gone. His organization was to the extent that he has seen his own final place of rest, where he instructed that they lay him to rest when he is gone. Amazingly, too, Senator Dr. Alex set aside his internal burial committee for proper coordination of his own burial. In fact, our series of communication days before his birthday got me thinking deep each time I dropped the phone.
For him, Senator Dr. Alex Usman Kadiri, I can boldly say “he came, he saw and he conquered”. May God Almighty grant his soul eternal rest.
The ARISE IGALA Team will forever remember him for his fatherly roles all through since our paths officially crossed in December, 2010.
Truly, he lived well and left prepared.
Adieu!!!
