5 Decades of Delightful Deeds, lessons from the life of Obinnaya Uruakpa
“You do not eat nshiko, the crab in secret” so says an Igbo proverb. Indeed, the deed of men is a voice that speaks. It is the 50th birthday of Mazi Obinna Uruakpa, an elder statesman. The roll-out of activities across both vertical and horizontal corners of the world is not just heartwarming but awesome. There have been an ongoing OBIFEAST “feastference” from the first day of this month April to celebrate this icon and by privilege; I have been part of almost all the sessions. Friends, family, partners, well-wishers and mentees had all gathered for OBIFEAST 2021 to celebrate the legendary Obinnaya Urakpa as he turns 50. A Congolese proverb says “A good chief is like a forest: everyone can go there and get something.” Ichie Obinnaya is being celebrated within the length and breadth of Africa and beyond today because he’s a good chief.
Maybe I am not qualified to write this tribute, I mean “the little opportunity given to a monkey to wear clothes does not guarantee it to join the dining table” but like Christopher Paolini said- better ask forgiveness than permission. So after tenaciously following this Sage for about 3 years now, I can boldly laid claim that these lessons from the life of Ichie are not just facts but the whole truth.
From tributes to observation and then actions, these lessons from the life of this great African icon are timeless and can hold the key to achieving the Africa of our dreams if they are imbibed by the younger generation. More than these tenets, the intentionality to which Iche Obinnaya does life is particularly noteworthy and one that I try every day to internalize. Rapelang Rabana couldn’t have put it any better when she mentioned that those who become great are deliberately creating their life paths as opposed to allowing life to happen to them. I deliberately left out “intentionality” as parts of the lessons because I feel this is the foundation. Man should live intentionally!
Here are the timeless lessons from the first 50 years of this icon. I hope to write another of this in another 50 years from now- God willing.
Humility is king
“If you fill your head with pride, you will lack space for wisdom” Tanzanian proverb
I had the rare privilege of attending the night of proverbs put together by the “leadprenuers” to celebrate Ichie on his birthday. Almost everyone who spoke mentioned that his humility is unequalled- and this is explicit for all to see. A stranger needs only to say “hi”, and be certain to be embraced by his humble welcome. One of the scarce things to find amongst men of all ages these days is humility. Society has found a way to equate humility to weakness and thereby reducing the appeal level. Notwithstanding, Mazi Obinnaya has continued to go about leading his live with utmost humility.
Kindness is priceless
“The right-hand washes the left-hand, and the left-hand washes the right hand” Igbo proverbs.
This is one of the mantras of Obinnaya. He is an unapologetic believer in the act of kindness. In a world where people will always want to know “what is in what for them” he differentiates himself from this. Again, almost everyone who has sent in a tribute on his birthday so far had mentioned how his kindness finds expression in every of his thoughts and actions. I learnt from him the truth in the Igbo adage that “It is only that child that gives a cracked palm nut to an elder that enjoys his protection whenever the stone is in dispute.” At all levels, kindness is a debt, paid by kindness! Oji aka eri aka (A gift of grace follows a gift of grace)
Consistency births greatness
“An emaciated child cannot be fattened in just one day.” Nigerian proverbs
In a country where it is difficult to keep at a thing, we have seen a man who has not only been consistent but also remained committed to his mandate. He understands that consistency is essential in ensuring that success becomes a habit. The legendary Dwayne Johnson said that success isn’t always about greatness, it’s about consistency. “You don’t pick birds’ nests on the way when going to a city full of birds”. I am sure you’d agree with me that the aggregate of consistency is what birth greatness. Any man who is consistent in his ways can be trusted to always show up and deliver.
Communion is the bedrock for collective development.
“A single stick may smoke, but it will not burn” African proverb.
One thing that stands Obinnaya out from most of his counterpart on the “firth floor” is his strong belief in communal lifestyle and living. He has epitomized this in his everyday living. Naturally, his actions exemplify the Igbo adage that oran na azu nwa (it takes a whole village to raise a child). He is a leading star shinning the light on we (the younger generation) coming behind. With him, there is no tribal bias. He recently mentioned that “I am very careful with young people, they can become anything tomorrow”. If the Nigerian dream is to become a reality, the spirit of oneness and community should be imbibed amongst young people and indeed every Nigerian. This singular action can fast track the development we’ve so much crave for as a people.
Faith in God
“God gives nothing to those who keep their hand crossed.” African proverb
Mazi Obinnaya, again and again, had attributed everything he has achieved and everything he has built to God. He make bold of it that man can almost not amount to anything tangible outside God. My favorite line of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) creed is “We believe, that faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life.” There is a superior Being than the Homo sapiens and He must be called into the affairs of humanity for it to have order. A Zulu adage says that “those that plan without the help of the spirit must plan again”. God is at the center of all he does!
These are lessons that can help any person anywhere lead a successful and fulfilled life. We are indeed blessed to have you walk this earth before us and have us follow. Dear sir, we wish you many more success in life.
Ya gazie
