Truly, the life and times of every man on earth is not measured by longevity but a voyage of selfless impacts. As humans, the best attribute you can bequeath on anyone who traversed your paths should be centred on positive energy, constructive admonitions, upliftment and perhaps a compassionate zeal alluring everyone around you to succeed in their respective careers.
When I got hints of daddy’s retirement from the Civil Service, I nursed a reverie of mixed feelings.
Do you know why?
I personally have a retirement plan blended in his honour and my secret plan is structurally preserved in my widest imaginations but it is yet to be brought to fruition; it is not late yet it beaconed another deep introspection forming the bane for this discourse.
Mr Michael Edibo Tokula without mincing words has etched his name on the sands of time and in the heart of many. Anyone who had an encounter with our own living legend is always blessed with a different touch or nod of ideas which can sustain these personalities for a lifetime. He is not a Saint but he has ignited the hopes of the fainthearted to the lanes of their undying dreams most especially the downtrodden. Mr Tokula as he is fondly called is a man of courage; he is a trailblazer full of amazing qualities.
To be candid, my dream to join the Federal Civil Service was mentored by him and I strongly believe Daddy is not aware of this confession. As a Civil Servant in the mid 90s, his residence โ in Abuja โ was a home for all, especially students and relatives who are relocating to Abuja or seeking employment opportunities.
He does not discriminate. He ensured everybody who is under his roof and care maximize their potentials to the fullest at the expense of his own comfort which was absolutely obvious. Daddy’s approach to life issues and his perceptions about life is also a story for another day.
Many of us, are beneficiaries of his good heart. Aside from educational sponsorships, he also served as our uncommon counsellor ensuring nobody derailed from his / her chosen career paths. In all my years of close interactions with Daddy, I have not witnessed him speaking to anyone in anger. His abilities to manage crisis is topnotch. At the peak of provocation, he will never lose his temper rather his advices and words of caution is capable of breaking the strongest bones.
In the good old days, I once gossiped about Daddy with one of his relatives. I told him, “if you give Daddy an opportunity to advise the devil, we may have a new convert during mass the next Sunday“. These were my exact words and my conviction about his character and charisma remains intact after many years.
I remember vividly a particular incident that happened sometime ago, precisely in 2005:
As at that time, Daddy was the National President of the All Saint Igala Catholic Community โ it is an association with membership comprising all Igalas in the world who are faithfuls of the Roman Catholic Church.
Back to my recollection: I arrived home after completing my Secondary Education and paid a thank you visit to Maraba then from Karmo. I met a visitor whom I haven’t met before in the room where I was supposed to pass the night and along the line we got talking. From our discussions, I knew his host (Mr Tokula) does not even know him in person. All Daddy knows about this particular visitor was the fact that he was an Igala man and at the same time a member of the Catholic Church who was stranded on transit.
The next day, this particular guest who was on transit needed to proceed to Borno state or so (I can’t really remember his exact destination).
Daddy was about driving out to the office when the visitor ran to the car park to thank him for the accommodation.
Daddy bade him farewell and at the same time gave him some naira notes to aid his transport fare. He further enquired if the traveller knows his way to the park. The man said “no”.
Daddy alighted from his car and waited for the young man to eat his breakfast, had his bath and dressed up before driving him to the park. While all these drama was ongoing, I was seated in one corner vexing. The visitor was very slow and taking his time to enjoy the moment not minding the fact that he was keeping his generous host who does not know him from Adam waiting. Meanwhile, I knew Daddy was late for work but he will never complain.
Another incidence happened in 2006, Daddy was on transit and unfortunately he was involved in an auto crash.
The owner of the other vehicle which was being towed at the time of the accident was said to be at fault. Daddy’s car, a “Honda Halla” which was chauffeured by his friend โ Late Mr Friday Garba โ was badly damaged after the crash.
The owner of the second car narrated how he was coming from the burial of his son. Daddy commiserated with him and went further to gift the man some cash.
He (Daddy) later boarded a public cab and proceeded to his destination. We later got hint of the whole tragedy when Late Mr Friday narrated it. I was not surprised. Anybody who knows Daddy must have a story to tell about his good heart, which I must confess it is second to none.
One faithful day in 2014, Daddy called me to meet him in his office the next day. He mandated me to come along with my credentials.
I arrived his office and he handed me over to one of his staff. He told her, “this is my son. Please ensure you assist him get somewhere to manage at least for now”.
I followed the woman who drove me round Abuja talking to all her ‘connect’ soliciting for a placement on my behalf.
I saw the determination in her. She later instructed me to give her hardcopies of my credentials. She dashed me some funds for transport and advised me to be steadfast.
According to her, “I don’t joke with anything that concerns Mr Tokula. He is a good man. I will do anything within my reach to ensure you are hired in nearest possible time“. Her testimony about Daddy is just one amongst many.
Daddy will be greatly missed in the Federal Civil Service, in the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN); especially in the Marketing Directorate where he has contributed his best quota over the years.
Without mincing words, I can hardly remember any point in time when Daddy observed his Annual Leave. It may sound unbelievable but this is his level of commitment on the job which I am very proud to attest.
Gratefully, we (the members of his family) are happy he is retiring in good health because we anticipate spending more time with him after many years of his ever busy schedules. Meanwhile, on a second thought, I know Daddy is only retiring from the Civil Service, he is anticipated to be busier than ever before because he will never fold his arms to sit in one place. Mr Tokula to the glory of God is a workaholic; he is a silent achiever full of amazing qualities. Today, Daddy is retiring from the Civil Service but he is not tired!
I am also happy he rose to the peak of his career in the Federal Civil Service. He has successfully mentored many civil servants during his active years in service. Now that Mr Tokula is taking a grateful bow, it is my passionate wish that in few decades to come, we (his children) shall attain similar feat in good health and vitality just like Daddy.
Daddy, we are proud of you. Thank you for setting the pace. Thank you for giving us a solid foundation. Thank you for making us walk in the society with our heads standing tall. Thank you for all the sacrifices; we are not ignorant of it. May this new phase of your life attract bigger accolades to your colourful feathers of many honour. Indeed, you are a good man.
May posterity and humanity continue to judge in your favour (Amen).
โ Ajogwu Jerry Ochada
January, 2024