By Kingsley Dike
A tribute in honor of the brilliant Nigerian academic who died in the ill-fated Ethiopian Airline Flight ET302
Death do not be proud. How you have cheated a daughter, a loving wife, aging parents and teaming array of strangers from across the world united in common grief and sorrow on the demise of the one that has been described as a loving father, a devoted husband, a caring son and a consummate academic and scholar.
The one who left his homeland Nigeria because of the political decay but have spent all his emotions and intellect trying to motivate a societal rejuvenation. He tugs at the conscience of the political class urging them to do better by the people. He exalts the people to change the Nigerian narrative by improving our common ethos as a people.
Using the rich history of the Nigerian people he reminds us of the bravery of our heroes past from Queen Moremi of Ife , Queen Ida Benin of ancient history to our modern day literary icons Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe.
He reminds us of their incredible work ethics and productivity that placed the country on the world map. Adieu Payo and thank you for your devotion to our common humanity.