DR. STEPHEN ODO; THE MAN THE CAP FITS

It was on the eve of 1996 Christmas that I heard what angelic voice I never heard for the first time oozing from the position of the Trinity Methodist Church altar, in Nkalaha. The song, I remember vividly, was titled “God’s judgment shall be great”, glowing in a relatively crescent style that overtook the church in the manner that priests of the Old Testament would reliably say, “God inhabits the praises of his saints”. It was so captivating that before the end, weeping was heard within the congregation.

When the song receded gradually like fire whirl gradually quelled by massive fog, I heard the minister announcing from the altar thus, “That was God’s message through Bro. Stephen Odo”. I never believed a man could be so blessed with such a resounding tenor voice capable of moving God’s hands. Meeting such a god-fearing person, I did not need a second thought to identify with him. The humility he dispelled by not rebuffing or repelling the little and ordinary me was an aptitude I believed made him remarkably different from other big brothers.

Born into Umuokoebe, a sub-clannish population of people within Umulesha, Nkalaha, Stephen spent most of his growing up years in the northern part of Nigeria. He even obtained his first degree in Maiduguri. Being noted for his commitment to service, he worked in a private establishment where he acquired the sustainable skills that positioned him better for whatever sensitive post, be it within the government parastatals or outside the government. During these days, he met his God-given wife Mrs. Winner Odo. She is a renowned music artist in the manner of Chinyere Udoma.

Bro. Stev., as I fondly call him, began to announce himself as “a man of the people” through his selfless leadership roles in Nkalaha. He founded the former Nkalaha Student Association in 1997. He did not only found the union; he sat behind to elect among the members leaders to handle the affairs of the organization. Bro. Stev.’s active role in the growth and survival of the prestigious Nkalaha Believers Association spoke for him as a worthy child of God. His active roles and exemplary leadership lifestyle proved different the saying that leaders are made. His life is a clear indication that, though leaders are made, some people groom and fashion themselves for the kind of leadership they propose for their society. Bro. Stev is a good example of such people. He is a father and a loving man with the passion as one.

Stephen’s involvement in politics was not spontaneous. I would say that he appeared on the political scene at the right time when his attention was needed most. His political aspiration, as he made me to know, was first to unite Nkalaha politicians and make them see reasons to come together as brethren. By that time Stev. Identified with the two key players in the political faction within Nkalaha, Late Hon. Joseph Orinya Ebe (Agu ji egbe I) and Hon. Jonathan Ebe (Obodo Ederu) and moved freely with them. He did not relent in trying to reconcile both party key players and make them to fight for a common goal, but it did not work out.

Stephen’s passion and personal burden, though people do misunderstand him, has been on the right of his people. I am a witness that our dear brother, Dr. Ejike Omebe would perhaps have lost his abroad education opportunity but for the concerned effort of Stephen Odo. I still could hear his voice clearly telling me to go and stand in for Ejike in the meeting with the governor’s representative else we would lose that opportunity. He saw it as our opportunity, not just for Ejike alone. But for his concern, that opportunity that we celebrate today, perhaps, may not have worked out. The same zeal also led him into organizing some concerned members of the community in his house to brainstorm on what possible steps to be taken to attract the attention of certain non-governmental organization towards rehabilitating Egedegede road. I can speak clearly of his involvement in settling the community electricity issues with the Power Holding Company in Enugu and many more things not known to Nkalaha generally. He did all these because he felt they were deserving and necessary.  

It may, beyond controversy, be argued that he had some flaws. This I may attribute to aberration due to all man. As long as he is not the crucified Christ, he may have been found wanting by fewer populations who only look out for faults. For me, I can speak vividly, although not vouching, like Mark Anthony reading the funeral oration of Julius Caesar that Stev. is a deserving leader. For a man who preferably took to going on foot while another person made use of his personal car, I cannot wait to say that he is exceptional.

In 2007/8 Stev. Enrolled for a Master Degree Programme at Ebonyi State University. This he underwent successfully and fearlessly moved in for his PhD. Today, my Bro. Stev. is addressed with an uncommon academic title as a PhD. Holder; and of course the first ever to emerge in Umulesha. This is prowess exhuming from doggedness. This same doggedness and sincerity of purpose have just seamed for him a coat of colours. I present to you the Honourable Commissioner for Human Capital Development, Ebonyi State, in the person of Hon. Dr. Stephen Odo (still my Bro. Stev.).

I must be considered to have written in oblivion should I ignore to acknowledge the fact that some able bodied men and women were solidly on ground holding the ladder while Dr. Stephen Odo was climbing. To all them who had contributed materially, financially and of the most, prayerfully, I say a big thank you. I shall not forget in a jiffy Hon. Obinna Nwachukwu and others not mentioned here because of time. His wife, Winner Odo who had been there during those hard times, I also applaud your sincerity to wait upon God’s appointed time. To my big brother, The Hon. Commissioner, I say congratulations once more and wishes of more political positions greater than just this.

I am aware that you have Nkalaha at heart, I plead that you still prove to us again who you used to be. Use the slightest chance you have to compliment the beautiful work that Barr. Joe Nwa Onuma had started. His little opportunity as a few days speaker of the old Enugu state brought electricity poles to Nkalaha for the first time. Dear Big Brother and my Commissioner, do remember our deplorable road. It is, of course, not directly on you as a duty, but I do believe that you can influence it. Remember, the scripture cannot be broken; and perfect is the teacher who said that there is always a difference in the feeling of the people anytime the righteous rules the land.

I wish you a successful and remarkable tenure in office.

Your student and friend,

Onyejiuwa Emma Nnaji.