Category: Books and Literature

THE JOURNEY: AUTHORED BY PASTOR OVIS ENAHORO

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Book Review By  Igbotako  Nowinta. (THE JOURNEY: AUTHORED BY PASTOR OVIS ENAHORO). The JOURNEY… is a unique book, painstakingly put together by the author to show case the stupendous philanthropic cum medical interventions of a determined, visionary and brilliant medical practitioner. There is no doubt that the author has been able to put together the personality of a marvel, a pragmatic innovative workaholic; a young man grateful to his maker, with a big heart meant to serve the needy. Dr. Nosa Aigbe Lebarty, going by what is written in this book is definitely entrusted by destiny to embark on a great missionary cum medical journey, imbued with ability to build his own empire for service to humanity. Perhaps an extract from Chief Sam Igbe’s foreword would open a door to the subject matter in this documentation when he wrote:” Anyone who has taken the time to follow the journey of this remarkable young man can attest to his extraordinary character. Dr. Lebarty has risen from a humble background to become a distinguished medical doctor with a successful practice in the United States of America. His story is a testament to what can be achieved with hard work, determination, an an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others”. Readers are going to see a book carefully packaged to put Dr. Nosa Aigbe Lebarty, in his enviable lane of selflessness, as the titles of the chapters speaks volumes about the extraordinary personality and wonderous activities of the subject matter: Chapter One: The Man Chapter Two: Humble Beginnings Chapter Three: Close Shave Chapter Four: Encomiums In this book the author dwells essentially on what she enunciated on the preface of the book thus:”The Journey is an attempt to show case Dr. Nosa Aigbe Lebarty’s growing up challenges, his good heart, victories and successes. Interestingly, Dr. Nosa has become widely recognized abroad and in Nigeria, Edo State in particular, because of his humanitarian gestures through his foundation, Lebarty Community Health Foundation and his contribution to the health sector…Dr. Nosa has become a beacon of hope to humanity with his philanthropic lifestyle, bringing joy to the homes of many through numerous programmes embarked upon by his foundation’. In chapter one: “The Man”, the author delivered the heart of the matter. According to her:” Dr. Lebarty received his undergraduate education from Medgar Evers College  (Brooklyn) and graduated Cum Laude, at Medgar Evers, he was an engaging student. He participated in both educational and non – educational activities…He is certified through the American Board of Family Medicine. Additionally, Dr. Lebarty has diverse medical background, and he has been working in Hospital Medicine since 2012…Dr. Lebarty is the owner of Telemedicine Platform (Lebarty Medical Telehealth), where he is able to assess patients remotely in Nursing homes. He is the founder and President of Project Health Africa with goal of providing affordable and dependable healthcare to the poorer communities in Africa”. The theme in chapter two: “Humble Beginnings” was graphically rendered as follows:”Growing up in the ancient city of Benin, in the then Bendel State, South – South of Nigeria, Nosa was a lively and interesting young man who began a journey that has been characterized by several achievements, the results of his dogged determination to succeed and fulfill his ambition of offering selfless service to the society”. Chapter  three: “Close Shave” was aptly captured by the author in this way:” The Lebarty Community Health Foundation through the presentation of awards annually to appreciate deserving individuals for their contribution to societal development has been in the forefront of promoting excellence in service. The vision of the foundation is also to help those who cannot help themselves and to honour those who are encouraging others to strive for excellence in their chosen profession as well as those who have paved the path in trying to help other folks” In chapter four: “Encomiums”, the author posited:”Emeritus Prof. Augustine Orhue, a former consultant to the World Health Organization (WHO), believes that Dr. Nosa Aigbe Lebarty deserves commendation for assisting the health care sector in Nigeria, with the Lebarty Community Health Foundation, and the hospital he is building in Edo State. If wealthy Nigerians can emulate this kind gesture of coming to invest in their country, the escalating mortality rate through deadly diseases would drastically reduce”. The book ends with arrays of distinguished personalities from varied background, pouring profusely heart warming encomiums on Dr. Nosa Aigbe Lebarty, for his deep seated commitments to alleviate the terrible sufferings the underprivileged folks are going through in Nigeria, most especially via provision of adequate medical care. Written with readable language that drips with the passion and eloquence of an experienced journalist, this Journey is simply captivating. From the content analysis of this book, it is clear that Dr. Nosa Aigbe Lebarty is an embodiment of steadfastness and doggedness in his chosen career; a medical doctor per excellence; a lover of human dignity and merchant of virtuous humanity. The man in his fruitful journey so far remained absolutely committed to the satisfaction of communal needs and aspirations using his medical outreach: The Lebarty Community Health Foundation, a pride to the Edo nation. In Dr Nosa Aigbe Lebarty’s journey, the readers will encounter a benevolent, helpful and kind-hearted personality, possessed with undiluted magnanimity, understanding and empathy with the downtrodden and lowly citizenry of our society. This must-read book was written by Pastor Ovis Avwerosuoghene Enahoro, a journalist who is equally naturally attracted to the less privileged in the society. She met Dr. Nosa Aigbe Lebarty in 2022, and has left no stone unturned in assiduously working with him to accomplish his desires of rendering humanitarian services to the widows, orphans and the elderly in our society. Mrs Enahoro, an administrator, a Minister in the vinegar of God, mother and the author of the book:”How To Be A Champion”, read Theatre Arts and obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Benin ( UNIBEN). Her anxious spirit and indefatigable energy has

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A TRIBUTE TO A HERO; EMERITUS PROFESSOR AUGUSTINE A.E.ORHUE

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A TRIBUTE TO A HERO; EMERITUS PROFESSOR AUGUSTINE A.E.ORHUE It was that eventful day, 10/2/2009, on the floor of the Senate of the University of Benin, Prof A.A.E.Orhue stood up and challenged the illegality in the appointment of the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin and subsequently led a walk out of the red Chambers. His voice and action were amplified by the vigilant Press and it became a defining moment to either acquiesce to illegality or vanquish it in the University of Benin. His name became synonymous with the struggle to demolish official deceit and restore law to its pride of place in our University. It was in the cool evening Dr Festus Iyayi as he then was invited me to see him at his private office located in the same building then with Omega Restaurant. Seated with him was a gentleman I had never meant in my life. It was a moment of ecstasy for me as Dr Iyayi said, “this is Professor Orhue .” That encounter was priceless as I found an older and more illustrious version of myself in pursuit of justice! He had volunteered to use the law to challenge the illegally imposed Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin. He demonstrated thus that he had the courage of his conviction. As a personal friend of the substantive Vice-Chancellor that eventually emerged after the struggle, he served with distinction in helping the Vice-Chancellor to navigate many slippery terrains which space will not permit me to enumerate; he also helped to mediate without hypocrisy to resolve issues that would have embarrassed the University. He was a man in whose life divinity intervened to rescue from disgrace. His Inaugural lecture which was cancelled for frivolous reason(s) with some court jesters  revelling in the unkind act became a reality as the 70 years retirement law came into effect on 11/5/2012  and was announced on the very night 14/5/2012  he was deemed to have retired from the services of the University. The Brutus sword was used to assail his unblemished career by those who served unabashedly in a Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee who sought to please an emperor Vice-Chancellor who pretended to have the power of life and death. The legal victory he secured for the wrongful compulsory termination of his appointment though after  his retirement date, imposed punitive fines on the University for the poor and unacceptable conduct towards this great man. The sacrifices made by him whereby for seven years he headed the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology when all his contemporaries left for greener pastures in the Middle East, preserved that Department and as a testament to his influence, on his 75th birthday, his former students who are authorities in the Medical Field in their own rights organised a lavish birthday party in his honour. This Emeritus Professor sought to bring succour to women who were called barren and in the course of his research activities discovered that he could not succeed without the almighty God. Thus in the course of the Invitro Fertilisation (IVF) procedures, a vital component was a praise, worship, bible study and prayer session that lasted an hour. The results he got were astounding and reassuring. He was indeed a true Knight of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a man of large heart, generous, dependable, loyal to a worthy cause and friend. In the midst of my travails in the hands of the University authorities in October 2014, he left his house at Ugbor Road at 8:00pm in the night to visit me at Ugbowo Police Station to secure my bail though he was unsuccessful due to the resistance by the Divisional Police Officer acting the script of the powers that were. When my official residence was broken into and all my property were confiscated, he visited the scene of the incident and donated handsomely to enable me begin the purchase of household items anew. Space would fail me to eulogise this great man of many distinctions who served God and humanity with his knowledge and skills, who was villified vigorously, but emerged victorious always, a dependable ally, a courageous soul , a leader of worthy causes, a love slave of truth, a teacher extraordinary, a repository of knowledge, a defender of the weak, a philanthropist and a worthy ambassador of Heaven. The earth was enriched indeed by your presence and we celebrate your passage as a true hero. Adieu Emeritus Professor and Knight of St John International. Emmanuel E.I.Irabor, PhD Professor of Industrial Chemistry University of Benin

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FORMER UNIBEN VC: PROF ANDREW ONOKERHORAYE SETS TO LAUNCH BOOK

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A former Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof Andrew Godwin Onokerhoraye will present his Autobiography titled, “The Riches of His Glory” in Benin city this Saturday. The presentation is under the chairmanship of a former Vice Chancellor of Delta State University, Prof Eric Arubayi. Prof Friday Okonofua,a former Vice Chancellor of University Medical Sciences, Ondo Reproductive Health Consultant is the Book presenter in the event scheduled at Horatio Marquee, 4 Okada Avenue, Edo Hotel, Benin city.

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