Seventy Three-year-old ex-senior staff of the Federal University of Technology, Makurdi in Benue state, Elder Ibrahim Odenikan was believed to have seen death before it struck him last week, August 6.
Those who were close to him in his last hours, said that his date with death came as no surprise to him as he was prepared and ensured that his family too was prepared.
They said that weeks before he passed on, he often reported seeing himself in a beautiful place with fine music that he loved very much.
He was also said to having received visits from three men speaking a language he didn’t understand.
“Two weeks before his passing, he kept singing the last stanza of the hymn: “Amazing Grace” every day, especially during morning devotion.
He would sing: “Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease, I shall possess, within the veil, A life of joy and peace.”
One of his sons, Mr. Omede Odekina of Heirs Holdings, described the deceased as a phenomenal father, brother, Uncle, grandfather, friend, and mentor.
“He lived a selfless life and was never economical in his love for God, family, friends and neighbours.
“He was an unrepentant and sacrificial giver. His life has been a huge blessing and inspiration to us all.
“He has left a legacy of the difference we all can make by investing in life’s most valuable resource – people. He will be greatly missed by all.
“We have the hope of Resurrection as the anchor of our faith.”
Elder Odenika, who died a few minutes to midnight peacefully on August 6 in Jos, Plateau State in the presence of his wife, Mary, was born on July 28, 1944.
He began his education in 1951 as a pioneer pupil of Igala Native Authority Primary School, Eti-Aja-Ugbogbo, Anyigba in Kogi State.
He proceeded to Government Secondary School, Odekina for his Middle School and after passing his common entrance examinations, he was admitted into the prestigious Okene Secondary School (OSS), now known as Abdulazeez College, Okene), in Kogi State in 1958 , from where he graduated as an Religious Knowledge. prize winner.
He was admitted to Government College, Zaria for his Higher School Certificate (A-Levels) from where he obtained certificates in surveying and telecommunications.
He also passed and obtained the certificate of City and Guilds London.
Late Ibrahim Odekina served as Elder at 3rd ECWA Church, Samaru-Zaria; ECWA No. 1, Makurdi; and CEFN Church, Anyigba.
He was also a member of The Gideon’s International and the Board, ECWA Secondary School Makurdi.
He began his career as an Electrical Engineer at Radio Kaduna Television, Kaduna from where he moved to ABU Zaria to become a Senior Technologist from 1971 to 1976.
In 1981, he transferred his services to the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, which at the time was known as Federal University of Technology, Makurdi.
His service years in Makurdi saw him also serve as participant with the World Bank on equipment maintenance, repair and instrumentation.
He rose there to the rank of Chief technologist before retiring voluntarily in 1996 after 24 years post-qualification experience in the discipline of Electrical Engineering and Electronics.
On July 26, 1970 at Qua Iboe Church Ungwan-Shanu, Kaduna, Odekina got married to Mary Ajala Ebenehi. Their marriage was blessed with five children and 12 grandchildren.[myad]
