Celebrating God’s mercy, fruitful years of Ede Engr. (Sir) Donaldson Eshilama, KSJI @ 58

Dennis Udoma 

Life is good and worth celebrating. People: “the high”, “the low”, “the have” and “they have not” celebrate birthdays yearly in appreciation of God’s grace in their lives.

But some celebrate life daily. They believe that there is not just one special day for one to celebrate, while merely existing for 364 (or 365) days for the leap year.

What that means is that “Grace” is the ingredient of life worth more celebration. I can liken grace to power supply in production factories or homes. Where there is power availability, things work but where there is none, life is exited, dull or production stops, and nothing works anymore.

From the scripture precisely in the Old Testament, grace is described as an undeserved favour from God. “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord”, Genesis 6: 8.

It cannot be earned but a part of God that is freely given unto us.

That is why, no man owns his life, brags about life or anything for God says in Proverbs 16: 9, “A man’s heart deviseth his way; but the Lord directeth his steps”.

So, those whom God has granted the grace to live full circle in a day or year have reasons to celebrate birthdays.

Apart from representing another year of growth or lessons learned; a birthday also means different things to many people. It provides an opportunity to pause, reflect and appreciate all that we are and have been.

From childhood to adulthood, birthdays bring about a unique combination of memories, emotions, and experiences that help us celebrate life.

It provides an opportunity to gather with loved ones, share stories, and memories. It is a chance for friends and family to show their appreciation for you, and to celebrate the unique qualities that make you who you are.

It is on that score that, I chose to celebrate my Worthy Brother, Ede of Okpekpe Kingdom in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, South – South Nigeria; Ede Ofi’Enwu, Engr. (Sir) Donaldson Eshilama, whom God in His infinite mercy has recently granted 58 years.

Ede, is one of the two recognised traditional rulership chieftaincy titles in Okpekpe Kingdom of Edo State, the throne he ascended since 2015.

Notwithstanding his kingship disposition, Ede (Engr) Sir Eshilama is a devout Catholic and serves God with heart and strength.

He is a member of the Noble Order of the Knights of Saint John International (KSJI), Uyo Grand Commandery.

Currently, he serves KSJI as Recording Corresponding Secretary (RCS), and 2nd Vice Commander, Commandery 537,  SS Peter & Paul,  Essene in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Besides, Ede (Sir) Donaldson Eshilama is an Electrical/Electronics and Telecommunications Engineer by profession.  He holds a Masters (M.Eng) degree in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering from the University of Uyo, and Bachelor’s (B. Eng) in Electrical & Electronics from the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State of Nigeria with a PhD in view.

He is a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Nigeria Computers Society (NCS), and Computers Professionals of Nigeria with over 28 years of experience in the IT industry.

Ede (Engr) Sir Eshilama is an achiever on many fronts and happily married to Lady (Dr.) Blessings Ezinne Eshilama. The marriage is blessed with five beautiful and handsome children. Among them is Esivue Eshilama, who graduated recently with a High Distinction from Carleton University, Canada with a Bachelor of Engineering degree.

I join the Catholic Community home and, in the Diaspora, family, hordes of friends and associates to celebrate God’s special grace upon him as he clocks 58 years.