By Vera Wisdom-Bassey
The pioneer Managing Director of the Champion newspaper, Prince Henry Odukomaiya, who recently turned 90, has expressed gratitude to God for keeping him alive to that ripe age.
While briefing journalists, Odukomaiya acknowledged the grace of God that kept him that far, thinking Almighty for His infinite mercy. “It is by the grace of God. God has been merciful to me in my private and public lives,” he averred.
It has been reported that the media industry has under-celebrated him. But the patriarch said: “I would not say so. I believe the media industry has helped me and whatever I do is noticed and reported. That gives me satisfaction.”
His brother’s wife, Chief (Mrs.) Grace Abiodun, eulogized Prince Odukomaiya’s exemplary character, describing him as nice but strict. “He is a very nice man since I married his brother 51 years ago. He took me as his daughter.
“He is strict because he is straightforward. He does not compromise with anybody. He will tell you the truth whether you like it or not. That is why the whole family rallied around him. I’m proud to be one of the Odukomaiya’s family,” she said.
During church service, Venerable Ebenezer Adewole, the Dean of the Cathedral, prayed to the Lord Who has been keeping him till old age to continue to support him. “We pray for Papa, He who keeps you will never slumber. The Lord is your helper; the Lord will preserve you,” the Pastor prayed.
The elder statesman, who was filled with joy, while celebrating with friends at the Archbishop Vinning Memorial Church Cathedral (AVMCC), GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, stated that “God’s grace has kept him thus far.”