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By Chidiebere Onyemaizu
A development communication expert and social critic, Jerome Mario Utomi, has emphasised the need for the elite and good-spirited Nigerians to prioritise human capital development, job creation, community development and philanthropy to help reduce youth restiveness, crime and insecurity in society.
Reacting to the conferment of the Justice of the Peace title by the Delta State government on some prominent indigenes of the state, Utomi maintained that the task of enthroning a sane and progressive society is a collaborative effort between the government and the governed.
Utomi commended the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, for honouring the recipients, describing the move as fitting, proper and deserving.
He lauded one of the awardees, Jacob Ngozi Dibia, a renowned security consultant, for his consistent commitment to human capital development and his efforts to make society a better place.
According to him, Dibia has proved that it is possible to serve God and humanity selflessly without expecting anything in return.
“The revered title of Justice of the Peace is not purchased, at least not in Delta State. It is earned. It is conferred on individuals who have done so much to advance the cause of community development, human capital development and peaceful society and Dibia is one of such persons. This explains why his family, associates, friends and all those who are aware of his humanist tendencies agree that the JP conferment on him was deserving, proper and fitting.
“Of course, the honour was in recognition of his exemplary contributions to human and community development, maintenance of law and order and enhancing access to justice in the state.
“Dibia’s recognition readily brings to mind an American writer, James Moore’s views in the foreword he wrote for a book, “Family of Secrets”. According to Moore, when an individual assumes a new office, his reputation, and what the country knows about his background is initially determined by the work of local journalists who do a competent job of reporting on the prospect’s record.”
His words: “Because of Dibia’s humble and unassuming nature, his contributions to societal growth and stability are hardly captured by the media. You won’t find Dibia trumpeting his achievements hence not so much publicity has been given to his good deeds to mankind right from his days as an officer of the Nigeria Police Force to the time he joined, served and retired from Chevron Nigeria Limited. It now, however, behoves me, as a witness and beneficiary of Dibia’s humanist strides, to, using the instrumentality of the media, tell the world about him and also celebrate his historic JP milestone.”
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Continuing, Utomi said: “To his community, the church, the vulnerable in society, the needy and downtrodden, the name Jacob Ngozi Dibia strikes a familiar chord. It is a name synonymous with silent philanthropy. He is a special breed, he is a rare gem blessed with sharp vision to understand that to make it in life, working hard alone may not be enough as the dazzling rate of change in technology and increasing competition driven by globalisation and technology are now crucial factors to success.
“Dibia understands that one must not only be educated, but constantly re-educate and reinvent himself to remain socially, politically and economically relevant. He knows that as humans, we must continually sharpen and invest in the development of our competencies to avoid becoming obsolete at work and in all spheres. These sterling qualities were not only superlatively evident in the discharge of any task he saddles himself with or he is trusted with but also could be gleaned in the milestones he attained in his career spanning 43 years.
“This graciously aided his salutary transition to, and attainments of greater heights. Of course, Dibia’s exhilarating life trajectory saw him transition from a junior to a senior police officer and from the Nigeria Police Force to Nigeria’s oil sector.
“Dibia is a firm believer in the notion that we earn a living by what we earn, but that we make a life by what we give. This mirrors his selfless contributions toward the growth and development of human, community and faith-based organisations as well as his numerous philanthropic gestures. Dibia knows no tongue, tribe or religion when it comes to giving to, and helping humanity. He is the special instrument God used to wipe the tears on the faces of the downtrodden.
“I have learnt many useful, invaluable and indelible lessons from him. Out of these lessons, two stand out. One, that we find peace and happiness by helping others. Secondly, that every individual needs inspiration from selfless humanists like Dibia to overcome complex challenges of life. In this particular instance, I am a beneficiary of Dibia’s kind, good-heartedness and unwavering commitment to lifting people out of the shackles of despair and nerve-wracking challenges.
“Many years ago, I made a strenuous effort to obtain a highly prized scholarship for a course in one of Nigeria’s prestigious universities and failed but through Dibia’s valuable assistance, I later earned the scholarship and went for the course.
“An African axiom says that “instead of an adult to strap a baby at her back, with the child’s legs keeps touching the ground, it is better that such a fellow allows the baby to walk on his/her own.
“Dibia, through his actions, has demonstrated he is not one to allow a baby strapped on his back to suffer. In my time of need, Dibia strapped me to his back and did not allow my legs to touch the ground. He gave me the wings to fly and provided a beautiful shade for me to perch on. His irrevocable commitment to seeing people succeed in life is something I don’t take for granted.”
Dibia and the other awardees’ swearing-in as JP took place in Asaba, the Delta State capital, recently, with the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Theresa Obiajulu Ogochukwu Diai, administering the oath of office on them.
