By
Michael Tidi
Seldom does one come across an individual about whom all those who knew him in life have nothing but good things to say. Hon. Barr. Daniel Omayone Mayuku, the member representing Warri South-West Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, is celebrating his 52nd birthday today, surrounded by well-wishers with his beloved and devoted wife, Dame Juliet, at his side. Attaining 52, in a country where life expectancy is plummeting by the day, is certainly a testament of God’s grace upon his life and the prayers of the hundreds of lives he has affected. Mayuku has always led by example, and proved to be the most tenacious human being I have met in recent time. Unlike many members of his generation, he is not stuck in a boring rut or set in his ways or narrow-mindedly allergic to new ideas. And he’s certainly not a typical Naija Big Man, not least because he has an egalitarian, democratic spirit and can not only cheerfully cope with criticism, but actively welcomes opposing viewpoints from those he regards as well-intentioned or well-informed.
There are many things I could say to pay tribute to him, he is 52 after all, which is a significant milestone! It is enough to establish the character of a man, and to know who he truly is. I have had the honor of hobnobbing with him closely; therefore, I know him. He couldn’t have been the best man around. But he is certainly a good man. He is not perfect neither is this piece an attempt to confer sainthood on him. But a chance meeting with him could align your thoughts with mine. Mayuku possesses a much physical energy, so much sheer enthusiasm for life and such a modern mindset that I find it difficult to think of him as middle-aged!
Born on August 8, 1964, in Warri, he was already armed with a bronze spoon – in a part of the world where some never eat with any spoon from birth. But, he brought more than eating utensils (which he is using proficiently to enjoy life); he made sure he also came equipped with one of the sharpest brains and intellect that would smoothen his way through life. Not done, he supplemented all these with incredible degree of self –discipline, as well as high ethical standards and mental courage. Excellence in Arts resulted in tertiary education at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Golden Fleece in his pocket, he headed for the Nigeria Law School, where he graduated in flying colors.
Human Right activism for him is quite a passion. So, he started as a right activist, questioning why oil exploitation have become a threat to the achievement of sustainable development, peace and progress, particularly in oil-rich Ugborodo community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, and the Niger Delta in general. He is so eloquent and provided very outstanding insights into the issues that led to the drafting of the famous Chevron GMoU with an uncommon courage. He was truly the nemesis of the IOCs that many feared to confront. Mayuku stayed the course and has given the struggle against marginalization so much credibility by the force of patriotic courage as well as the cultured tuned of his voice.
It is to the gain of Delta State, nay our country that Mayuku has retained a very active engagement with the Nigeria social space, playing multifaceted role that remain dedicated to the deepening of the content of Nigeria’s democracy and the building of a country that works for all our people.
As the people’s representative, he tirelessly uses his good offices to empower those in his sphere of contact and allow their long-nursed hopes and dreams to become reality. Warri South-West constituents whose political behavior has a clear index of a people that are appreciative of good gesture, has for the 4th consecutive time, rewarded the philanthropy of their noble son with resounding victories at the polls.
Mayuku is not a philanthropist in the classical sense of the word. He is more a benefactor, in the genre of the Good Samaritan, with a keen sense of a duty of care, towards the needy and distressed. He provides safe harbor of calm and resuscitation, to those tossed about by the vicissitude of life. He is simply an icon of splendid humanity, at its quintessential best.
The servant- leader relationship, between Mayuku and the legion of endangered humanity he is rescuing from disgrace, best exemplified what is most noble and endearing about him. His acts of kindness is done without condescension, but with utmost humility, that of a man who sees in others, no matter how degraded by society, our common humanity. He did not see his benevolence as an investment, on those from whom he expects future benefits-or even gratitude.
We are lucky to have outstanding patriots like Mayuku; he continues to give so selflessly of himself to worthy causes, with the genuine belief that a much better State, indeed, a much better country is possible and can be built by patriots from all over our country working together with passion, spirit and a sense of purpose and of sacrifice.
More grease to his elbow. May he have a wonderful birthday and productive year.
