By LAMAI CASSIUS
Men make their own history, but they do not make it as they would have loved to. They do not make it under self-selected circumstances, but under circumstances existing already given and transmitted from the past. Good people are hard to come by and the truth is that this world despises good people. Human beings have a natural instinct to either extinguish the spatter of lights that dot the almost tangible darkness around us, or cover it up. We are always quick to kill the better people in our society or to drag them into the mud with us.
In the same vein, insanity is doing something the same way and expecting a different result. That’s why APC has come with the slogan “Change”. There will be no result of political and economic emancipation if we continue to recycle same people. So a person from the grassroots and down to earth politician like Major Francis Alimikhena (Rtd) is indeed as index for change at least.
“The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential….these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence”- Confucius…
Born winning all battles from childhood through providence and education, this scion of Agenebode in East Local Government Area has proven beyond every doubt, and has made true the popular notion that “results are never to be argued with”.
Little may have been known of his humble beginning, but that beginning which was frequently watered with the urge to succeed has gained such acclaim which makes beginnings such as his the envy of even those that were born with silver spoons.
Major Francis Alimikhena (Rtd) means different things to different people. To some, he is a star, though to the larger society, he is a galaxy… yes a galaxy, because he has aided a lot of shine. This is one man that has held his world and humanity spell bound and has in so many ways given the people such great hope and a future to pride with.
Being a successful military officer and a rallying point in the political scene, where he ventured from, Major Francis Alimikhena (Rtd) has carved a niche for himself, not only as a Philanthropic but in the building and propagation of the truth, which the society constantly yearns for.
Truth and truth, that’s all he propagates, and little wonder why he has been able to attain such feats even in a society that tends to encourage mediocrity, the answer may not be farfetched, he has been consistent and resolute, he has been able to swim against the tide, he believes in challenging the status quo and giving the people a new lease of life.
Let nobody credit his success to professional discipline alone. Yes many studied history, journalism, law, medicine etc, but are today in politic, Major Francis Alimikhena (Rtd) has carefully chosen the path he threads and has helped the growth of every society.
It was Aristotle who said “we are what we repeatedly do, excellence, then is not an act but a habit” this holds true for Major Francis Alimikhena (Rtd) who has shown excellence in all areas of engagements ranging from, private, corporate to public assignments, his relationship with people is also a testimonial to his life of excellent disposition.
If not lack of space prevents bringing his achievements to the fore, but I would not be sounding immodest if I say he has set a standard upon which others would be judged. His uncommon resolve at creating a conducive environment has made people in his community the envy of their compatriots.
His visionary, efficient, reliable and honest attitude to duty when he was in the military was widely acknowledged as the magic wand behind the uncommon transformation’s acclaim.
Major Francis Alimikhena (Rtd) commitment and passion to the developmental strides of the people has not only made him give his best at promoting the cultural heritage of the people, but has formed the foundation upon which he hopes to change the society for the better by encouraging selflessness, which according to him, is the hallmark of excellent and unrivalled feats.
As a team player, the Egiode born Philanthropist and politician, pays no mind to personal glory, but has at all time taken to team work, which is identified as the most appreciated culture of the people. Major Francis Alimikhena (Rtd) despite not believing in personal glory is always quick at commending people’s efforts, an attribute that stands him out as a key supporter and believer in the dreams, aspiration and successes of good governance being witnessed in the present administration in Edo state led by the comrade governor, Adams Oshiomhole.
As a politician, he has brought finese, diplomatic and urbane touch into the handling of political issues. His mastery of these virtues has changed the political orientation on every turf he engages in, from confrontational to issues-based politics. This has not only engendered progress and development, but has put the people to the consciousness that they belong to one another.
His humility agrees with Henry Wadsworth, who said “in character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity” this, he has shown even in the face of extreme provocation and pressure. This is one man who is tall enough to chatter with the high and mighty, and humble enough to feel the pulse of the man on the street. His smiles and laughter pierces through the most moody moments to give soccour to the depressed.
His sterling quality of transparency makes him a rallying point for everybody, regardless of creed, belief and leaning, he lacks room for petty issues and at all times encourages the can-do culture as the wherewithal. In all fairness, he is one man that has never exercised his power to the disadvantage of another…my liberal and trust worthy Major Francis Alimikhena (Rtd).
In several ways, he has positively touched the lives of his people, through education, health care, infrastructure, economy etc. he has shown in clear terms that empowerment should not be anything short of what can keep food on a man’s table while the next meal is assured. Major Francis Alimikhena (Rtd) has given meaning to a lot of lives and still doesn’t seem to be done.
His native Egiode people are always proud to identify with this man who has done so much for a bargain. Little wonders the elders, women and youths see him as the best thing to happen to them, his advent on the political scene has been a clear departure from what leadership used to be, he has been iced with philanthropy and patriotism.
Gratitude should be given to the very society he has done so well, perhaps he would have reneged on his goodwill if the much he did were not being appreciated. The more than 20 well intentioned awards in his kitty may not only be to commend his ingenuity to nation building, but is also a way by which many could be encouraged to do well in their chosen endeavours and callings.
Major Francis Alimikhena (Rtd) is one man who has received more than 30 awards in appreciation and recognition of his pivotal role in the advancement of the course of humanity. This is one award that is not only well timed, but has come at such a period when his work in the past years is being aggregated and accessed.
As of the last I checked, nobody in his position has performed better than him in our history as a people, and yet just like Oliver Tweest, he still craves to do more, and promises to get better at every opportunity. Regardless of any situation he seeks the best for his people and has for the past years sacrificed his personal comfort and gains to ensure that people’s lives are changed forever.
Through his labour, he has made certain that his hands are seen in every effort that seeks to uplift humanity. He has replaced mediocrity with commitment and hard work and has paid serious attention to the values of integrity, which has earned him the large followership he commands.
There is a cult-like believe that excellence is the unlimited ability to improve the quality of what one has to offer, and like Martin Luther King, Jr. “all labour that uplifts humanity has dignity and significance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence” Major Francis Alimikhena (Rtd) has never given up on the task of making the society better, I doubt he ever will.
As a retired military officer who has offered himself for the services of humanity in the Edo north senatorial district it is my passionate appeal to all and sundry to gives him all the necessary support to achieve his dream now that he has been given the senatorial ticket of the APC.
