By Daniel Ayodele Omeiza
On the day this young man named *Asuku* was born like every other child, he was without a name. It was after 8 days he was given a name that is now following him powerfully and positively. He has become a speedily moving magnetic force picking all the irons on his way showing the world what a magnet is created to do which is keeping items made of ironic contents for keeps and safety. Figuratively speaking, *Asuku is the magnetic and we are the irons.
Gradually, *Asuku’s* name started changing to that of a great importance among his peers because he gave room for his path of destiny to be wide opened unto him by the divine God that created him. After graduating from the prestigious *Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria* the new name affixed to the name *Asuku* was a *Pharmacist.* It then became an error for anyone to see *Asuku* without adding the prefix *Pharmacist* before mentioning his name. This was his second naming ceremony which came to pass because he was studious, humble, able to mingle with both faiths on campus and above all he feared God in heaven who gave him the academic knowledge that made him what he is today. To God be the glory!
The third naming ceremony came upon *Asuku* because like the biblical Abraham, he had total faith in the young man popularly known as *Alh. Yahaya Bello* who was then into the transportation business with a company named as *FairPlus.* As at the time many people were giving themselves the name doubting Thomas, *Asuku* decided to be an Abraham known and accepted in history as the father of faith. He keyed into the governorship ambition of Alh. Yahaya Bello by adding his own force of support until they all coasted to victory. As a way of rewarding the spirited efforts and support of *Asuku*, Gov. Yahaya Bello brought about his third naming ceremony by making him the *Director General (DG) Protocol.* Suddenly, the name DG Protocol gummed *Asuku* so well that some people almost forgot he was a Pharmacist. *Asuku* performed so well as *DG Protocol* to the point that many people started asking if he read English Language, Theatre Arts or Mass Communications from the University because he was damn vocal, bold in addressing the public and also willing to learn on the job. The gospel truth remains that *Asuku* is a Pharmacist worn with the garment of greatness to excel in leaps and bounds in almost any field of endeavour he finds himself. *Na God do am for am.* This is one reason we should not take for granted the oil of grace and greatness upon his life.*
*Asuku* must have thought he was done with been given names at different points in time when he became the *DG Protocol* but, *he made a big mistake by trying to put an end to the many names God has arranged here on earth that he will be called by people in a sequential and periodic order.* Within a twinkling of an eye, the fourth name as *Chief of Staff to Gov. Yahaya Bello* was placed on him. People had to jettison the other names *Asuku* was known for to now start calling him *Chief.*
On this journey of naming *Asuku* at different points in time, God occasioned it that the *Attah Igala* will also play his own part when he too organized a special naming ceremony for *Asuku.* The Igala Kingdom saw how dutiful, humble, hardworking, loving, caring and progress driven *Asuku* have always been and they placed on him the traditional title, *Ogochi Ata Igala.* May God’s name remain praised forever over the life of *Asuku* who is just 39 years old but already well rooted not only with a taproot but also with a xylem.
It is good we all know at this point that just as there is power in the tongue, there is also power in a name. If you carefully look at and also digest all the names given to *Asuku,* you will discover that they have spoken for him among his own people and even outside of his home. This is where we know without much struggle or stress that *Asuku* is actually heading to the pinnacle of his naming ceremony which will happen shortly in our very eyes as surely as God lives in the heavens. Amen.
It is no longer news to us that our *Asuku* has joined the queue of those interested in becoming the next governor of Kogi State. His boss, destiny helper and mentor, Gov. Yahaya Bello gave him the same positive nod he gave others to collect the *Nomination and Expression of Interest Forms.* Gradually, we continue to get closer to the D-day when the *Gubernatorial Primary Elections* of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will be taking place in Kogi State. Yet again by the grace of God Almighty, a new naming ceremony to the exalted position of governing Kogi State is underway and we know our own *Asuku* is warming up to receive that same divine grace that has bestowed on him all the good names he has been known for. This is our prayer and faith for this our *Asuku* that we love so much with all of our strength.
Our joy and hope rests on the fact that *Asuku* is not a rolling stone that gathers no moss. He has successfully affected lives in every job or position God places into his hands. He does not ask if one is a Christian or Muslim before he renders any help. He is not wired to have a tribalistic mindset. His penchant for good governance is displayed widely judging from the support he has given his boss, Gov. Yahaya Bello. He is widely accepted in his own Ward, Local Government Area and the whole of Ebira land. He is a household name in all the nooks and crannies of Kogi State. He is a human product that can conveniently win an election if given the opportunity. All the good deeds of *Asuku* are not hidden, they are visible and concrete for anyone in doubt to feel and assess. There are people with bad names because of their antecedents but *Asuku* stands out as a clean child to be admired as no filthiness can be traceable to him.
To end this short piece about *Asuku* even as I am warming up to write yet another, the Ebira people in one of their proverbs says, *”It is the day you set aside a place to be called a market that you also give the market the name it will be called.”* Those of us supporting *Asuku* today were not with him from birth but God occasioned it for his parents to give him a name and grace that will make our paths to cross. *Asuku as a “market” was named when he was born and that magnetic force attached to his name has made his “market” to now become a big name. Interestingly, we are all ready to have a shed in this big and popular “market” that Asuku is. So shall it be. Amen!*