A famous American writer and poet, Maya Angelou several years ago posited that greatness is not measured by a man’s accomplishments but by the impact he has on others. Angelou probably saw tomorrow and knew that a certain Brown Ebenezer Isobonye will be born on Saturday, May 17, 1980 to the Brown War Canoe House of ancient Opobo Town in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Isobonye who clocked 43 years old on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, has been flooded with heartwarming felicitations from friends, relatives, associates and well wishers on his birthday.
Viewed from cultural, personal and individual perspectives, the tributaries left no one in doubt that the celebrant is a man of integrity, respect, responsibility and courage. Talk about empathy, leadership, humility, perseverance and continued self-improvement and you will find all engrained in him!
National Network Editor who has since adopted Isobonye as a younger brother from ‘another mother’ went to the social media and found very fascinating felicitations showered on the former National President of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Alumni Association, Board member of the college and ex-Captain of Darl United, an All Stars Football Club in Port Harcourt.
Firing the first salvo was a former President-General, Federal Colleges of Education, Alumni, Nigeria, Chief Sir (Dr) J.B. Ugochukwu who wrote inter alia: “It is time to lit the candles for our man, Isobonye Brown as he celebrates his new age”.
Chief Ugochukwu who is the current Chairman of Imo State chapter of Nigerian Union of Pensioners as well as the Zonal Chairman (South -East) of the body, described Isobonye as a man of character, distinguished sportsman and leader-par-excellence.
Sir (Dr.) Emeka G. Nwokocha wrote: “I will like to take advantage of this outstanding day in your life to let you know how much you are cherished by me.
“You are really more than just a mere friend to me; you are a brother and an encourager, a trail blazer and a goal getter. You are an amazing person, fun to be with. Indeed, you have a way to perfect the art of putting smiles on the faces of people around you. Truly you have an excellent sense of humor, which makes you the more wonderful.
“Your penetrating intelligence and your ability to fuse with all class of people have made you a distinguished person. You have come a long way and achieved a great deal in many spheres of your life which may not be known to many. You look little, but you are mighty”.
The Chief Coach of Darl United All Stars, Amaechi John wrote: “You are a shining star as you make each day memorable. You have a way of impacting lives of both the young and the elderly in a respectful manner. You are generous and fun loving!
“Having worked with you in the same exco of our great club Darl United, I found you to be a team player and an eagle because eagles are goal getters”.
In the same vein, the Vice Chairman of Darl United, Ilo Ndubueze Ben who likes to call the celebrant ‘Brown Chemist’, also joined the fray, stating, “I met you at Liberation Stadium Training Pitch when I joined Darl United over 15 years ago. We fostered a closer relationship and I can attest that knowing you was a great privilege. It therefore gives me a great joy to celebrate you”.
Warisenibo (Amb) John Dodd Peterside, Phd in his message, catalogued the numerous positions variously held by Isobonye and penned down he saw as sterling qualities in him. His words, “On this date a child was born to rule his world with charming personality, shining star, charismatic team player, generous and loving”, adding, “No doubt, his three boys bear Soibibo, Sofiri and Sobere”.
As the goodwill messages continued to flood in, Jennifer Chile (nee Opusunju) penned down these words, “I have met and associated with lots of people but one distinguish friend and brother who stands out from the crowd is you Mr. Isobonye Ebenezer Brown.
“Your Personality profile is one that is worth emulating and crystallizing for all to see and learn from. Your humble, subtle, thoughtful, loyalty and caring character is topnotch, sometimes I wonder how you manufacture extra time out of the 24hrs/day for every single person you love.
“Your disposition, articulate, preparedness towards the growth of others is my cue to knowing how large your heart is towards me and others.
“I won’t complete my knowledge of you if I don’t mention your teamwork and leadership skills, this for sure is what you showcase on a daily and more.
“Take your flowers as I join the world and the happy angels to celebrate an Icon, a living legend when it comes to fostering growth and support for others on this audacious day of your birthday day”.
John Christopher Stewart, Emeritus National President, National Union of Opobo Students in his message called Isobonye ‘a living legend’. His word, “Isobonye Ebenezer Brown can be described as grace personified. He is a star amongst stars, a living legend and a trusted. He is a very hardworking, dogged, and creative leader. His positive energy and excellent spirit has opened many doors for him and earned him many respected positions even in the midst of those who are way older, influential and powerful than him”.
Mr. Iyagbaye Prince Omoregie who said that Isobonye is his friend and classmate, described him as “a man of many parts, born leader, social mobilize, mobile intellectual, game changer and a reliable public speaker”.
