TRIBUTE TO A TREASURED FRIEND - DR. BENSON C. MORAH (Ezenwanne)

Benson, a man of the people!

Our beloved Benson, our hearts were filled with sadness when we heard of your departure to glory. Knowing you as a true friend of the family was one of the best things that ever happened to us. An exemplary individual, who did not only serve your people with patriotic zeal, but who very importantly, served humanity with clear vision. When we met for the first time, during the days of your service in National Population Commission of Nigeria (NPC), you were one of the few national resource persons the Nigerian Educational Research Council (NERC) relied on to foster population and family life education project being implemented at the Council (NERC). We will not forget a heartfelt warning you gave, that the population of Nigeria was exploding without commensurate economic growth. Today, we know the consequences that stare us in the face. We hope your dream of a better Nigeria will come sooner than later. Again, our parts crossed at the UNFPA Country Support Team (CST), in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. As the Director of the Team, it is an unforgettable truth that you directed and managed the Team excellently. You were indeed a leader, mentor, and a professional guide to all in the Team. Your commitment, honesty, firmness and high expectations provided the fertile ground for the legacy of the Team. You insisted “one maternal death is too many.” Up till today, members of CST Addis Ababa, remain a family in every respect. Humanity will not forget you. As a true friend of the Yisa family, we constantly come to you for advice, and your words are still like gold that keep its brightness in guiding our actions. Yours and ours, have indeed, been two symbiotic families. As we bid you farewell, our consolation is that you have gone to a place where there will be no pain, no sickness or death as the Almighty shall be your Lord. We shall miss you greatly and deeply.

May the good Lord grant your family the fortitude to bear your departure.

Adieu Benson (Ezenwanne), great man of the people. - Barnabas and Sarah Yisa