Customs Chiefs, Maritime Media, Others Pay Tribute to Okorocha on 62nd Birthday Celebration
L-R Funso Olojo, Felix Kumuyi, Okorocha and Francis Ugwoke during the birthday bash on Friday night..
By Francis Ugwoke
It was fun in Lagos weekend as the Publisher of ThisPage Newspaper, High Chief Timothy Okorocha, celebrated his 62nd birthday in style.
The event was held at Serendipity Anchotel, Ikeja, Lagos, with some maritime industry operators and media finding time to celebrate with the High Chief from early Friday night till early Saturday morning.
Many industry stakeholders and maritime journalists graced the occasion with good birthday wishes coming from the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR and Assistant Comptroller General of the Customs, Mr Nnadi Edera, among numerous Customs Controllers.
Okorocha was particularly greeted with accolades as a devoted professional, enigmatic journalist, fearless and very blunt.
In a goodwill congratulatory message sent to Okorocha, Nnadi who was outside the country found time to pay tribute while air-borne.
In the message titled ‘Accolades for an Enigmatic Publisher’, Nnadi wrote:
“A few days ago, the maritime industry celebrated one of its erudite members on his birthday. It was his 62nd. Though he does not look it, because he has the shape and physique of a 35 years old. His flat and almost six-pack stomach is the envy of the most enthusiastic gym patron.
“His looks make his age a lie because he presents a much younger appearance. But his thought process is that of Methusaleh. He thinks, reasons, and communicates like an old man. Often lacing his remarks with elders adage reminiscent of a typical Mbaise man. That’s where he comes from.
“When sober and friendly, his words are golden and a treasure. When the journalist in him takes over, especially if you are on the wrong side of his page, his remarks are mischievous and uncanny. A deadly trap if you are not experienced in dodging a witty reporter.
“He has an unusual gift of digging out sensational breaking news. I recall the nostalgic period in the early 2007 when he once published a highly classified document, and everyone wondered how he got the documents. The man is ruthless with news. It does not matter if you are his “friend.” I put this word in quote because he does not have one when it comes between his job.
“He is a socialite who does not miss any opportunity to mingle. Obviously, a ladies’ man. And a man’s buddy too. Who wouldn’t love him. He’s witty and naughty.
“He is one of the packs that has kept the maritime industry alive and on its toes. A conscience you must breathe a sleep or awake.
“Sadly, the industry hardly recognises his contributions or those of his likes, but some of us appreciate them. Because he is one of the ingredients that molded us.
“The man is Timothy Paul Okorocha, Publisher; This Page Newspaper. Happy birthday to him”
Everyone in attendance wished him well, praying that he lives with good health to celebrate 80 and over 90th birthdays.
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