In the summer of 47 BC, after he had won a swift and decisive victory at the Battle of Zela, an elated Julius Caesar retreated to his tent to write a short letter to the Senate of Rome. 

Not at all wanting to prevaricate on the nature of his victory, Ceasar wrote the now immortal words: “Veni, vidi, vici” – “I came; I saw, I conquered.”

These are the words that I feel best describe the life and times of High Chief Dennis Abuda who was my senior at St John’s College, Fugar, Edo State.

Words cannot express enough, the sorrow that I feel about the passing of our dear Dennis. 

His death came to me as a rude shock and I still find it difficult to refer to him in the past. 

With his death, I have lost a dear friend; and, Afenmai people have lost a gallant and patriotic son.

Dennis’ compassionate spirit and exemplary sense of leadership were very evident to those of us who knew him back in our school days. 

He was, in the most indubitable of terms, a personable character, brave and very jovial. 

His very cerebral pattern of thought and intellectual acumen made him an all-rounder and the kind of person everyone wanted to be around.

Demnis believed that service to humanity was the best work of life. 

His infectious character was hard to miss, and his smile always conveyed significant sense of warmth and friendship.

For Dennis, serving his people through philanthropy was not just a choice – he viewed his service to Afenmai land and Fugar people he loved so much as a calling.

And that is why he never hesitated or responded with reluctance whenever he was asked to put himself in harm’s way to ensure the betterment of his people.

How we wish we could turn back the hands of time; how we wish that we could make the earth spin counter-clockwise so that we can have Dennis back to us; but, God knows best.

History will forever remember his name, and future generations will forever be in his debt.

May his soul Rest In Peace. Amen.

Prince Clem Ikanade Agba is Minister of State for Budget and National Planning.