That by the way, the tempting dialog box was finally unveiled. I had saved dates of special occasions and other important events. It’s, therefore, understandable that it will keep on popping up from time to time. With my large binoculars, I stared through the tabulated trail; all I saw boldly written, “Engr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh’s birthday is today, Sunday.” I was still particularly curious about the chilling shells and missiles the three political parties at the tribunal were firing. Sound lawyers. Superior arguments and counter-arguments. The legal profession has been described as a “Noble and Learned Profession”, and we must all agree with that factual reality. It takes lawyers the pain to read through and decipher those Olympia journeys, and take the Bench (Judges) special training to arrive at a resolution in the midst of the knitted, near perfect arguments presented. Non lawyers are to read and look on at what’s beyond them. It’s another rocket science or aerospace industry.
It’s Engr. Prince Lawrence’s birthday! That kept ringing and re-echoing like a signal transmitting through my brain. I struggled to ignore it regardless of the grace, capacity, premium, glory, love, and pride the name has been encapsulated. It’s a household name both to the rich and the poor. It’s a name that renews the hope of the less-privileged and makes the lame to leap up in joy. That’s how someone is regarded when something special is attached. Prince Lawrence is a pride of humanity through his humanitarian gesture. That’s is absolutely not in doubt.
Within the few seconds of ignoring that inner message sounding like the chariot of fire; a time-winged chariot reminding me of the limited rather than limitless time we owe ourselves as human beings, I got stuck with the sonorous chord of the Nigerian raggae-dance singer and songwriter, Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, who goes by the stage name, “Patoranking”. Like many others, one of his lyrics I’m attached to had warned against proscrastination in human affairs, essentially in showing appreciation to humanity and those that have given back to the society in an effort to make it a better and just place to live.
Patoranking sang:
“Celebrate me, now when I dey alive
Appreciate me, now when I dey alive
No be say when I leave this life
You go dey fake am for my wife
Celebrate me, now when I dey alive
Appreciate me, now when I dey alive
No be say when I leave this life
You go dey fake am for my back.”
His message is not only philosophical, but one that strikes at the culture of appreciation and sociological recognition of those striving for an excellent place for humankind. We, too, should learn how to appreciate even in little things. The song should resonate with our deepest thought of the fragility and ephemerality of life and remember how this breath of ours is too short to withhold our affection and affinity. Life’s beautiful but short . Some people have even made it more beautiful and longer for the human race.
The legendary musician did stop there; he forged ahead to naming in appreciation of those that have made their marks in human affairs. Those putting smile on the faces of humanity.
He went ahead: “Elema of Warri, you be big name
Ifeanyi Odii, you be big name
Awaritse, you be big name
My brother Young Don, you be big name
Onyeoma Havey The Don, big name
Foston, Sirgila, big name
Ejele One, you be big name
Obi Cubana, you be big name
Arthur Eze, you be big name
Ben Peters, you be big name
Tom Polo, you be big name
Ochacho Ebelebe, you be big name
Okonjo Eweala, you be big name
Larry Gaga nwannem, you be big name
Oluwa make me a big name.”
But this won’t complete if I fail to add:
*Prince Lawrence Ezeh, you be big name.*
This is how it should be celebrated always. Prince Lawrence Ezeh has shown through his godly disposition that his mission is one destined to liberate many from poverty, mental slavery, and destitution. In him, we’ve found hope. The youths have seen the light, and the aged are longing for longer life to keep drawing from his fountain of goodness and philanthropy.
Happy Birthday, the Prince of Nkanuland.
