Gabriel Amobeda

I didn’t have the opportunity to meet you personally sir but the way you raised your son and protege, Mike Amobeda is a testament that you were a great and kind man. Rest in glory my friend’s great father!

TRIBUTE TO A SEASONED JOURNALIST Death! What a coward and spineless phenomenon are you? I hate death with a strong passion, because of its inconsequential nature of sneaking up on its victims, at the least expected moment in a life time. Uncle Gab.; a scholar, an orator, a man of honour, a clergyman. To crown it all, a renowned, seasoned front line Journalist in the history of mass journalism in diaspora, in Benue, Lagos and Kogi States respectively. We lost our own GM.; to the cold hands of a shameless and inconsiderate phenomenon. My joy is that, as a legend you left a variety of legacies behind for we, your children, and well wishers, to emulate and uphold and your soul shall be glad, from the bosom of Lord Abraham, where you shall no longer encounter death until the end of time indefinite. COM. EMMANUEL OCHAI O (Onitsha, Anambra State)

To Elder Gabriel A. Amobeda. A brother and a friend. A mighty Oak in the Land has fallen shaking the the ground unabated. A versatile in his life, addicted to the progress of life for everyone,his immediate Community Agaliga Imane, Igala land, Kogi State, Nigeria, the church and the entire world. A self made man he didn't rely on his background for his education. With a great effort in home studies he made to the Pinnacle of his career as an astute journalist and a prolific writer. With the appearance of Gab as I fondly call him,on the scene of of our family in the late seventies asking for the hand of my late sister in marriage additional aura of progressive thinking lovely relationship emerged. Freely mixing no sooner had he seen a man than his friendship began to grow. In spite of our own privilege of attending regular schools,he quickly introduced Raymond and I to home GCE London to better our lots. An eloquent speaker, each time we debated and argued, my father used to say,"I notice that this English you speak, the son of Apkah Amobeda is more fluent than the rest of you." He grew up with that quality and many have known him to be broad minded always lending his voice of support to the common man, even on his sick bed before he was called home. To me Gab was not just an inlaw but a brother and a friend. A Truth speaker that never hid his feeling. He would always stand for the truth in what ever situation. His support to me as Principal of Agaliga Community Secondary School Efabo, and his contributions for us to get a WAEC centre and government recognition for grant-in-aid is an indelible record. His love for the progress of the people and the land rather than his relationship to me as a brother in law,promted him to go all the way. As he and his late wife became Born again they quickly affected my life. His darling project was prayer with soul winning and growth of the Church. Gab, I didn't know that , that gentle handshake on that Sunday morning on your sick bed after prayer and you encouraged us that, God was bringing your healing through that drip, hanging,was the last one. Well what can we say then but to give glory and thanks to God for a life well spent. After the death of my sister Anna Amobeda née Idoko, you kept the promise by bringing up the children with the cooperation of our sister Magaret,whom God led you to marry. Her presence encouraged me to still take your home as my home even after my sister's demise. But Gab you and and Raymond have conspired against me by going home too early. So I will not see any of you again when Ojonekeche that you brought up wants to marry or my sons including your boy Charles and your friend and name sake Gabriel. See! Omojo ,Arome your friend, your wife and younger ones are still crying. Adieu Gab until the morning of resurrection when we shall meet at the feet of Jesus Christ never to part again.

May the repose soul of your dad continue to rest with the lord until we all reunite with him on the last day with all the faithfuls departed, through the mercy of God, RIP.

A perfect gentleman and a lover of christ has finished his race and it ended on right track with christ. I always remember as boys how he will encourage Mike and I not to miss fellowship. Even on the sick bed was still cheerful and had the good to pray for me. Indeed he was a great man! Adieu great man.

As conspicuous as it may now seem it still feels like a dream, I still close my eyes in the event that I may wake. In you I have lost not just a father, I have lost my best friend and cheerleader, it is hard to imagine a future without you in it you have been involved in every facet of my life, all you wanted everyday was to see me win "you shall be a victor and not the vanquished" were your words. In all the drives, the walks and conversations we had thank you for always listening and letting me vent, your smile, counselling and warm embrace were always therapeutic. All you ever gave us was love, you shouldered our personal problems like you didn't have yours, thank you for being a great dad to us and a father figure to many more, indeed fatherhood does not get bigger than this. "Those who walk uprightly enter into peace, they find rest as they lie in death"(Isaiah 57:2) You did good daddy, I pray your boys grow up to become the men you have always desired, we have learnt from the best, you are forever in our hearts.

TRIBUTE TO MY BROTHER, PASTOR, ELDER AND FORERUNNER IN THE JOURNALISM PROFESSION You encouraged me to know God better and I have no regret what so ever, to join you at Charismatic Renewal Ministries. I saw the proofs of what you and others taught me In the Ministries. You shared some of this testimonies before your eventual departure. We shall press on in the faith that you taught us to subscribe to and be justified by the blood of Jesus. May the knowledge of the power of resurrection of Jesus Christ set you free at the feet of the Lord. May your fragrant soul rest I peace. Your Brother, Elder Donatus Okpe Mount Zion Centre, Lokoja.

TRIBUTE TO A GOOD FRIEND, MR. GABRIEL AMOBEDA. The death of Gab. as we usually called him, has suddenly brought back fond memories of our days in Makurdi. He would without notice drop by my house to check on me and do one or two things around there. He was always in a good mood and cracked jokes. He's death came as a shock to me particularly as I did not hear of his ill health. No doubt, he has left marks on the saints of time. May God be merciful to him in judgement. May his soul find rest in peace. Hon. Justice A.V Awulu.