Chief Sylvester Momoh Onoja , OON : The Man in White. By Sam Omale PhD.
Every adjective and acolytes that can used to describe him has been exhausted but we have to keep manufacturing new ones.
The more you read about or study him, the more you discover newer versions of him ; things you have never heard about him. He is a deep well.
Is it the over 60 – year old black pair of shoes, the over 60 sets of white babanrigas or his deep philosophical self?
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When asked, ‘ What fashion is? , He echoed, ‘ Fashion is the style you define for yourself; I chose to wear all white agbada because of the burden of trend. You don’t have to run after trend when you have your style’. Someone defined him as “the ageless fashionista”.
He is the only person I know who has been crowned as “The Principal Emeritus of Nigeria and life Principal of Kings College” .
He is only man I know that has over 70 white agbadas in his wardrobe.
He is only one I know you can never find in any colour of dress but white!
Every story you read about him is inspirational.
There is a pair of black shoes he purchased over 61 years ago in Dakar, Senegal that is still operational till date.
Chief Sylvester Momoh Onoja who was then a student of French language in Senegal was recruited as an interpreter for the Nigerian delegation at a conference.
It was from the proceeds of this engagement that he bought the famous black pair of shoes. He used the shoes for his wedding over 50 years ago.
He is a man of deep wisdom. He does not just advise you, he gives you all the dimensions of his counsel- the implications and consequences.
On a personal level I find in him, a father, a friend and a counselor whose opinion I treasure and treat with respect. During the 2023 Kogi State election, he was the only person who was able to convince me to support the choice of the people at the time. I have never defied his judgment.
Please join me to celebrate the life “this beacon of knowledge and honour , a man defined by vision, baked with integrity,life of excellence, unmarred by scandal and rich in service”. A personality that will forever be remembered as a “veteran educationist , trailblazer, and moral compass”. It
A thunderous glorious Birthday to Dr Sylvester Momoh Onoja OON, the man who has tutored generations of Nigerians from the classroom to the world of leadership and excellence.
Happy Birthday Oodoma Atta- Doogaaaaa.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, APRIL 11TH 2026)
