By EgbemaVoice,
Niger Delta born renowned peace and development advocate, Chief (Comrade) Sheriff Mulade, PhD, the Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom and National Coordinator of the foremost NGO Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) has said that the emulation of the good character of others is the truest way to preserve their legacies in life.
Mulade made the assertion at the 40th Remembrance Anniversary and Thanksgiving service in honour of his late father, Engr. Edward Aroh Mulade, at the Living Faith Church (Winners' Chapel) in Benikrukru Community in the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West council area of Delta State, on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
The late Engr. Mulade, popularly called Eddy, described as a "perfect gentleman, sailor, organiser, mobiliser, and development advocate" was born on September 7, 1943 and passed away to the glory of God on June 25, 1986 after spending 44 years on the Earth.
Mulade was joined by other members of the Mulade Dynasty, friends, associates, and other guests who graced the celebration, said the purpose of the Thanksgiving is to appreciate the Almighty God for His preservation and blessings upon the family.
Chief Mulade Sheriff, PhD, giving thanks during his father's 40th Remembrance
Late Engr Edward Aroh Mulade paternal hailed from Benikrukru, Kunukunuama and Azama communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West LGA, Gbekobo in Burutu LGA and Esama community in Bomadi LGA of Delta State
While maternal from Okerenkoko Federated Community in GbaramatuKingdom, Diebiri Clan and Aghoro community in Ekeremor LGA of Bayelsa State.
Speaking on behalf of other family members, Chief Mulade said, "In 1986 we lost our father when we were very young and from 1986 to today is 40 years. And we felt that there is need to return all the glory to God Almighty for all He has done in our life. For these 40 years that we have no father, we have nobody to rely on, but God was there for us. God protected us, God preserved us as orphans."
"Unfortunately, yes, we have a mother and three years ago we also lost our mother. In spite of all these challenges, difficulties, I can tell you that my siblings and I, we have been blessed by God. We are all married successfully. We have also given birth to children, and we also have grandchildren. So today, if my father was alive, he will have great grandchildren," he acknowledged.
Going down memory lane, the peace ambassador revealed that some of the attributes of his father was his love for peaceful coexistence, a lover of cultural entertainment known for organising cultural dance and as a good dancer and drummer during his lifetime, talents that paved the way for his father to be opportune to achieve his dream of working in the oil industry.
"When I grew up in the 70s to 80s, my father organized cultural activities at Ojojo Primary School in Warri. That school was where my father was organizing a lot of annual cultural activities cutting across the Ijaws, the Urhobos, and the Itsekiris, the event was popularly called Ijaw Day Celebrations. That time my father was also one of the best cultural dancer and the best cultural drummer.
"So during one of the visits, when Gowon was the Head of State of Nigeria, his visit to Warri at the Warri Township stadium when they were hosting the President of Togo in that year (Late Tony Anenih was the Commissioner of Police at that time), at the end they discovered two of them and felt that these young man needed to be promoted, needed to be given opportunities.
"And they asked my father what do you want to do outside this (cultural dancer)? He said he likes to work in the oil industry, and as we were told, Tony Anenih just give a little recommendation and on the back of the complimentary card he just wrote "Kindly treat" and he signed. He said, "Take it to any of the oil industry you like to work" and my father took it to Tidex then, and that was how he was employed," he narrated.
Chief Mulade who attributed his success to his emulation of his father's good qualities called on family members and the youths to do same by imbibing the good characters of others if they are to succeed in life.
"So, I also want to use this opportunity to encourage my younger siblings and my friends and brothers, emulate good character. My father emulates his father, and today anywhere people see me, "You are like your father". That is the accolade they always give me.
"And so, based on that, I find it worthy to emulate those characters, those behaviors, so that we can sustain his legacy. And the legacy has existed because we are alive. The legacy has existed because they gave birth to us.
"So, for every sons and daughters, please emulate your father. If your father has a good character, emulate him. Find out from your family dynasty, who are those that you need to emulate? Who are those in your communities that you need to emulate? Who are those in your kingdom that you need to emulate? Emulate good character that will give you a beter future tomorrow," he counseled.
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