By Igbotako Nowinta
Benin City, Edo, Nigeria – An unsung Edo hero, living in the United States of America, Professor Dickson Idusuyi has been eulogized by the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, as a philanthropic intellectual of repute, for his selfless and priceless humanitarian ventures.
Represented by his wife, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, Governor Obaseki delivered the praise at a humanitarian service award ceremony organized by the Edo Women In Diaspora to honor the Nigerian-born American professor of Social Science, Economics and Public Policy/Administration for his long-term magnificent humanitarian services.
The glamorous and electrifying event which took place on Thursday January 18, 2024, at the Horatio Marque (Edo Hotel premises) in the Government Reservation Area of Benin City, was attended by the crème de la crème of Edo nation from within and outside Nigeria.
It was an epochal day of celebration of excellence, uncommon philanthropism, and productive intellectualism. According to the organizers of the event, Edo Women In Diaspora, Prof. Dickson Idusuyi, who is an indefatigable humanist and a God-fearing man, was honored for “his humanitarian assistance, recognition and appreciation.”
Leading the torrential tributes in her welcome speech that captivated the gathering, the Director, Edo Women In Diaspora, who doubles as Women Affairs Coordinator of Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW), Mrs. Adesuwa Omoruyi-Obasohan, described Prof. Dickson Idusuyi as a soldier for the creation and sustenance of a better society.
She stated that Prof Idusuyi has touched a lot of lives, emphasizing that his life has been that of service and extraordinary compassion to humanity.
Mrs. Obasohan’s words: “Professor Dickson Idusuyi is a father-figure to me and many people. He is easy to talk to; he has stories to tell you to put your mind at rest; he is a human being that has compassion for others; a very decent human being.
“Prof. is a very good man that cares about women affairs, women issues; he supports us without reservations; he gives us any kind of support in our different departments; he is generous to a fault.
“His passion for helping others, for giving comes from his late daughter: Cynthia. Cynthia was always giving as a young girl; she touched so many lives which amaze him as a father. Prof. Dickson Idusuyi is being honored today with Emotan plaque because the legendary Emotan though childless, but was a mother to many Edo children and very patriotic. We are happy to honor a deserving Edo hero and patriot.”
The highlight of the day was the presentation of the award of honor, (a plague of the immortalized Emotan) to Prof. Dickson Idusuyi by the organization. The Emotan gift was very symbolic as it was in memory of the legendary childless Benin woman who dedicated her life to the service of humanity during the reign of Oba Ewuare I.
There were other individuals’ presentation of gifts to the iconic academician.
In his brief remark, Prof. Dickson Idusuyi, who profusely thanked the organizers for finding him worthy to be honored, said he was inspired to delve into the ocean of philanthropy by his late daughter, Cynthia Idusuyi, whose heart, he siad was saturated with the milk of human kindness and compassion.
His words: “The worth of a man is not about what you say, but about what you do to put smiles on the faces of people. Who is that person that God would say go and do this and that and you say no? We are in this world to help others. Today is one of the happiest days of my life”.
It was very clear that Prof. Idusuyi has conquered the diaspora with his highly impactful life so far; there was the cutting of cake session, while a toast was taken to the unity of Edo National Association Worldwide.
Prof. Dickson Idusuyi means so much to so many people. What Prof Idusuyi has done for Edo people everywhere is amazing given the testimonies that flooded the arena, even as the ceremony was flowered by the presence of members of Edo National Association Worldwide, who appeared in fascinating attires. Indeed, people came from everywhere all over the world to celebrate an icon of humanity, a mighty Edo ambassador.
A sensational Benin musician, Experience Akaba stamped his musical prowess successfully at the gathering, as guests were thrilled endlessly. The famous Inneh Theatre Group were not left out as they electrified the atmosphere with meaningful Edo melodious songs.
Guests had a great time at the event as local and intercontinental dishes were lavishly served; assorted wines and drinks were equally inexhaustible, as Prof. Idusuyi’s incredible journey and remarkable impact was celebrated in grand style.
Dickson Idusuyi, a United States based activist for the underprivileged and disadvantaged, is a Professor of Social Science, Economics and Public Policy/Administration at the Allcorn State University, Mississippi, United States.
Alcorn State University is a public historically black land-grant university adjacent to Lorman, Mississippi. It was founded in 1871 and was the first black land grant college established in the United States. The university is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
Prof. Dickson Idusuyi is not only an organizational man, but a team player and leader per excellence. He has acted like a mountain of refuge, and a defensive shield on behalf of the indigent individuals across Nigeria and in the United States.
He is simply like a sunlight that shines through the window for hundreds of helpless and forgotten people in diaspora and in Nigeria; truly he has been an unsung Edo hero in diaspora.
