By HRH Dr. Sabo Azyjidoku Emmanuel
PREAMBLE
About the subject matter, is metaphorical. This reflects that epic myth from ancient Greece. The story has been retold and reinterpreted in many forms of art and literature over the centuries. The Golden Fleece was a fleece of pure gold obtained by Jason and the Argonauts. According to legend, it came from a golden ram that saved Phrixus and Helle, the children of King Athamas, guarded by a dragon that never slept. King Pelias tasked Jason with retrieving the fleece, leading to the legendary journey of the Argonauts.
Therefore, when one has attained or reached their “Golden Fleece” it means, they have achieved their most cherished sought -goal, ambition, attained great success, attained something highly valued or reward after overcoming significant challenges. It symbolizes success, accomplishment, culmination of hardworking, perseverance, determination and the realization of long hold aspirations, such like Jason quest for the Golden Fleece in Greek mythology. It is also about realizing a personal ambition or dream; and the ultimate prize.
A VERDICT ON A PHENOMENON
If one may take a cubist painting one will see in ASHOKE, a spout of self confidence, optimism, discipline, hardwork, dexterity, trust, courage, graphically represented in geometric shapes, showing schematically from different angles at the same time of the stained glass exhibition. This giant stride was not too sudden. It has been built on solid struggle. A vision, a mission perfectly streamlined by the Scion, this steeple chaser with the arroyo spirit of adventure.
CIRCUMSTANCIAL EVIDENCE. WAS IT?
Born at the start of the Nigeria civil war (1967-1970) 1968; the word, the name ASHOKE in Jukun Wanu sociolinguistics parlance; implies a stampede, a brouhaha, an uproar an uprising, leading to unrest. The name ASHOKE does not refer to the Yoruba fabric, a material made by WEAVING wool, cotton, silk, e.t.c used for making clothes, curtains, etc. and for covering furniture. NO!
He hails from a big house, an aristocrat from Awa -Kpoko ruling/royal house of Abinsi (Abise), Benue State. He is a grand son of the legendary Manu Agbenyeba Maliki Azyjidoku Agabi, of blessed memories. Son to Prince Philip Apurugba Maliki (Abo Deya) and mama – Mrs. Margaret Abingye Maliki, the Princess of Atiya (Anyize) but now she is Agodo wa Guba, Agodo Awa-Ku, ayi ku. The Scion holds a traditional title of ‘Amgbongboh’ in Abise.
Prince ASHOKE might be Manu Agbenyeba Maliki Azyjidoku reincarnate in character traits: charismatic, crowd puller, prime – mover very push full, crowd sourcing, crowd funding, crucible and generously ambidextrous in the affairs of people. And behind any successful man (it is said) there is a woman. Mrs. Alpha Anogyun (who knows me?) Maliki. But today, you are Onyegun (people know you) as the wife to Dr. ASHOKE DAVID MALIKI as you gallivant around ‘Amgbongboh’, the Prince. Princess Alpha has been the prop over the years. Before, she was ‘Agbayi’ Gyagu but now she is Agodo wa Guba, Agodo wa Ku!.
AN ENCOUNTER AT THE POOL SIDE
It was indeed a chance encounter at the pool side many years ago. I remember. O’ yes, I can still recall when the young vibrant ASHOKE, then, would come and swim at the Durba Hotel, Kaduna, swimming pool even without the consent of the father, sometimes, and how I had intervened when security men or guard at the swimming pool gate could not allow him in. But on hearing that he was the Purchasing Manager’s son, they allowed him into the pool to swim. Well, time flies. That was 45 years ago. ASHOKE may not recall the scene again. He was actually swimming (in an open air swimming pool, kitted out in swimming trunks) through the fortune of life endeavour and today, this is the side he has crossed to.
THE EPIC STRUGGLE OF A SUCCESSFUL MAN
Vitally important is to state the obvious tragedy of epic proportions – this milestone achievement. This burning sensation, a packaged finesse does not take much imagination to decipher a stand out, a steeple chaser for the covetous Doctor of Philosophy -Ph.D. degree award in honour of ASHOKE DAVID MALIKI, Ph.D. by the prestigious NILE UNIVERSITY, ABUJA.
Dr. Maliki D. Ashoke, a gentleman of impressive educational attainment, a lover of collegiate life, an academic high flyer, a technocrat, a workaholic high flier. This was a no mean feat, yet, with passion, he has achieved it. CONGRATULATIONS. This break through is indeed a very remarkable feat of engineering at work. CONGRATULATIONS! (Endlessly).
Let us stand up for the CHAMPION! Stand up…
THE MAKING OF ASHOKE AS FORETOLD, AS FORETHOUGHT.
In a telephone conversation of a beatific expression when I probed to know more, further, farther about the wisdom embedded in the auspicious name – ASHOKE, with the mother, mama – Mrs. Abingye – (Regret) Margaret Maliki. (But mama, there is nothing to regret today. It should be ‘ingyeda – yin’ – I knew joy shall overshadow me, us). And after exchanging the usual pleasantries (greetings/salutations and jokes) she said “my husband Aseebeh, (laughs); this name was given to him by his maternal grandfather, my revered uncle” (i.e the late Chief Ignatius Igbo Akwuchi, Commissioner of Police, of blessed memories. Emphasis mine).
“His birth coincided with the start of the Nigeria Civil War of 1967-1970. My uncle gave him the names: ASHOKE and DAVID. That he was going to be brave, strong, a warrior and a no nonsense man like the DAVID of the scripture. And that he was going to be a successful man in his life, he will be stubborn, always insisting on the right thing should be done or followed. That he will never surrender to any challenge that may come his way in his life without weighing the proms and cons”. Mama concluded.
Indeed, these prophecies by his grandfather started manifesting as she looked back now to that fateful day she sent him on an errand when some street children (boys) attacked him on the way. He taught them (the sum bags) some lessons of their life. Since then, the mother has secretly remained ardent, ardour about the growing David – the brave, Ashoke, the warrior of the Jukun Wanu Nation.
Today, his contributions, when he was the Vice President -(1), NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF JUKUN WANU -(NAJUWA), were quite spectacular. His success today, is by dint of hard work and the blessings of the Almighty God upon his life. Hard work pays. As an engineer of repute, he has to tunnel through solid rock, dogged perseverance and not by quantum leap or quantum jump, fortuitously. No! This is a challenge to all and sundry to brace up! Today, the home grown David has slain a goliath, academically as he bags – Ph. D. at the prestigious NILE UNIVERSITY, ABUJA – this citadel of academic excellence. Thus, DR Ashoke David Maliki has taught us HOW to copy and NOT to copy.
A BRIEF RESUMÉ OF EVENTS SO FAR
Dr. David Ashoke Maliki has an exquisite Curriculum Vitae – (CV). He possesses an array of exquisite certificates from very reputable institutions within and outside Nigeria. He is a marketable mogul, internationally. Academically, if I may insist, he is the chief (Dr.) Alex Ekweme of Jukun Wanu Land. The man with multiple and superlative academic laurels. So far, no one like him in Jukun Wanu Land, I guess?
David Ashoke Maliki is an engineer to the core – i.e in all his attitudes and actions. My reasons for showering encomiums on him are because of the following achievements he has made in his 39 years in the pursuit of Golden Fleece. He has reached his golden age. – (a) – Ph. D. degree in Management, 2022 – 2025 (b) – Master of Philosophy (Mphil) in Management 2021 – 2025 (c) – Master’s degree in Civil Engineering (Msc) 2019 – 2021 (d) – Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) 2017 – 2019; all from NILE UNIVERSITY, Abuja, between – 2017 – 2025 (8 years) – (e) – then, another Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering (Msc), UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, London, UK; Dept of Geometric Engineering, 2006 – 2007 (1 year). – (f) – He has a B.Eng. Degree in Civil Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Dept. of Civil Engineering – 1995 – 1998 (3 years), (g) – HND, ND, Civil Engineering, Dept. of Civil Engineering – 1986 – 1992 from Kaduna Polytechnic, Nigeria – (5 years). The qualifications have gained currency all over the world.
Dr. Maliki is a corporate member of professional bodies such as Nigerian Society of Engrs – NSE and Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria – COREN; for over 21 years with steady experience in the field of Transport Facilitations within the ECOWAS Sub – region and the African Union (AU) by exceeding all expectations.
He has attended so many trainings and courses in Ghana, 2025, Peoples Republic of China – 2024; in Abuja – 2019; the Netherlands – 2016, Newcastle University – 2016, 2014, Abuja – 2012 & 2010, Bauchi – 2002. In fact, he has travelled more than ‘GULLIVER’S TRAVELS’!
He worked as PPO, Roads and Railways, Senior Civil Engineer/ Project Engineer, Site Engineer, Project Engineer, Training Engineer, Team Lead and not failing in all areas of his assignments, with ECOWAS, Fed. Min. of Works, EU, AU, NEPAD, UNECA, FERMA, IGEL, JOCECO etc.
Dr. David Ashoke Maliki speaks impeccable English Language and with competence. He is biased in French Language, basically. He is also very competent in all aspects of Microsoft Word, Power print, & Spread Sheet, Auto CAD, HDM4, Excel, ESS/ MASS, &AP, Etc. In a nutshell, his CV is measurable and it appeals as a take away marketable International Certificates and volumes of working experiences, networking, classical awards of Merit, travels, seminars, lectures, workshops, symposia, conferences, dedication to duties, hospitality, hard work/ dexterity and promotions as and when due to make one shut up and shut eye. The marriage is blessed with 3 (three) children, A boy and 2 girls. Amen.
EMPOWERING JUKUN WANU YOUTH – ADVOCACY.
May I appeal to Engr. Dr. ASHOKE DAVID MALIKI to reconsider the deplorable conditions of jobless Wanu children around. The use of the where withal is to make hay while the sun shines. As an engineer and as a bridge head you need not to be reminded of the need to build an abutment. You are at liberty to make use of your acumen, prowess, as usual, your Love for Wanu to try and fix some of the teaming. Jukun (Wanu) applicants around where you are currently working or any other places your influence may be felt and honoured; please. As you do this, you are regenerating, transporting and facilitating human capital development in Jukun Wanu Land. Therefore, Engr. Dr. ASHOKE DAVID MALIKI, be a green fingers. You can make this work through some of your amiable friends, brothers, and colleagues such as: Engr. Ishaq Muhammed, Engr. Adi Gabriel Adagba, Engr. Ibi Manasseh, Dr. Yusuf Mamman Usman, Mr. Nuhu Gabriel Agou, Mr. Joseph Ajima, Dr. Johnson Akwoga (Rabbi), Prof. Aboh Akisani, Hon Barr Luka Awoke Joel, Engr. Moses A. Amankye, Arc. Joseph Iku Apavo, Dr. Habu Hussaini, Rev. Dr. Nuhu Akoga, Dr. Yunana D. Aseibi, Hon. Abdulmumuni Jibrin, Hon. Afongoti, Engr. Abegye, Engr. Aromeh Ajah, Mr. Sanusi Auta, MD/CEO SADAKO BLESSED INVESTMENTS LIMITED, Hon Dauda Adako Sabo, Dr. Suleiman Jibrin, Engr. Paul Akwuchi etc and so many acquaintances, astute politicians, business partners, diplomats, ‘Les homes d’ affaires, etc. Be good hearted.
CONCLUSION
May I appreciate mama Abingye Margaret Maliki (Mrs.) ‘Agodo wa Guba lá, as I also reminiscent the struggle of my elder brother late Prince Maliki P.A (Abodeya) for making Ashoke David Maliki, Ph.D. what he is today. I also share with then joyfully, his brother Anthony and the sisters: Mary and Ashawa and all other people known and unknown that have impacted positively in the family circle. We give God the glory.
May the Almighty God protect and guide all of us. Amen.
Thank you all for your time and patience in reading this memoir. God Bless.
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