All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) flagbearer for the House of Representatives, Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, Professor Kohol Iornem, has celebrated his father, Professor David Iornem, on his 77th birthday, describing him as a father, mentor and role model whose good name and values have shaped his life and that of many others.
In a tribute to mark the milestone, Prof. Kohol reflected on the privileges and challenges of being the son of a widely respected personality, noting that a father’s name could open doors but could also create expectations and obstacles for the child.
He said that throughout his political journey, he had encountered people who believed his father had sponsored his political ambitions, while others expected him to provide money because of his father’s perceived wealth and influence.
According to him, some people had even told him: “We served his father; we cannot serve the son too.”
Prof. Kohol, however, said he remained grateful for the advantages that came with his father’s reputation, stressing that his father had spent his life serving, mentoring and helping others while building a reputation around the principle that “a good name is better than silver and gold.”
He recalled an incident during a journey when the police had delayed the vehicle he was travelling in because the driver allegedly failed to give them money.
“When I introduced myself as my father’s son, the officer said, ‘Your father is a very responsible and respected man,’ and ordered them to let us go,” he recounted.
Prof. Kohol also recalled how his father’s reputation opened doors for him during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posting in Kebbi State, where he knew nobody.
He said one of his father’s former students, an Alhaji resident in the state, supported him throughout his stay.
The Kwande/Ushongo man added that his father’s reputation continued to influence his political campaigns, saying some people had supported him because of the way his father had treated and served them.
Prof. Kohol disclosed that his father recently expressed pride in his achievements, particularly because he had begun his political journey without his father’s direct involvement.
“My father told me: ‘I am proud of everything you have achieved. You started your political journey without any input from me. You have achieved a lot on your own. And I am happy I am alive to witness it,’” he said.
He described the words as deeply meaningful, saying they represented more than a birthday message to him.
As Professor Iornem clocks 77, Prof. Kohol said he was celebrating not only his father’s accomplishments but also the values he had passed on to his children and those around him.
He listed the values as fairness, empathy, education, courage, philanthropy and love.
“A name may open a door, but the values behind that name determine what you do once you walk through it,” Kohol said.
He thanked his father for the name he gave his children, but, more importantly, for the values he instilled in them.
“We love you. We celebrate you. We are proud of you,” he said.
Prof. Kohol described the celebrant as his “friend, colleague and mentor” and wished him a happy 77th birthday.
