Toba Owojaiye reportingÂ
Eight years after a period of relative quiet in the public sphere, former Senate President David Mark made a notable return, making headlines for his generous actions in Abavo community, situated in the Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The occasion that brought him to Abavo was the funeral program for Deaconess Mrs. Catherine Iyoho Mumeh, the mother of his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh.
During the event, Mark displayed his appreciation for Paul Mumeh’s unwavering loyalty and dedication, even long after Mark’s tenure in office had concluded. This loyalty touched Mark deeply, leading him to take a remarkable step.
One of the standout moments of the gathering was when David Mark decided to extend an academic scholarship to a remarkable young boy named Divine Okoacha, who is a mere nine years old. Mark cited Divine’s exceptional “swag” as the reason that moved him.
The boy’s confidence, demeanor, and overall presence made a lasting impression on Mark, who felt compelled to support his educational journey.
David Mark announced his commitment to provide academic funding for Divine from that day onward until the young boy completes his secondary education. In this selfless act, Mark exemplified the essence of extending a helping hand to promising young talents, recognizing that Divine possessed qualities deserving of such an opportunity.
The event drew a diverse audience, with friends of the bereaved and several dignitaries in attendance. These included notable figures such as Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, who serves as the Commissioner for Works in Delta State (Rural Roads and Coastal Areas), and Sola Adebayo, a prominent media entrepreneur and business magnate based in Warri.
Additionally, key media professionals like Friday Olokor, the Group Politics Editor of The PUNCH, and Joe Obi, an acting Director in the National Assembly, were present. Rasaq Salami, the Director of Corporate Communication and Market Development in the National Insurance Commission, and Ben Dunno, a senior correspondent of The Sun Newspapers in Warri, also participated.
The commemoration of Deaconess Mrs. Catherine Iyoho Mumeh’s life took on a philanthropic dimension, with Paul Mumeh contributing N500,000 to the Christ Apostolic Church in Abavo, where she had been a devout congregant. David Mark’s actions not only showcased his admiration for young Divine’s potential but also highlighted the importance of loyalty and commitment, as personified by Paul Mumeh’s unwavering dedication to his former boss and his family.
In a world often driven by transient loyalties, Mark’s gesture served as a powerful testament to the lasting impact of genuine fidelity and the potential it holds for nurturing talent and brightening the future for deserving individuals like Divine Okoacha.