Lessons to Draw from Tonna Okei’s Book ‘I Am Still Standing’, By Jerome-Mario Utomi

It is no longer news that Grand Knight Emeritus, Sir Tonna Okei (Ikuku Oma), an Ekuku-Agbor, Agbor, Ika South Local government area of Delta state- born, but South Carolina, United State of America-based Nigerian, recently launched a book on the 16th of March, 2023, in the United States of America, titled ‘I Am Still Standing” where he gave a detailed account from 2021 till date of his hydra-headed health and socioeconomic challenges and how he emerged victorious.

What is . however, newsy and uniquely interesting is that the 100 paged book which was the first from Knight Sir Tonna’s stable amply qualifies as Ika blockbuster celebrated by the world, not only underlined with vivid imageries and pectoral supports of how he fought and survived colon cancer, Liver failure and Liver Transplant, carried ileostomy bag for six months, multiple surgeries, procedures and drainage pipes fixed on him, but more than anything loaded with indelible moral, spiritual and lessons on resilience for all humanity (present and future generation), particularly the people of Ika and Anioma ethnic nationalities to draw.

First and very fundamental, going by the content of the book which deeply exemplifies ‘human elasticity’ and positive attitude in the face of multiple afflictions, Tonna has confirmed as true the age long saying that nothing can kill a man who is not willing to die.
One striking lesson from Tonna’s ordeal and a very important point that qualifies the book as a must read by all is that it demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that human beings cannot achieve success by surprise, you don’t stumble over success, it is something you must plan and have been gazing at. Also very key, as different as the definition of success, one thing is constant and that is goal.

All through the moment he remained intentional in his resolve to survive the affliction. Not even the collapse of his building in the mix of the health crisis could lead him into despondency or desolation.
Supporting the above assertion was the revelation by the book that Tonna was still on admission when he started writing this book. This fact again partially explains as well as points to a man that was sure of leaving his hospital bed alive.

Again, what the above teaches is that as humans, we must begin to look at goal as a necessary part of success. There must be a goal in mind before one can talk of success or failure. The question that is therefore, as important as the book is; as a human being, what is your goal in life? How resilient are you towards achieving that set goal/objective?

While providing a personal answer(s) to these questions remains validly important, another lesson arising from the content of Tonna’s masterpiece that we must not fail to remember, has to do with the importance of trusting in God Almighty and relevance of Anioma spirituality and belief system.
Narrating how he prepared for the liver transplant, Tonna who doubles as President of South Carolina Organization of African Unity (OAU), and an Honourable member of the board of trustees of Knight of Columbus, as a man that exudes torrents of energy when it comes to promoting Ika and Anioma cultures and tradition stated as follows;

That morning, I summoned the courage and energy to stand up, went to the restroom to paste and freshen up and brought my traditional robe and a bead (Ikpewe).
We had packed well before now and even double sure last night after the calls. We sort of knew this call was coming. After this, I took a Gin (ogogoro), a local gin outside, and prayed in my local Agbor language. I called on God (Osonobue nu Dazi, my King Dein, Nmor Agbor ne Olokun Dein, the ancestors and spirits of Agbor land and all the holy men and women in Heaven to intercede. I called on my paternal ancestors, Okei, Denya, Osajei, and Oshun, then my maternal ancestors, Mokwenye, Egbai, Ehikwe, Ntata, Irabor, and others before them, I then invoked my female ancestors, Umute nwa Ekozi, Agbor nwa Degwe, Ndu nwa Ntata, Nnem Osene nke Ehikwe, Nnem Osene nke Nedim wea, Nnem Anie, and nnem Esaingbe and Ediagbenya onye Idu-From Benin. I especially prayed to St. John Baptist, the ArchAngels and the Angels to help me and grant me divine favor and grace. I asked that I return physically and medically better and that I would not return in a casket (Ekpeti). I did this in the front and back of my house. We call this ime ekpere nke Osonobue ne Nmor ri elu ne ani. (To pray to God and the realms).

After praying, we locked the door. My wife attempted to drive, but I ordered her in a soft tone to the passenger’ s side, that I would drive. I advised her that she should enjoy the privilege of having a man, and I prayed Nmor ri elu (Divine spirits) would make me be alive for a long time.

She screamed oh no, you can’t drive and won’t drive. I laughed and moved straight to the driver’s side, brought out my bitter kola, chewed off some parts, and threw it on the floor, praying that may the earthly realms eat and spare me the journey of Ali ndi nmor (Journey to the spirit land). I entered, adjusted the seat, and told her, Omoniyi sit, and let’s move. She obeyed, knowing fully well that I am a man who is fearless but hopeful in God.

I told my wife that God is able. Only nine days on the waiting list, that same God will see me through this. As we left home, I looked up and gave thanks and, in my language, begged Osonobue Edederiden (Unshakable God), saying Osen ogi ajen ijen iferen, meaning Alligator Pepper, never embark on a shameful/unsuccessful journey. And just immediately, we set off for Charleston.

Narrating his ordeal to media professionals recently, Tonna said; well, in the past three years, I have gone through a lot of medical challenges. From liver transplant to fighting colon cancer among others-and after all these, when I got home, my house collapsed the following day.

Despite the situation, I was still functioning. At this point, most people started saying that I should write a book to document all these so you can inspire others and so your children and generations yet to come can read about these medical challenges and how you carried it. He concluded.

It is a must read!!!

Utomi is the programme coordinator, media and policy, Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA), Lagos. He can be reached vi a; jeromeutomi@yahoo.com/08032725374.