My Tribute to Air Commodore Idongesit Okon Nkanga fondly called ‘idongesit Akwa Ibom’.
Let me start this short tribute to a man that I truly admired by taking a quote from a man simply known as Mr. Rogers which says; “Most of us, I believe, admire strength. It’s something we tend to respect in others, desire for ourselves, and wish for our children. Sometimes, though, I wonder if we confuse strength and other words–like aggression and even violence. Real strength is neither male nor female; but is, quite simply, one of the finest characteristics that any human being can possess.”
There is nothing that shows your strength better than your gentleness.
It might sound a little bit odd. It may come across as some kind of a contradiction, but if you think about it for just a minute it makes sense.
Strength is the ability to do things that need a lot of physical or mental effort. It’s the choice to continue through the pain even when it feels unbearably hard.
Gentleness breeds peace, calm, and consistency of character. It is not volatile or abrupt in its response to the world.
Gentleness is strength because it remains constant and clear-minded across all manner of situations.
It is possible that some people may have said that Air Commodore Idongesit Okon Nkanga was too gentle but when one carefully examine his life his gentleness paid off, he was in all respect a very successful man. I am glad I had the privilege of knowing him. May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace.