A very happy birthday to you. This morning, upon waking, my thoughts were filled with a profound sense of gratitude and reflection, beginning with a vivid recollection of my respected mother and mentor, Barr. Mrs. J. K. Ukah (Retired Director of Education, FME). Her pivotal role, facilitated by the introductions of Thomas Ifu and the formal invitation from Boniface Inyambe , was the gateway through which I entered the system of Federal Unity Colleges. Our shared heritage as sons and daughters of Nkim-Bakor Extraction creates a bond that transcends mere profession and her tutelage remains a guiding light in my life, as evidenced by our conversation as recently as this past Monday, the 22nd of September, 2025.

This chain of mentorship and fate beautifully leads me to you. I fondly recall our first meeting at the Mathematical Centre in Kwali, back in June 2014, where we participated in that transformative two-week workshop on Inclusive Teaching Pedagogy. That encounter, I now see with perfect clarity, laid the foundational stone upon which my current path was built, a path that led me to the immense privilege of serving under your exemplary administration since the 4th of March, 2021.

And so, on this special day, the 23rd of September 2025, I found myself contemplating the age-old question: “What is life about?” The answers, quite wonderfully, revealed themselves to me within the quiet familiarity of my own room. The fan whispered, “Be cool!” The roof urged, “Aim high.” The window encouraged, “See the world!” The clock ticked a stern reminder that “Every minute is precious.” The mirror advised, “Reflect before you act,” while the calendar prompted, “Be up to date.” The door declared, “Push hard for your goals,” and finally, the floor humbly suggested, “Kneel down and pray and be thankful for what we have.” These simple yet profound metaphors resonate deeply when I consider the wisdom you impart.

Today, I raise a prayer from the four corners of the world, from the very heart of my Nkim-Bakor ancestry, and to the Almighty God, to thank you for the singular honour of allowing me to serve within the nucleus of your administration. This responsibility, which extends beyond my primary assignment of teaching English Language and Literature-in-English, is a trust I hold dear. The lessons in leadership, integrity, and dedication that I have learned from you are truly for keeps, treasures that I am committed to handing over from one generation to the next.

As you begin another glorious circle in your journey of life, walking gracefully towards the diamond age, please remember that your days, weeks, months, and years stand as a practical and magnificent representation of God’s infinite mercies bestowed upon you. Your journey, from the day you were born through your stellar career progression, extends far deeper than any personal calculation or forecast, or indeed, what others may perceive. You alluded to this profound truth yourself during the staff briefing on Monday, 22 September, 2025. If one pauses to consider those with whom you began this journey, a quiet, mental calculation will undoubtedly reveal that it has been God’s guiding hand all the way.

On this your birthday, I offer these native prayers for a superwoman of your calibre:

May the road rise up to meet you, making your path smooth and your journey light. May the wind be always at your back, filling your sails with favour and propelling you towards your heart’s desires. May the sun shine warm upon your face, blessing you with joy and contentment; and may the rains fall soft upon your fields, bringing forth abundance and growth in every aspect of your life. Until we meet again, may God hold you securely in the palm of His hand, granting you safety and profound peace.

Wishing a truly remarkable individual a most happy birthday. May this splendid new chapter in your life bring you many more years of robust health, continued career advancement, longevity, profound prosperity, and the perpetual embodiment of your incredible qualities as a superwoman, a cherished colleague, a master teacher, and an inspirational principal.

With warmest wishes and utmost respect,

Amb. Uloko Simon Atakor
Federal Government College, Vandeikya (FGCVKY NATION)