By Ebi Perekeme
Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali has conveyed congratulations to one of Nigeria’s most outstanding journalists, political strategists and businessmen, Elder Zee Debekeme as he turned 72 years on Sunday, 15th September, 2019.
In a congratulatory message made available to GbaramatuVoice, the Ace diplomat and national icon Igali, who was a leading figure in the recently concluded PDP governorship elections in Bayelsa, described Elder Zee (as most people know him) as “the bastion of one of the most noble professions, that is masters of the pen and speech, in Nigeria.”
According to Igali, who was also one time Principal Envoy to Cameroon and Scandinavia and Super Permanent Secretary at Federal level, Elder Zee had left his professional mark in all the main media houses in Nigeria and around the world and today represents “the apogee of professional media and communications sphere.”
He further stated that the celebrant who was at several times Chief Press Secretary and Political Aide to both former old Rivers State Governor, Chief Melford Okilo and former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha “has paid his dues and now deserves to enjoy his rightful place as one of the shining stars in the pantheon of the heroes of our polity.”
In further encomiums, Igali recalled that although a veteran journalist, Elder Zee has also been actively involved in politics. He was chairman of youth wing of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in River State and at a time, one of leading exponents for creation of Bayelsa State, founding member of Ijaw National Congress, National Secretary of House to House Campaign for Jonathan-Sambo Presidency. He revealed that this “informed my decision to bring this old fox to run our Project Bayelsa Campaign and he did a most marvelous job in working with thousands of young people, the age of his children and grandchildren.”
Elder Zee Debekeme who was born in Ndoro in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa on 15 September, 1947 is also a very successful businessman and founding member Yenagoa and Sagbama Chambers of Commerce. Although his name at birth was “Ekpoenaiziwereten”, the media community in Lagos in his early professional days, shortened it to “Zee”. He is also known for his strong Christian life, being an ordained Elder in the Living Faith Church. He lives in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State with his family.
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