Destiny, they say, plays very significant role in the life of a man. This is simply so for late Rev Clifford Talbot Tokin George, a reverred Rivers patriot and philanthropist, who died after a brief illness on August 6, this year, at the age of 75.

Late C.T.T. George, born in Sokari Kiri community in Buguma, Asari Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, was cut out by destiny to live a distinctive life for God, and humanity, and to defend the course of truth. It was this benign touch of destiny that inspired his sojourn in life, and earned him the great place he occupies today in Rivers history.

Indeed, C.T.T. George appears to be one of the few people fitting the characterisation of men of many parts. This is because, Rev George was not just a father, teacher, and pastor, he was also a sportsman, administrator, counsellor and comforter. And he brought these virtues to bear in his relationship with Rivers people, and indeed, the entire nation.

He deployed his understanding of service in simple practical ways, and more often than not, painfully so. But with the great weapon of truth in his pouch, late Rev George needed no other arsenal  to render exemplary service to Rivers State.  As an administrator and teacher, Rev George managed Baptist High School and Enitonna College in the early 1970s as vice principal and principal.

In fact, it is to the credit of the mortal George that Baptist High School was the only institution of learning with an ‘upper-six class’, and drew its students from far and near.  And he perfectly and successfully did this without any intrigues.

Until his death, he bore no grudges, was fair and just to any who had one reason or the other to interact with him. He was forthright in his dealings, and would be remembered greatly for his integrity.

It was for these qualities that the Rivers State Government appointed him to pilot the affairs of many public institutions, which required utmost touch of frugality, transparency, accountability, fairness, and just application of will and wisdom.

It was not a mistake that Rev George was chairman, Rivers State Scholarship Board between 1975 and 1979, chairman, Rivers State Pilgrims Welfare Board between 1994 and 1995, chairman, Rivers State Library Board and director, primary and teacher education, Rivers State Ministry of Education.

A renowned Baptist pastor, late George also served as rector of Baptist College of Theology, Obinze near Owerri in Imo State, and as president of Nigerian Baptist Convention. Along with Rev B.T. Jack, humble and amiable George organised the silver jubilee celebration of Baptist High School in 1973, till date the most successful and best attended event of the institution since its inception. The celebration had guests from Europe and America, in addition to those from other parts of the African continent and Nigeria.

Late Rev George had his early education at Baptist Day School, Buguma and Baptist High School, Port Harcourt. He later proceeded to Nigeria Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomosho, University of Ibadan in Oyo State, as well as University of Calabar, Cross River State, where he obtained a Bachelor of Theology, Arts and Post-Graduate Diploma in Education, respectively. He also was a recipient of the Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa) of Vision Christian University, United States of America (USA).

As Rev C.T.T. George is lowered this Saturday in his country home in Buguma, The Tide joins the government and millions of good people of Rivers State, and friends far and near to mourn the demise of a colossus who worked assiduously for the repair, reform and re-invigoration of a school which gave life and meaning to thousands of students. We condole with millions of Baptist faithfuls across the world, who painfully feel the glorious exit of this leading example of the character of the Rivers man. The Tide also consoles the family of the man who gave Christian a new definition in service to humanity.

While we mourn this irreparable loss of a life of  service anchored on the fear of God and total devotion to truth, we commend Rev George’s exemplary qualities to all Rivers men and women, who believe in a greater future for generations yet unborn. We make this commendation believing that this irreplaceable effigy epitomised the hidden answer to the mountain of collective national challenges we face today.

It is, therefore, our total understanding and appreciation of late Rev George’s legacies that we may honestly guide ourselves towards the rebirth and transformation that we seek.

To this great son, of Nigeria, we say Adieu.