An article by Chris Osa Nehikhare | Publisher, From My Window

Today, I celebrate a dear friend and brother, Hon. Marcus Onobun, former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and now Member of the House of Representatives for Esan West, Esan Central and Igueben Federal Constituency.

My relationship with Marcus goes back many years. I knew him as a teenager, long before the titles, the public offices and the responsibilities of leadership. His mother and I began our political journey together, so I have had the privilege of watching Marcus grow from that young man into the husband, father, leader and public servant he is today.

And I am proud of the man he has become.
Marcus is humble, intelligent and thoughtful. His rise in public service has not robbed him of his humanity or his respect for people. I have always believed that he has a great political future ahead of him, provided he continues to hold firmly to those qualities of humility, courage and service that have brought him this far.

But this particular birthday is about much more than politics or public office.
It is a celebration of life itself.
The last three years have tested Marcus in ways few of us can fully appreciate. A terrible accident began a long journey through surgery, an Ilizarov frame, metal, bolts, crutches and a wheelchair. Eventually, he had to undertake perhaps the most basic thing we take for granted — learning to walk again.

Those of us who watched from the outside could offer prayers and encouragement, but only Marcus truly knows the pain, frustration and determination that accompanied that journey.
That is why seeing him standing and walking today is itself a testimony.

Sometimes God’s greatest gifts are things we once considered ordinary: waking up, standing unaided, taking a few steps, wearing our clothes normally, going about our daily lives. It often takes adversity to remind us how extraordinary these ordinary blessings really are.

So, Marcus, as you choose to spend this birthday quietly in prayer, thanksgiving and reflection, I join you in giving thanks to Almighty God.

I thank God for preserving your life.
I thank Him for your recovery.
I thank Him for the family, friends and loved ones who stood beside you.
And above all, I thank Him because I believe your journey is far from finished.

May the years ahead bring you complete restoration, greater wisdom and renewed strength. May your experience deepen your compassion for others and make you an even better representative of the people who have entrusted you with public responsibility.

May you continue to grow in grace, character and service. And may the political future I have long believed lies ahead of you unfold according to God’s purpose and in His perfect time.

Happy birthday, Marcus.

From the teenager I knew many years ago to the man and leader you have become, it has been a privilege to watch your journey.
Today, we do not merely celebrate another year.
We celebrate life. We celebrate recovery. We celebrate resilience. And, above all, we celebrate the faithfulness of God.
To God alone be all the glory.

Happy Birthday, Hon. Marcus Onobun.