Family, Friends Celebrate as Surv. Gatah at 70
By: Edirin Robinson
It was an atmosphere of celebration as friends and family gathered to celebrate the 70th birthday of the National Coordinator of the Surveyors Council of Northern Nigeria (SURCONN) Surv. Samuel Akut Gatah, at his family House in Kaduna, yesterday.
Speaking to his eldest daughter, Mrs. Mercy Gatah Ephraim, who spoke on behalf of her siblings, she disclosed that the decision to organize a surprise birthday party for Baba, as he is fondly called, is because he has been generous and kind to others, honoring them regardless of status.
She described him as a wonderful and God-fearing man, a caring person who can go the extra mile to show love to people, and also a friend that one can trust without fear because he values relationships.
“Today we organized a surprise birthday party to celebrate our Father’s 70th birthday. We thought it was worth it to honor him because he has been giving to people, and we wanted to give back to him.
“No matter how small a child or a person is, he has always given the honor to whom honor is due. So we felt we didn’t need to wait till he died before we did something special for him and that was what prompted us to do this, and we know that he enjoyed the big surprise.
“Baba is a very generous man, a God-fearing person; he loves people. No matter the mood or tension, he is somebody who easily goes through people like he knows them well. He relates to people like a child or as a friend, that is the kind of person that Baba is,” she said.
In an interview with the celebrant, Surv. S.A Gatah expressed his heartfelt surprise and joy for the display of love and gratitude shown to him by his Family and Friends, saying he feels blessed and honored by the gesture.
Speaking on how far he has come, Baba stressed that the journey has not been easy but filled with ups and downs, adding that he wouldn’t have survived except by the love and mercies of God.
He, therefore, advised that anyone who wishes to go far must first find the purpose God has called them to fulfill and trust that God can lead them on the right path to success. Else, they risk falling prey to the antics of the wicked.
Expressing his gratitude to all who graced the event, Baba prayed that God would surprise them with numerous blessings and honor them with answers to their secret heart cries.
“I have been graciously moving through each year, through the ups and downs, but by the special grace of God, he has led us to today at 70 years. It has not been easy, but step by step, we are here today at 70 years, and we give no one the glory but God himself.
“People ask me how it has been, and I say, full of ups and downs, rising and falling and rising, God keeps lifting me, and that is how it has been. If you think you can go far in life without Jesus, you will soon end because life outside Jesus is ruled and controlled by the enemy and the essence of that is to shorten your life.
“But when you remember that your Creator brought you here for a purpose, and you are leaning on him, trusting him, asking for guidance in each step you take, He will lead you to where He wants you to be.
“First, is the fear of God. We can’t be perfect but so long as there is recognition of Him who brought us here, you can ask him, what is my purpose here? He has the answer and will guide you into fulfilment and if you follow, He will lead you. It might be rough but He will keep you on track.
“I wouldn’t have been alive today; I have had several death threats over the years, not that I’m rich, but I trust in God God, and I know that when He is done, He will take me home.”
In his goodwill message, the Former Registrar of SURCON, Surv. Winston Ayeni described Baba as a symbol of God’s grace and mercy, praying that God continues to guide him as he joins Club 70.
Speaking about the caring and supportive nature of his friend, he said, “If you are looking for an example of his compassionate and caring heart, I am one.”
“When I was Registrar of SURCON, I needed help to run it and incidentally, he was there. Sam has been incredible; he helped look after the North, and he still is in charge of the North.
“When I finished my tenure, I had no office, and that meant I had to leave, but he met me one day, and after sharing the issue with him, he made a vacancy for me and gave me an office, which I later found out was meant for him.
“His family is one I never had in Kaduna, always welcoming. I can confide in him, in my worst moments, I rely on him. Today I pray that God uplifts him, shields him, and blesses his family in Jesus’ name; amen,” He said.
