In August, 31st 1972, the Okpebholos, a popular household in Uromi, Edo state welcomed a bouncing baby boy into the Raymond’s family. His birth immediately lighted up the darkness in Uromi, so they named him Darlington Raymond.
Destined for greatness, Mr Darlington Ray grew up pulling remarkable strides and illustrious careers across different human endeavors, ranging from politics, media, communication, sport and social engagement.
Evidence abound in his contribution to sport and youth development in Edo state when he deputized for the chairman, Edo state Football Association between 2006 to 2010.
Mr Darlington Raymond is an ordained minister of God with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, where he rose to the level of Parish Pastor at one of the Zones in Abuja, before relocating to the United Kingdom.
He is married to his beautiful wife, Deaconess Mercy, also an ordained minister of God in the same church, and blessed with lovely children, Blossom, Kabosh, Havilah and Shekinah.
Being a man of unbelievable candour, a champion of noble ideals, support pillar of the destitute and a campaigner for social justice, Mr Darlington Co-founded different Non-governmental organizations and pressure groups to fight for the weak and defenseless, one of such is coordinating nationally Campaign Against Violent Election (CAVE).
Edo state politics in general and PDP family in particular has Mr Darlington Ray to thank for being a concerned stakeholder who led the rescue mission to salvage the ship of PDP from total collapse in Edo state.
In quest to bridge the gap in journalism, attaint objectivity in media reportage and bring up a true Nigeria media platform with National outlook, Mr Darlington Ray Co-founded Olika Reporters, a media platform which later on metamorphosed to Truth Live News and became a news platform on a global pedestal.
Mr Darlingron Ray is the bravest and boldest unrepentant loyalist of Governor Nyesom Wike, who could do everything to make a public image of the man in Rivers state Brick House. To Mr Darlington Ray, Governor Wike’s leadership style and political philosophies are the only missing riddles to solve the puzzle of governance in Nigeria, and serve as a lesson for other African countries.
Regardless of ones ethnic or religion affiliation, Mr Darlington Ray distaste all kinds of discrimination, inequalities and bigotry, which explains why Truthlive staff are meritoriously drawn from Nigeria’s ethnic and religious coloration, thus he was ever ready to suffer for the sake of others, share in their misery, identify with the vulnerable, stand with the poor, defend the rights of the oppressed and pitch his tent with the weak and helpless without expecting rewards. He was always unequivocal on the side of diligence, justice and truth.
To my employer, boss, teacher, role model and above all, a guidance, here’s wishing you a glorious years ahead as you cross the line of a golden jubilee. Happy birthday Boss!