*Ogbueshi (Dr) Isichei Osamgbi,

By Francis Ezem

Ogbueshi (Dr) Isichei Osamgbi, represents different things to different people, who have crossed path with him, depending on which platform you related with him. He is no doubt, a true family man, a husband and father like no other. As a Christian, especially a staunch Catholic, he is no doubt a true lover of God, who manifests the love of Christ and takes keen interest in the things of God and the things that bring glory to the name of God

As an avid golfer and long-time member of the Ikoyi Gulf Club, he comes as a jolly good fellow. Little wonder members of the Club organised a commemorative Golf Kitty at the Ikoyi Golf Club to kick off a chain of events to mark his 60th birthday anniversary.

As a Past President of the Rotary Club of Ikoyi, (33rd President), and currently an Assistant Governor, the entirety of his life reflects and epitomises the Four Way Test of the International Rotary Club:

  1. Is it the truth?
  2. Is it fair to all concerned?
  3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
  4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

He is not just a Rotarian, he exemplifies everything the International Organisation stands for-Love and service to humanity. He is truthful and reliable, honest and compassionate, and would go extra mile to assist anyone in need even when such assistance could inconvenience him; that is exactly who he is. He is a true and good friend and if he says to you: “You’re my friend”, you can take that to the bank because he will be with you come rain or shine.

In addition to these, Isichei is a man dedicated to the service of humanity, which is the fulcrum of the Rotary Club.

As Journalist, having been a former Energy and Business Editor at THISDAY Newspaper, he is a very fair minded and upright person, a professional to the core, who exemplified the journalism ethical practice of hearing from all the sides at all times, and someone, who is not given to sensationalism.

From left: Maj Gen Dapo Oyelade, Maj Gen Julius Osifo, Miss Nneoma Osamgbi, Ogbueshi (Dr.) Isichei Osamgbi, his wife Maj (Mrs.) Janet Osamgbi Rtd., the Asa of Asa, HRH Vitus Kasa, Chairman, Starz Marine, Engr Greg Ogbeifun, former Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, and Brig Gen Efe Edafioghor Rtd, at the 60th Birthday celebration and retirement of Osamgbi, former Director, Admin and Human Resources at NIMASA, in Victoria Island, Lagos recently.

OGBUESHI ISICHEI OSAMGBI remains a quintessential Public Relations guru, who understands his publics. Though his PR career spans through his years in Shell Nigeria, where he grew through the ranks to become Head of Corporate Communications department of the organisation, most journalists on the maritime beat crossed path with him when he became the Deputy Director, Public Relations DDPR, of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA. In a generation where Public Relations practice is equated with lying, and sometimes resorting to outright deception of the public, ISICHEI OSAMMGBI stands out as a very decent Public Relations practitioners, who believes that his integrity must remain intact even after the job. Little wonder he achieved great milestones for both organisations and the records are there.

He combined the humanity in him with his professional Image-Making job and most, if not all the maritime journalists, including this writer have many good and pleasant experiences to relieve about him, as he touched on their lives. As a compassionate man, he showed keen interest in the professional development of the journalists that covered the industry and so many of us had the privilege of attending several capacity building workshops and trainings both locally and internationally, which helped to a great extent in shaping our career.

To his colleagues at work, he remains a team player, an astute administrator, a workaholic, a ‘restless spirit’, and a perfectionist, who has zero tolerance for laziness, truancy and lateness to duty. Those of us, who have related very closely with him will sometimes hear his subordinates in the department grumble or complain silently, especially late in the evening: “I have packed my bag, I want to leave office, I want to go home, but Oga is still working.” A very humble, hardworking and an unassuming boss, who has no airs around him. Most times he refers to his subordinates as ‘Bro’, which demonstrates his spirit of comradery, unlike what is obtained in contemporary civil service environment where master-servant relationship reigns supreme.

In every sense of the word, he is truly an exceptional man, whose charity truly begins at home, a man of character, a grass-root personality and a man of the people, he remains a Prophet known in his own community.

This, no doubt, explains why Ogbueshi (Dr) Isichei Osamgbi, holds a traditional Ahaba Alor title (Ogbueshi Ezi Ife Onye Gbanuche), a proud son of Nnikwu Village, Umuaji, Asaba, Delta State, an illustrious son, a distinguished personality of honour, culture, and legacy.

This is a testimony to a life of honour and dignity, integrity and hard work, who has attained a high pinnacle in life through the strength of his character, diligence and perseverance. ISICHEI OSAMGBI’s exemplary life has continued to inspire those around him.

BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THIS GREAT MAN OF HONOUR AND INTEGRITY!

May your shadow never grow dim. Amen!