By Francis Akenami
My late dad, Pa. Richard Akenami told me that once a ram is
big enough it enters town. Chief Richard Osogba became large enough for him to be
claimed by every Olomoro indigene. I therefore crave the indulgence of the
Osogba family and the Odugbo lineage of Ukoli Quarters, Olomoro, Isoko South
LGA, Delta State to write a little tribute to a great man who was called to
glory suddenly on 22nd of December, 2014. He was aged 62!
I knew the then Mr. Richard Osogba first as a mathematics
teacher at the Comprehensive High School Olomoro, around 1985. He was very
brilliant, full of life and knew his subject very well. He was in the same mould
of brilliant teachers such as Mr. Osalor (Biology), and Mr. Itebu
(Geography/Economics). He simply refused to be poor. In those days when it was
difficult for teachers to own a car in Nigeria, Mr. Osogba owned a 504 Peugeot
Car, clearly placing him shoulders high amongst his equals. Sensing that his
meager teacher’s salary could not satisfy what he planned to contribute to
society, Richard Osogba proceeded to the University of Benin as an adult to
study Accounting, where he graduated in flying colours around 1991.
After he graduated, he refused to return to teaching. I once
spoke with him where he said “Francis, I can never hold chalk again until
the day I die.” And that is what he did. He pitched tent with an Olomoro
successful business man in the oil industry, Chief Ogrih the drum. He worked
for him, served him and gradually became his Manager. He started by buying an
Okada with which he made business contacts and learnt the trade very well. He
later bought a car and the rest is history as he eventually owned assorted and
choice brand new cars to the glory of his maker.
After Chief Ogrih died, typical of Nigerian and African businesses,
his children liquidated his multi-million business empire and moved on. Chief
Ogrih’s business was by conservative estimates worth over a 100 million naira
as at that time. Chief Richard Osogba was left with nothing but his business
acumen and zeal to succeed. He started his own Company, RICOS Technical
Services, Limited, based in the oil city of Warri, specializing in servicing the oil industry.
Chief Osogba surpassed his boss the late Chief Ogrih (the drum) in the business
because of his brilliance and education. He broke into manufacturing of
industrial tools. What exactly did he manufacture?
What the Chief did would perplex you. What he did is how the
German economy and now the Chinese economy was developed. He has a cottage
industry that produces tools for the oil industry. He entered into MOU with
many companies in the world including USA. They sent him tools with factory specifications
and he reproduced them. After inspection, they issued him with certificate of
authenticity. He has well over 50 workers. In my zeal to
develop the Deltan economy and train machinists, I suggested to him I wanted to
introduce him to the Government of Delta State so his skills could be of
benefit to the state. He declined and told me he is a quiet businessman.
Mingling with the state will involve politics and he was not a politician. I am
able to write this now because he is no more. Chief Richard Osogba’s business
is by conservative estimates worth over five hundred million naira
(N500,000,000.00), and I know what I am talking about. I was personally
involved a couple of times in negotiating some business undertakings for his
company abroad.
Chief Richard Osogba was a friend of all. He enjoyed life to
the fullest and rendered help to many people including his community, Olomoro. He
lived a christian life, was very frank, outspoken and was generous but was
always mindful of attracting attention to himself. The Odion-Ologbo of Olomoro
recently gave him the chieftaincy title of Adethaomufuowho (when he arrives all
problems are solved) of Olomoro Kingdom. During my parents burial in November,
2013, I sent him a text message informing him I was around for the purpose just
in case I was not able to make it to see him. I was so busy I could not see him
before the date. Lo and behold, on the day of my dad’s burial (November 16th
2013), Chief Osogba was around with his entourage. I was pleasantly surprised
and he was full of life and charm as always. He called me, Francis, please come
to our table briefly. I was sweating profusely. He gave me a can of orange
juice and said “just for sitting here with us, we will give you some money now.”
Chief Richard Osogba, Chief Peter Okieke and Chief Don Major Ifowodo
contributed N41,000.00 and gave it to me right there. Chief Osogba then told
me, “Francis, I will not make it to your mum’s burial next Saturday. However,
I will send you something tomorrow." Surprise, surprise, the next day Chief
Osogba sent a truck full of assorted drinks to me through his Manager Mr.
Governor Idebe. I was told some of the drinks were sent by Chief Don Major
Ifowodo.
During the burial I addressed Chief Osogba as the Adethaomufuowho
of Olomoro Kingdom, he told me no. That he is not answering that, that it was
too worldly. He informed me he was the Osogba of Olomoro. Such was his humility
and simplicity.
Around 2009, Chief Osogba sent me money to buy for him a brand
new Toyota Camry which I bought and shipped to him in a container. After he
received it, I bought a Honda Pilot for myself. Because the Honda Pilot had
tinted glasses, it required a permit from the IG of Police before I could drive
it. Chief Osogba told me I should send him the details that he would get it
ready for me within a twinkle of an eye that the IG of Police as at then was
his friend. He got the permit ready for me and paid N40,000.00. When I arrived
Nigeria, I wanted to give him the money and he refused to accept it. This is
just my story, what about what he did for others?
In 2009, when we organized the D3 conference in New York, it
was difficult to send large sums of money abroad due to currency restrictions.
I advised the Delta State Ministry of Information to send the money through
Chief Richard Osogba since he was a regular importer of goods. He helped to get
the money across to me effortlessly. What else can a man do for his people!
I was told Chief gave all his workers fabulous Christmas
bonuses this year. Little did his workers know that he was rendering his last
generosity to them.
Now I have a word for his children, please do not fold-up
your dad’s business as is typical of most African businesses. The
multi-national conglomerate I work for has been in existence for 152 years,
surviving many generations of its founder. Appoint a Board of Directors, retain the current
Manager and let all the Chief’s children be placed on salary. Create the Chief
Richard Osogba Foundation and ensure it survives for atleast 20 to 50 years to
keep his memory alive. If you listen to this advice, you will all do well.
Chief Richard Osogba, the man who refused to be poor, the Adethaomufuowho
of Olomoro people, the Osogba of Olomoro Kingdom, you impacted many lives in
your six decades of existence. You lived a life worthy of emulation. Olomoro,
Isoko and Delta State will miss you. We will miss your smile, charm and energy.
We will miss your sincerity. Silent Night. ADIEU.
No comments:
Post a Comment