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Wabote at GOCOP: Breaking down the gains and pains of Nigeria’s local oil and gas development
It was meant to be another interactive session, one in the series of what has underscored the robust partnership between the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
Date was October 3, 2023, venue, the Ladi Kwali Conference Room of the Abuja Continental Hotel,Again. Again it was another opportunity for the top echelon of the NCDMB, a body, which since its establishment, in 2010, has become the engine room of boosting the involvement of indigenous operators in the oil and gas business and development in Nigeria and members of GOCOP, currently the highest authoritative voice of journalism practice in the country, to engage in not only promoting the ideal behind the Federal Government initiative, but emphasise the implication of the impact of its attaining its goal as a major catalyst for the Nigerian economy.
Listening to Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary of NCDMB, who since his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) on the 29th of September 2016, had pursued his brief with uncommon gusto rarely found among public officials, presented a fresh insightful and incisive foray into one of Nigeria’s most critical sectors that holds the key as a crucial hub and engine of growth in the nation’s economy.
With a 25 years in the business of oil development in Nigeria, Wabote, who was before his appointment, Executive Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Nigeria Limited and the General Manager Business and Government Relations for Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN), could be no less expressive.
Like a teacher holding a class, he practically broke down the entire spectrum of the development to its bits and pieces, odds and ends of the issues surrounding the ups and downs as well as the gains and pains of the critical sector.
At the event and as in the past, the NCDMB boss, never left his audience in doubt that he is on top of his game not only in the agency, but has both a hands-on knowledge of how its operations could lead to the waking up of the sleeping giant that is the Nigerian economy, but the passion to do so.
As usual his top-notch account of the development of the agency so far, was captivating as it was enthralling for revealing the great potentials the nation has at its disposal. Yet, some of his revelations, left a sour taste in the mouth by underscoring the negative flipside of the situation to emphasise the reason Nigeria is still struggling even with the huge potentials of being an A-list player in the global economy.
It was a bitter-sweet tale. Of course Wabote reported how he and his team, had by dint of hardwork, grown the agency to its present status, in collaboration with stakeholders in the oil and gas industry, including the media.
Imagine a situation where Nigerians now own a whopping 15 per cent of the oil operations in the country from a zero start just few years ago. Anyone with the littlest knowledge of what that entails in terms of money and infrastructure buildup would appreciate the reason Wabote and his men would beat their chests in celebration.
Of course, the ease of doing business in the sector, which NCDMB has promoted during the period, seems one of the major reasons for achieving the feat. It has even become better now and would become more so with the Service Level Agreement (SLA) the agency had recently signed with key entities in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, meant to up its game in terms of speed.
Wabote explains: “We initiated this concept in 2017 to shorten the contracting cycle in the Nigerian oil and gas industry from an uncertain two to three-year period to six months.
“Our goal was to spur the speedy development of new oil and gas projects, ensure compliance with the provisions of the Nigerian Content Act, and guarantee timely approvals of Nigerian Content documents.
“Our objectives were also to facilitate ease of doing business, set new standards of quality service delivery in the public and private sectors and provide evidence that the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is not a mere regulator, but essentially a Business Enabler.”
Another raison d’être, is to pick up where the foreign majors are dropping off to ensure a seamless takeover that would make oil production continue without let or hindrance or make them less so. This is evident in the onshore and semi offshore operations, where the oil majors are currently divesting.
Wabote made glaring disclosure with the present situation of the low production in the country, which had put many stakeholders and concerned citizens in Nigeria in great anguish. Not a few of them had bemoaned the fact that Nigeria is probably the only oil-producing country in the world that is not smiling to the banks as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war that has seen a quantum leap in both the price and high level of production approved by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), due to the minimal role Moscow now plays in the industry.
He explained that the situation could even be more dire if Nigerians failed to fill the gap being created by oil majors, departing the scene and divesting their operations. According to him, the operators are finding it less attractive to invest in the offshore and shallow onshore regions for various reasons, thus making it imperative for Nigerian players to step in not as the only major way of provoking continued strong economic growth, but supporting President Bola Tinubu achieve the economic policies in his Renewed Hope Agenda.
Hear him: “Contrary to the popular view, the unfortunate stealing of our crude oil by vandals is not the only reason for Nigeria’s low production numbers and the decrease in our foreign exchange earnings.
“Our nation’s production deficit is partly caused by the lack of major investments in the past decade, declining oil production from aging oil fields, and the clamour for energy transition which caused international oil companies to cut back on new projects.
“There is also the emergence of attractive oil-producing nations in Africa and across the globe, leading to intense competition for investment capital. These challenges were exacerbated by our inexplicable delay in the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act and of course the long contracting cycle time.”
Indeed, NCDMB boss explained that virtually all African countries are now discovering oil on their soil, unlike the situation in the past and due to the competition on ground entailed by the development, offering mouth-watering options to international oil majors who are biting at the bait.
It was against this backdrop that the NCDMB worked tirelessly to ensure the coming of the SLA, Wabote, said, adding that it was a bold steps to cut down time in all our touchpoints during pre-qualification, bidding, and award stages of the oil and gas tenders, starting with Nigeria LNG Ltd in June 2017.
“That SLA with the Nigeria LNG was the first of its kind between a regulator and another entity in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The implementation ensured that we broke a record for the shortest contract approval period.
“Before we instituted the SLA, we had already introduced the 15-DAY Rule to the industry in 2017, where we promised that we would respond within 15 working days to any formal request for approvals that relate to oil industry projects execution. The 15-Day Rule also permitted operators to go ahead with their projects if we fail to respond to their request after 15 days.
“As further proof of our commitment to a short contracting cycle, we achieved a 14-month contract approval record on the Zabazaba and Etan deepwater project which was promoted by the Nigerian Agip Exploration, in partnership with SNEPCo. We had accomplished this record before the project was suspended due to non-technical reasons.
“We are extremely delighted that our SLA template has been adopted across the entire oil and gas industry through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Service Level Agreement (SLA) we signed last week with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC Ltd) and five international oil-producing companies. Other participating companies in the SLA included Shell Petroleum Development Company, ExxonMobil, Chevron Nigeria, Nigerian Agip Exploration and Total Exploration and Production Nigeria,” he said.
The NCDMB boss also informed his audience that the agency created a separate SLA with the Indigenous Petroleum Producer Group (IPPG), which we signed in October 2018, adding: “Last week’s SLA signing is the climax of the adoption of the initiative and we commend the Management of the NNPC Ltd for their participation.
“With the position of the NNPCL as the senior partner in the joint ventures (JV) and concessionaire of the production sharing contracts (PSC) arrangements, the chances of achieving the six-month target period and other aspirations of the SLA look very bright.”
In fact, he said the theme of the interaction, Sustaining Nigerian Content Amidst Divestments to Indigenous Oil Companies: The Role Of The Media, was well chosen to give insight into the growing profile of Nigerian operating companies, especially the recent acquisitions or planned acquisitions of key assets divested by some international oil companies.
Here, he named Seplat Plc and Oando Plc that had now transformed from from midsized players into big-time operating companies, saying it underscored the new picture and the leaps the local content gospel was attaining.
“Seplat PLC is hoping to conclude the acquisition of the entire share capital of Mobil Producing Unlimited (MPNU) from ExxonMobil Corporation, a deal that would triple Seplat’s production and add 95,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.
“Similarly, Eni signed an agreement last month to sell Nigerian Agip Oil Company Ltd to Oando Plc, a deal that will include NAOC’s four onshore blocks, the Okpai 1 and 2 power plants, and two onshore exploration leases. The transaction will double Oando’s reserves to 996 million barrels of oil equivalent.
“What is playing out is the implementation of the oil majors’ strategic move to sell down their onshore assets in Nigeria and concentrate on their offshore operations, where they retain a competitive advantage and contend with minimal human interferences.
“The implication is that we should expect other majors to soon offer their onshore assets for sale, while many other Nigerian independents will have a shoe-in.
“The ongoing and planned divestments are big accomplishments for Nigerian Content development. They are bold statements that Nigerian indigenous operating companies have come of age and have acquired the technical, managerial, and financial capabilities to play in the big league.
“We are proud that we have moved from near zero participation in the oil and gas sector to the point that our indigenous operators such as SEPLAT, AITEO, EROTON, and others are now responsible for 15 per cent of our oil production and 60 per cent of our domestic gas supply.
“With this planned acquisition, the share of local firms in crude oil production could reach 30 per cent or more in a short while. It is heart-warming to see our local operating companies deploy ingenious techniques to double and sometimes triple production volumes from their acquired assets and apply homegrown solutions in addressing host community concerns,” he said.
Wabote, however, explained further that part of the reasons for the divestment of the oil majors in the offshore and shallow onshore arena was not purely because of what many had misconstrued as harsh operating environment, but the discovery of new technologies that made it more rewarding to move deeper into offshore operations, with prospects for less human interference.
The bottomline for making this critical decision of either divestment or continued operation, he said, is rested on Portfolio Rationalisation, centred on the Internal Return on Investment (IRI), a threshold through which operators in the industry measure profitability and sustainability.
Hear him: “A lot of people get worried to say, why are the international oil companies divesting? Is it that they are running away from Nigeria? That’s not the case. In all the oil-producing companies, we have a threshold that determines return on investment – the IRI. Once the IRI falls below that threshold, given their size and their global reach, they would want to divest, because it is no longer profitable for them.
“But to a large extent it is not the same for the indigenous oil operators who still find it profitable because they are nimble in size and their operations are largely localised. This is not peculiar to Nigeria. The Gulf of Mexico and even in the North Sea, where all the majors used to operate, a lot of these assets have been divested to local players. A lot of them have pulled out from those assets because the local players have come of age, they are a lot nimbler and they can turn around those investments and make huge profits. That is the major reason those companies are divesting. But most often than not, we see it differently from other perspectives. Once we see those oil companies divesting, all we conclude is that oil major wants to leave the country. That is not the case.”
Apart from the PR and IRI, other factors such as the global campaign against fossil oil in favour of renewable energy, also plays a major role for the new trend in the operational decisions of the oil majors, he said.
Besides that, he explained that because the International Oil Companies (IOCs), have advantage of deep pocket and technology, they had to adopt the Blue Ocean Strategy, as against that to the Red Ocean, stressing that unlike the latter infested with a lot of shacks struggling for space, since many people now had some form of capacity to produce oil, the Blue Ocean, where it is just the blue sea, the IOCs see it as a more convenient operation arena.
“There is a red ocean and there is the blue ocean. In the red ocean there are a lot of shacks. It is called red because there is blood. Everybody now knows how to drill oil onshore. Everybody now knows how to deal with oil and gas in the shallow offshore. So, there is some kind of entanglement and fight. But when you move to the blue ocean, there is no blood. You just see the blue sea and you want to get there in order to get away from Red Ocean. So, it is not a question of leaving the country. It is a matter of Portfolio Rationalisation.
“You can imagine exploring oil and gas two kilometres deep in the ocean, where humans cannot get to – the maximum as a human diver you can get is six metres. Anything beyond that you cannot stand the pressure. You can imagine that and even 3.5kilometres of water and you are going to the dept to look for oil. That can only be done by people who have the deep pockets and technology to be able to go that far. That is why you see the oil majors by virtue of their deep pockets, their research breakthroughs and their technology that they have attained that are able to go that level of water to look for oil.
“Of course, there is no gainsaying that there a lot of problems offshore in terms of oil theft, massive environmental pollution, local refineries that steal crude to refine. All those are challenges that the IOCs are faced with. So, the best thing is to hand it over to the locals who can deal decisively with some of these challenges and move to the deep ocean where they feel a lot more comfortable.
The positive outcome, Wabote said, could be gleaned in how a production well Shell divested, which initially produced a total of 20,000 barrels of crude, had now upped its capacity to a princely 75,000 barrels, after its acquisition by Seplat. In a similar manner AITEO, which also acquired another platform from an IOC, was able to ramp up production from 30,000 barrels per day to 80,000, even with close to 80 per cent local personnel.
But in the bitter-sweet narrative, Wabote also spoke about how the ubiquitous phenomenon called The Nigerian Factor, had not only crept into the arrangement, but stultifying the progress.
Hear him: “Beyond the positives, it must also be observed that the divestment of producing assets to indigenous players poses significant challenges for the implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act.
“The worries are predicated on research findings and our experience in implementing the NOGICD Act in the past 13 years which indicates that indigenous firms, especially the indigenous operating companies are serial violators of the Nigerian Content Act.
“In many instances, international operators tend to comply with the Nigerian Content because it is in their DNA to obey laws or they have to show evidence of compliance to their home offices. On the contrary, some many indigenous companies feel entitled and assume they can get away with non-compliance. At other times they want to save costs to the detriment of the local economy.
“Some of indigenous have also argued that they should be excluded from the implementation of the NOGICD Act since their primary investors are Nigerians. Some of the common violations by indigenous firms range from executing projects without obtaining prior approvals, non-execution of mandatory Human Capacity Development Initiative (HCDI), Non-Utilization of vendors without approved Nigerian Content Equipment Certificate (NCEC) and Utilization of the services of contractors that are not registered on the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Joint Qualification System Portal (NOGIC JQS) and several other violations.
“Other times, the firms fail to remit their one per cent mandatory Nigerian Oil Content Development Fund and engage expatriates without requisite approvals from the Board or even award contracts to foreign firms, even when other Nigerian companies can execute.
“It is very surprising to see local companies undermine and flout the Nigerian Content Act despite being the immediate beneficiaries of the Nigerian Content policy, thereby causing capital flight, loss of jobs, and opportunity for technological development.”
Commending the indigenous companies gearing up to acquire the divested assets, he reminded all stakeholders of the industry that the provisions of the Nigerian Content cover all entities and all activities connected to the Nigerian oil and gas industry adding that the board would continue to study the changing ownership dynamics in the industry, and partner with the industry stakeholders to institute regulations that will ensure that the increasing footprints and stakes of indigenous production companies will not lead to a reduction in Nigerian content compliance and participation of Nigerians in the industry.
Soliciting more support from the media, especially GOCOP, to continue advocacy for Nigerian Content compliance by all stakeholders of the industry. Wabote, maintained that Nigerian Content implementation remained a marathon, and we will require all hands on deck to ensure that the benefits of the oil and gas industry is retained maximally in Nigeria.
The records show that the giant strides the organisation and its men are making are not in vain, given the recognitions they had received in recent times, including the award by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) as the most efficient agency among all the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the Federal Government in 2022.
While the body was also rated PLATINUM by the Bureau for Public Service Reforms in recognition of the self-imposed reforms of our processes, Wabote himself was honoured in October 2022 by former President Muhammed Buhari with the “Distinguished Capacity Development Award” at the Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service (NEAPS).
“These awards have challenged us to redouble our efforts to deepen Nigerian Content in the oil and gas industry and the linkage sectors and to continue to contribute to the growth of our national economy,” Wabote had told his audience.
In the end, it was a case of preaching to the converted. Maureen Chigbo, President of the organisation, assured Wabote and his men that the group would do anything and everything within its powers not only to project the ideals of NCDMB, but ensure that defaulters are held accountable.
By Sunny Igboanugo
Despite consistent usage, it has remained a powerful reality, the age-long saying that the drum sounds for a great man – in life and at death. Rather than becoming a tiring cliché its reality continues to emerge as demonstrable evidence from time to time.
So, when on Sunday, October 26, 2025, the cap lowered on the head of Ben-Chuks Nwosu – astute lawyer, consummate politician, inimitable humanist, gifted public speaker and foremost community leader, it was not just another historic event, many of which have trailed him over the years, but a clear statement on the persona of the former Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly – one meant to capture his import as a man who has conquered his territory and etched his name permanently on the sands of time.
The versatile lawyer and politician, was among the influential figures assembled for special recognition by Igwe Keneth Orizu 111, Monarch of the Nnewi ancient kingdom – one of the iconic traditional stools in Anambra State – to mark his 100 years of age and 62 years on the throne, as one of the features of the historic event.
The monarch, the oldest and longest reigning king in Nigeria was emphatic on why Nwosu made that list – it was an acknowledgement of his positive contributions, not only to the development of the ancient town, but to the advancement of humanity in general through his engagements in many aspects, especially his chosen career of law and his vocation as a politician.
Ostensibly, the royal father wanted to make that statement both as part of the records of his reign and to demonstrate the essence of the biblical saying – to whom much is given, much is expected – and how this son on of Nnewi land had over time, fits that bill perfectly.
For instance, not only the monarch, the people of Anambra, if not the conscious world, bore and still bear witnesses to how, the primus inter pares of the Anambra legislature, Nwosu unsheathed his sword from the scabbards to confront the political hounds that attacked the state at that time, in defence of his territory – democracy.
The echoes of that historic period in the state, have continued to reverberate across the firmament, while the imprimatur has continued to be evident in demonstrably bold terms even now, as the doyen has again donated himself to yet a fresh battle – that of rescuing the people of Anambra from the abyss of despair as the state approaches the edge of the precipice where the current minders are driving it, through bad policies and unwholesome politics.
Currently, the Chief of Staff (CoS) of the John Chuma Nwosu (JCN) Campaign Council, the ex-lawmaker, has become a central voice for the new advocacy in Anambra by JCN – the man, who has taken it as duty to rescue the state and reverse the evil political vehicle, fast galloping towards that inevitable destruction.
Ndubuisi Nwobu, Deputy Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), at the hosting of members of the council at a reception organised at his Nnewi country home, shortly after the event at the Igwe’s palace, spared no words in acknowledging this aspect of the former Speaker’s persona, particularly his contributions to both politics and human development in Anambra State and beyond.
Nwosu takes traditional greetings with Igwe Orizu
For Nwobu, himself one of the biggest names in Anambra political arena, bearing the scars of its different political wars, it was a recognition of a fellow warrior in the battlefield and a colleague in arms, whose contributions are vital for the mission at hand.
The former Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area and former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who represented the governorship candidate at the event was emphatic in guaranteeing that Nwosu would neither relent or be deterred by the arsenal of war being assembled by the anti-democratic, anti-progressive and clearly negative forces in the state, who seem intent on relentlessly asphyxiating it of life.
Hear him: “There is greater work ahead and I have no doubt in my mind that you’ll live up to expectation, because your passion for the service to mankind is exceptional. Whatever you set your mind on, you pursue it with so much gusto and vigour, as if your life depends on it. For you, there’s always no going back.
“Congratulations. The entire campaign council greets you. We thank you for what you have done and have no hesitation in our belief that with your contributions to this onerous task, we’re going to triumph. Remain strong. May the good Lord continue to strengthen you in the name of Jesus.”
Before Nwobu spoke, Prof. Zelinjo Igweze, Director, Women Mobilisation and Dr. CC Okeke, Deputy Director General (DDG) Political Matters, had also spoken in the same manner, paying glowing tribute to the Nnewi-born political juggernaut.
Ike Iwenofu, accomplished Engineer and Director General of the council, had earlier in his tribute on behalf of the members, also acknowledged Nwosu’s towering profile and invaluable contributions to the campaign efforts.
He wrote: “The entire John Chuma Nwosu Campaign Council bursts with joy as we celebrate our indefatigable Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Barr. Benchuks Nwosu, on this glorious day of honour and recognition by His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. Kenneth Orizu III of Nnewi, during the historic Centenary Birthday Celebration.
“This royal honour is not just a mark of distinction, but a celebration of character — a recognition of your steadfast loyalty, uncommon humility, and tireless service to humanity and our great movement. You have continued to distinguish yourself as a pillar of strength and a shining example of leadership, loyalty, and integrity. Your honour today reflects the values we hold dear — service, excellence, and commitment to the greater good.
“We rejoice with you, Ogbalike Nwachinemelu, and pray that this recognition opens even greater doors of favour, grace, and impact in your journey ahead. A thousand cheers to a worthy son, a noble leader, and a loyal ally!”
Nwosu with Nwobu
But for the man of the moment, the event evoked memories decked in family history, particularly depicting a family of warriors, whose essence was captured in the roles they played in defence of the territorial integrity of the Obuofia Nnewi enclave in the years of yore.
He tells the story: “My father, Nwoke Modo was a warrior and it became his assignment to move from Obuofia to wage wars against our attackers. Where we live now is called Agawana, meaning war trenches. So, Eze Ugbuonyanta, the great grandfather of the person that gave me this title today, named him Ogbalike. That means, when things get tough, he is invited.
“So, when this came up about a year ago, I told the Igwe that I had a senior brother, but they said the knew the history, but that this was given to me in recognition of the special role I played as Speaker, particularly during the impeachment saga (of former governor, Peter Obi.)
“They said I proved some genetic trails when I did not betray him as then Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Council and I did not betray Dr. Dozie Ikedife, who was the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. So, this has been in the making for more than a year. In line with tradition, I had to let my elder brother know and he gave his consent that I could go ahead and take our grandfather’s title. That’s what I have done today. Since he was a warrior, they felt that the role I had played in Anambra politics akin to that of a warrior, hence the title.”
With this historic aspect, it might no longer be surprising to anyone the line the former Speaker is toeing, why his battle-weary body is lacerated with the scars of war and why his path both in politics, law and other endeavours is strewn with courage and forthrightness. It lives in the family – an acknowledgement that Ogbalike Nnewi is not just a title, it is history!
By Sunny Igboanugo
“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michaelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.” – Martin Luther King
On the evening of Thursday, October 2, 2025, I was one of the scores of faces at the Lagos Continental (LC) arguably one of the most prestigious hotels in Nigeria today – an imposing sightful structure somewhere on Kofo Abayomi Street in Victoria Island in the nation’s commercial city. By the way, it is advetrtised as the tallest hotel in the whole of Africa.
I nearly cursed my ill-luck for being in Lagos at the time, because outside Lagos, I would have had a more cogent and verifiable reason not to attend the event. When my boss forwarded the invite to me on WhatsApp, I had paid little heed to it, knowing it was not a place for me.
But then, my boss informed me later that I was going to accompany him. That was when, as the Americans would say – the nickel dropped! All attempts to hedge and dodge on the matter, were conveniently dismissed. I had hoped the – strictly black-tie event, also inscribed on the card, which sounded more like a warning than information – was going to be a convenient excuse. But it wasn’t.
“Then go get them. They’re in the market.” That was my boss, when I complained that I wore suits and ties last some 20 years ago and that my wardrobe had warned me that they were now an anathema and no longer welcome within its bowel.
I had actually read an interview, where the late Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike, famous academic and later monarch of Ndikelionwu community in Anambra had once warned that even at death someone put a tie on him, he would wake up and strangulate the person with it.
I shared the sentiments behind his position, but thank God, mine wasn’t that extreme. So, I did get one and attended the event. In the end, I was glad I did, because had the bolts and nuts, bits and pieces, odds and ends of my sentiments stopped me, I would have missed one of the greatest events I ever witnessed in my over three decades stretch in my career as a journalist.
Yes, only a “one kain” journalist – to use the Nigerian parlance would have spent such a long period on the job and still be too fascinated about dinners, banquets, luncheons. For me, they hold no special place, especially those involving crossing seven wildernesses and seven seas to attend, such as driving in the drudgery and tortuous Lagos traffic to do so, more especially late at night.
Not only have I attended tonnes of them – at the instances of government houses, political organisations, global institutions, corporate bodies, foreign embassies – and gained therefrom experiences that would last me a lifetime, but my palate has become so saturated from the diverse cousins and dishes, at each point, some tasteful, others banal that my taste bud itself is now confused. In other words, I have other ideas of killing my time.
So, trust me in giving my honest review on this one when I say it is one of the grandest I have ever experienced, if not the grandest. I can’t possibly recall a grander one. This became evident from the first step I took into the foyer of the third floor of the imposing structure, leading into the array of immaculately-attired men and women sharing drinks and having hearty conversations – of course – virtually all in black ties or something resembling it.
I would have mistaken that Thursday’s breathtaking experience for the grandeur of the ambience were it my first time here. But apart from attending several other functions within, LC was one of the preferred choices of residency for my former Minister boss, whenever we travelled to Lagos from Abuja, especially if the function had to do within Lagos Island. So, I was somewhat on a familiar ground.
This is the creation of human mind and construction of human hand, I said to myself, as I eventually sat in my corner inside the dinner hall from the cocktail arena, where I was ushered to by one of the delicate-looking but professionally nuanced ladies aiding the guests.
Having quickly switched on to my professional garb, I began to watch the scenery continue to unfold, thenceforth, pretending to mind my business, while actually minding other people’s businesses, which is actually my business and the business of every journalist.
At The Guardian in those days, the primary injunction to reporters, was to look out for something unique – something that must have missed the eyes of other people – it was one of the elements that made it the flagship of Nigerian journalism at that time.
I took in every detail of the sequence – strung together like the delicate knitting of a weaverbird. Like the fine brushstrokes of Michelangelo’s The Sistine Chapel or Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the choreography was a complete work of art – complete in its forms and ideas. It was a kaleidoscope of concepts and colours.
I took in the assemblage of the guests. It was not only a full rollcall of Nigeria’s high and mighty but a clear statement on the country itself in terms of how the sharp differences in its diversity could melt away and like a good seasoning, enhance the taste of the food rather than destroy it.
Even the menu presented its own allure. The literature on each food and drink, was delivered to the minutest details in specific language couched in elegant prose that presented in itself a mastery of its own art forms.
Finding ukwa – cooked breadfruit seeds, mashed in African red cooking oil with a sprinkling of chili-pepper sauce and served with a choice of dried fish sauced in native spices – my own words since I couldn’t remember how it was captured – among this list, was heavenly. I could give a finger for this unique Igbo delicacy.
Then came the entry of Benedith Orama, the man of the moment. It was decked in its own unique fanfare obviously directed at interpreting his persona. The well-choreographed theatre, bespoke of not only originality, but itself a study in pure creative skill. With all eyes turning to the entrance, at the sounding of the opi, the picturesque characterisation showcased a man who despite conquering at the global environment, had not lost touch with home.
Opi, an Igbo trumpet accompanies only great men – not only titled men, but great achievers. In tow were the masquerades – the Atumma – elegance and beauty, the Okwomma or Mgbadike for energy and valour and of course the old, fearsome one for wisdom and authority – depicting Orama’s diverse but complete identity as a man of many parts.
Put together by Fidelity Bank, Plc, the event, titled: Celebration of a Titan, was a way of honouring the erudite scholar, author and Professor of International Trade and Finance, as he bows out as President and Chairman of Board of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), where he had served since 2015.
Summing up the entire package, left me with little imagination on why the bank maintains a prime position at the top level of Nigeria’s financial industry over the years despite all odds. I was not the more surprised that the person that curated the scenic choreography is the same Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, whose transformational identity has attracted immense celebration locally and international.
Such flawless, pin-drop efficiency, as was on display on Thursday, could only be achieved by someone not only with eyes for the minutest details but with the ability, capacity and authority to employ such attributes to create things beyond the average.
As she mounted the podium to speak, I quickly ran a further check to update my knowledge about her stint in the bank and discovered that virtually everything about her were in superlatives. Lawyer, administrator with PhD honoris causa in Business Administration from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) – The Banker of the Year 2022 –-Best Banking CEO Nigeria 2023 – Top 25 CEOs in Nigeria, etc., it was quite a mouthful.
But beyond this tall profile on paper I could decipher the more distinct and compelling attributes that only well-trained eyes for details could fathom. Even hidden behind the glittering allure – beauty, elegance, ornamental wardrobe – that accentuated her femineity as she stood there on the podium to welcome her guests, they still stood out – intelligence, power and authority – elements that when nailed together with education and long-term experiences are bound to create the strong platform for the erection of the formidable edifice that Fidelity Bank has become under her watch.
That the institution was among the first to meet the new capitalisation threshold – just few months after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced the new policy, might just as well be attributed to the visible display of grit, passion, focus and competence.
Quietly taking everything in from my vintage position at my table and gobbling down every aspect of the event including the classical choral performances, poetry renditions, and sizzling displays by the legendary Theresa Onuora of Egedege Dance Group and Flavour, Nigeria’s celebrated singer and performer, I began to surf through the history of powerful women across the globe to ascertain in which genre the top banker could fit in perfectly.
Margret Thatcher of Britain, Aung Sang Suu Kyi, the Myanmar politician and leader, Angela Merkel, former German Chancellor, our own Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia. Though great women of history none fitted into the character I was looking for.
Then it hit me! Madelein Albright – first United States female Secretary of States. Sweeping through the assemblage with my eyes, many of the characterisation in “Madam Secretary” – where the iconic US top diplomat told her own story in that highly-acclaimed autobiography came to the fore and began to play out before me like a reel from the cinema tape.
Only the mental acuity, rare intelligence, power of influence and the ability to harness and manage both human and material resources, with which Albright held together the Bill Clinton administration, making it one of the most memorable in recent US history, could gather the quality of individuals, create the ambience to capture and sustain their interests far into the night and ultimately lead to such loud applause at curtain-fall on that Thursday.
Now, as I sat, capturing all the moments, a thought also flickered through my mind. I began to imagine this iconic banker and achiever in the garb of a governor – particularly that of my state – Anambra,. Certainly, her type is the best advertisement anyone could make for women in power. Hers could achieve more results than just wordy advocacy and even legislation.
I won’t be surprised to hear that one United Nations agency or global institution has head-hunted and taken her away from our clime to a place where her talent would not only blossom, but where it would be best appreciated.
But before that happens, it would be my remit to use every opportunity to inform her that whenever her stint ends on this her present job, some of us will be waiting with a greater assignment back home, to her birth place.
Don’t be surprised. The next time you see yours truly, it might be in the streets protesting and mobilising in lieu of this project. For such a project, I could swim across the River Niger without life jacket to make it happen.
Leg crossed, sipping my drinks contentedly and waiting to call the party sometime in future, it will be more appropriate to say: Take a bow, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, our own Madelein Albright – not the US Madam Secretary – but Nigerian Madam Banker! Take a bow, Achalugo, Ugobeze, Nwa-afo amuchara amucha. Take a bow, Adadioramma!
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