A
book titled ‘From Machine Boy to Managing Director’ written by Prof.
Hope Eghagha, to celebrate the sterling life of Mr. Felix Matthew Osifo,
who is often referred to as a thoroughbred corporate titan with a knack
for excellence, was presented to the public at a reception held at
Golden Tulip Hotel, Lagos . Funke Olaode who covered the event, reports
He is an enigma whose life has become an
open book for a determined heart who wants to succeed having risen from
zero to become a hero. He has equally grown in profile as a corporate
and public success. But to Mr. Felix Matthew Ogbeyewebor Osifo, more
than anything, perseverance, dedication to duty, being focused,
determination and above all the grace of God has helped him to weather
the storm of life to rise above life adversities.
He inspired by a man who introduced
himself as ‘Doctor of Machine’ from Lagos during a church convention in
Warri. From that day, he aspired to be a doctor of machine, which he
later became. The life trajectory of Osifo is no doubt a lesson in
perseverance, dedication, commitment and above all, God’s providence.
Born on April 19, 1936 in Warri in the
present day Delta State. His name Ogbeyewebor meaning a poor man has no
voice or say suggests his humble beginning. But rather than wallow in
self-pity, the young Osifo took a leap of faith. After Standard Six, his
hope of furthering his education was truncated by lack of fund. He
summoned up courage and came down to Lagos at age 17 where he was
trained as apprentice, graduating in 1956. Determined to succeed, he
joined UAC at age 20 and by the time he retired in 1986, he had seen it
all by becoming the executive director and capped it as Managing
Director of Vono Products, a subsidiary of UAC. Today, he is an
inspiration, a mentor and a source of hope for the younger and
disadvantage generations.
Osifo as a beloved of many – his, boss,
contemporaries and boardroom colleagues alike- was brought to bear on
Saturday, May 7, 2016 when people from all walks of life converged on
Golden Tulip Hotel in Festac area to celebrate this man of many parts
the presentation of his biography ‘From Machine Boy to Managing
Director’ written by a Professor of Literature, Prof. Hope Eghagha and
was reviewed by the Chairman, Editorial Board of the Nation Newspaper,
Mr. Sam Omatseye.
The roll call of eminent personalities
that graced the occasion included former Managing Director of Nigerian
Breweries Plc, Mr. Felix Ohiwerei, his counterpart from Unilever
Brothers, Chief Michael Omolayole, Chief Phillip Asiodu who chaired the
occasion, Chief Oprah Benson, Chief Arthur Mbanefo, Dr. Emmanuel
Edozien, Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa was represented by
Hon. Anthony Elekeokwuri, Engr. Olusola Erinle, Bashorun J.K. Randle,
Chief Ezekiel Anayide, Chief Chris Okunowo, Otunba Subomi Balogun, Chief
Ernest Shonekan were ably represented, Umunede Community led by HRM, Dr
Ezeawu Ezenwali,Obi of Umunede, Rotary Club of Apapa, Nigerian
Institute of Directors and church members were all on hand to felicitate
with him. Osifo’s former boss at UAC, Chief Christopher Abebe who sent a
personal text message to him that morning was represented by his son,
Dr. John Abebe,
Surrounded by his amiable wife,
Beatrice, their children and grandchildren, the elated Osifo was full of
gratitude to God for sparing his life to witness his day of joy.
The 280-page book, which forward was
written by Mr. Felix Ohiwerei, narrates the challenges Osifo faced at
work and how he dealt with them. What is particularly interesting is
that he did not depend on godfather; rather, he focused on God to see
him through. Of significant note in his endeavour while climbing the
ladder was his belief that hard work was not enough to see him to the
top, he knew the quality of his work must be outstanding. Osifo was
loved and liked by his bosses but it was as a result of his amiable
character and the quality of his work.
No doubt, Osifo’s philosophy is a guide
to his brilliant performance. In it lies some of the keys to “good
success.” It is also instructive that he sees success in the light of
what you do to develop others- a clear recognition that a lone star does
not translate into the success of an organisation.
Osifo the corporate guru is also an
excellent family man whose name and reputation went before him in most
circles, often in positive terms. This is evident in the show of
affection as guests generously launched the book the unveiling.
Showering encomium on Osifo, Dr.
Omolayole said he was delighted to perform the unveiling of an inspiring
book, which he promised to finish reading within 48 hours. He said he
admired Felix, as he is fondly called by his peers, for one thing: “He
is widely read and very versed which often shows his depth and knowledge
in our discussions.” He wished him well in his endeavours.
In his words, Otunba Subomi Balogun who
was represented by Mr. Diran Olojo eulogised Osifo whose story is that
of amazing perseverance, hard work and being focused to become somebody
in life. According to Olojo, “There is always a saying that if you want
to hide something from a black man put it in a book.” But Osifo’s
biograhpy, he says, is worthy of reading because it is an inspiration of
a man who rose from zero to become a hero.
For the 65-year-old Dr. John Abebe who
has known Osifo throughout his life and whose father used to refer to
Osifo as a ‘good boy, since he joined UAC in 1979 and met him, he knew
Osifo to be a very precise man. He prays to God for him to continue in
good health and to be around in good health for many more years.
Chief Ezekiel Anayibe said he is happy
to be physically present to honour the man he calls a father. “He is a
wonderful man who has lived a wonderful life. Our paths crossed when he
joined Rotary Club of Apapa. His commitment and dedication endeared me
to him. He will live long in good health,” he said.
In his congratulatory message, read by
Hon. Anthony Elekeokwuri, Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa said:
“Today is a milestone for you which calls for a sober reflection and the
celebration to God the giver of life. You have made a mark in your
endeavours. In spite of your achievements, you remain humble. I pray for
God’s blessing upon your life and members of your family.” Dr. Okowa
launched the book with a sum of one million naira while Hon. Elekeokwuri
donated the sum of N500, 000.
For Chief Andrew Omeri his kinsman,
Osifo is a role model to Umunede children. “He has been a pillar
piloting the affairs of Umunede community and today, we all standing on
that platform.”
Chief Chris Okunowo representing
Nigerian Institute of Directors said he is a distinguished member, a
reservoir of knowledge, an epitome of good governance and a man of many
parts.
Rounding off the colourful but modest
ceremony was Mr. Ohiwerei who remarked: “A lot has been said but most
outstanding one was him knowing God at the of 14. The success we are
celebrating is what God can do for a man who is under His guidance. He
has lived an exemplary life. He equally married a good woman who
stabilizes him and gives him a happy home. I wish you many more years in
sound health,” he conclud
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