David Somorin: The Exit of a Giant

That life runs its course in a circle and for everyone according to individual destiny and fate is beyond doubt. Even the Bible affirms the changing nature of life with times allotted to be born and to die (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2).

March the 24th of 2023 was the exit date for a vibrant energy entrepreneur, board room icon, astute salesman, successful business developer and mentor per excellence reputed for his immense love for family and humanity in general.

Though your sojourn here was rather short, it remains remarkable with a litany of impact and success stories achieved across career, industry, community and family in your almost five-decade journey.

Born on 26th March 1974, David! you bestrode the world like a colossus. And in a flash, you were gone but the world would never remain the same because of your impact.

I was the Head Boy for the 1992 set at Ilupeju Secondary School, Lagos (ILUSEC) where I met David Olalekan Somorin as my predecessor. He was a year ahead of me. In so many ways, we connected so well. From friends, we became best friends, like brothers.

We had good memories together beyond Ilusec to our days in Ebonyi during our National youth service where he touched many lives through our computer technologies training school. So impactful was the project that Sam Egwu, the then state governor commissioned it.

From his school days, it was obvious he would go far. He was exemplary in many ways – thorough, pleasant, full of ideas, diligent, compassionate yet very effective, loving but firm. He was an enigma, a phenomenon. He was a great friend, mentor, a scholar and an inspirational leader.

He was always the best in everything. Always best in class in all activities and whatever he touches turns to gold. Selfless, generous, and shouldering the responsibilities of others.

His academic pursuit took him to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife where he bagged a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry in 1998. He proceeded to attend other international training and Certifications, including courses in Corporate Leadership and management at the Havard Business School, IESE Business School and the Lagos Business School.

It was no surprise that by age 40, he has built world-class companies leading the transformation of hitherto unknown entities into multi-million-dollar enterprises. This took him beyond the shores of Nigeria and made him an international player.

He was among Ilusec Alumni that stood out as a goal-getter in the Oil and Gas Industry where he rose to become Country Managing Director, Director of Sales and Marketing and a strong board member of many companies as well.

You wanted a decent environment where families can come together to have fun and bond in a godly manner. That was the story of the Arena which you established.

It was a rude shock that you had to leave so soon. Lekan was attacked almost 8 years ago by gunmen right in front of his house in Port Harcourt, Rivers State while his pregnant wife watched the incident like a movie.

For eight years after, he fought on to stay but a greater call lies ahead.

On Tuesday, April the 4th, 2023 friends and family gathered in solemn assembly to bid you good night in faraway Randburg, Johannesburg in South Africa.

Indeed, “to live in the hearts of those we love is never to die.” You will always be remembered.

Adieu David Olalekan Somorin. Rest in power, “DOS”!