A Tribute To Gbesimi Emmanuel Mero-Asagba (1951-2014)

THE late Dr Gbesimi Emmanuel Eyitomi Mero-Asagba was born on March 13, 1951, at Warri General Hospital to Mr. Francis Mero-Amojaine-Asagba and Madam Mabel Baby Edema. 

  He attended E.T.T.C Practicing School, Warri, Delta State between 1957 and 1962. He also attended Government College, Ughelli, between 1965 and 1969. He further attended the Institute of Technology, Benin City between 1970 and 1971 and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1971-1973).  He also attended the University of Benin in 1973 where he obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree (MBBS) in 1976.

  Mero-Asagba went on to complete his one-year pre-registration housemanship at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital in 1977 and subsequently met his wife, Orode (nee Abraham), who had just completed her nursing degree and got employed as a registered nurse. He knew she was the right one for him and they got married on December 1, 1979. 

  He did his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme at General Hospitals, Oyo and Iwo and the University of Ife Health Centre, Ile-Ife. After his NYSC programme, he worked as a medical officer in pediatrics between 1978 and 1980 at Specialist Hospital, Benin city and General Hospital, Warri. He also worked as a registrar in pediatrics at UBTH between 1980 and 1981.

In 1981, he moved to the United Kingdom with his family for further studies. He became a Clinical Research Fellow at the Institute of Child Health, London, and obtained his MSc in Mother and Child Health at the University of London in 1983.

  Mero-Asagba was always family oriented and was very hard working. There was never a dull moment with him; his had a very lively personality and his laughter was infectious. 

  He returned to Nigeria in 1986 and lived with his family in Kaduna between 1986 and 1989. During this period, he was the Medical Director of Gobir Clinic. He relocated with his family to Lagos State in 1989 and was the Medical Director of Alausa Medical Centre between 1990 and 1999.

  Mero-Asagba’s life achievements were numerous both academically and otherwise. He was a Technical Consultant FMOH, BASICS II, WHO, between 1999-2003.

He is the author of “Achieving your MDGs” Volume I-IV, “The Good Governance Standard” Volume V, and “Health for All” volume VI.I completed between 2003-2009.

  Mero Asagba was also the co-editor of “Standard Treatment Guidelines for Nigeria, First Edition (FMOH/WHO). He was a technical consultant for the Essential Medicines List Review for Nigeria, FMOH/WHO between 2009 and 2010. In 2010, he was the facilitator for mid-level management training, National Primary Health Care Development Agency. He was also the author of “Better Days Are Coming Indeed To Nigeria”, “Good Local Governance” and “Fighting Poor Governance in Nigeria Together” Volume A1-5.

  Words cannot express how deeply Mero-Asagba touched the lives of his family, friends, colleagues and patients. He was a peace loving perfect gentleman; he was generous and constantly put the needs of others before his. He will be greatly missed by many. May his soul rest in peace, Amen.