Gabriel Okonkwo at 70…a humanist par excellence

A senior military personnel who had a distinguished career marked by professionalism, patriotism and passion to protect the territorial integrity of the country even at the risk to his life is often eulogised during the pull out parade as an officer and a gentleman.

Other professions may have their words of affirmation of commitment and dedication to service but that of the military stands out in universal usage.

Perhaps that is why I am at sea in finding a fitting description for Mr. Gabriel Azubuogor Okonkwo, a distinguished banker, administrator, humanist, culture icon and philanthropist. Though these words lend themselves to generic use, they found home in Mr. Okonkwo. It was not a surprise therefore that the gathering of his family, friends and business associates recently in Ikoyi, Lagos, to celebrate his 70th birthday threw up so many enduring epithets.

For Charles Okonkwo, the immediate younger brother of the celebrant, “Gab is the true last of the Mohicans – the archetypal precocious and industrious creation. God truly does not make men like him anymore.”

Mrs. Comfort Okonkwo, Gab’s wife of over 44 years cued: “From the moments our paths crossed, you have been a guardian angel as your name implies. You have shown grit, determination and discipline to get to where you are now, serving as a role model and an inspiration to the children and I.”

The children (all grown up now and married) have some reminiscences: “Many years have passed since we left your nest, yet we continue to feel your presence in our lives, a great giver without the need to be acknowledged.”

Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, Okonkwo’s friend and business associate of over 25 years and current Secretary to the Ogun State Government wrote in the event brochure: “Your support has been tremendous to the sustainability of Superflux family. You are a worthy companion, big brother and friend. You are a clever business man with lots of ideas and different thinking.”

Gab, as friends and colleagues fondly call him, was born on July 22, 1953 in Ogwashi-Uku in the then Western Region of Nigeria, now Delta State, to a successful farmer, Chief Okonkwo Ugege Nwokolo and Madam Angelina Okonkwo both of Azungwu quarters. Young Gab started his primary education at Umudei Council School, Ogwashi-Uku, but was to later continue in Kano State where he went to live with an uncle at the age of 10. But due to some circumstances, he had to return home to complete his primary education in 1966.

Young Gab, ever itinerant and eager to get good education, landed in Lagos in April 1967 to live with a cousin who had promised to enroll him in a secondary school to further his education. However, after three years of waiting without seeing the four walls of a secondary school, Gab took up a clerical job with the then Bank of British West Africa (Now First Bank of Nigeria).

Still hungry for education, he invested his meagre salary on books, newspapers and magazines and soon enrolled with the Exam Success Correspondence College (which was a very reputable international preparatory school for those that did not have the opportunity to attend a formal school and there were many indeed) where he prepared, sat and passed the General Certificate of Education at first attempt. This enabled young Gab to apply and got admitted to study Business Administration at the prestigious University of Lagos.

A man of high fidelity and commitment to family, friends and service to humanity, it was not a surprise that Gab spent his entire banking career at First Bank Nigeria. Armed with a degree in Business Administration, he was quickly absorbed into mainstream banking functions, working in several departments such as Branch Accounts, Branch Manager, Inspectorate, Information Systems Audit, among others. His banking career took an exciting but a more challenging trajectory with his promotion in 1988 as head of the Information Systems Audit of First Bank. This was tasking as he had to practically live inside the aeroplane travelling to the local and London branches of the bank for audit. Because of his important position in First Bank, he became a member of the CBN/MICR Technical Implementation Committee, a technical arm of the Bankers’ Committee. He also participated actively in the implementation of the Nigerian Cheque Standard and Accreditation Scheme for cheque printers’ accreditation.

A distinguished intellectual and academic, Gab was for many years a resource person for the CBN; he facilitated Master Classes in the banking sector and other international financial institutions in payment systems and risks assessment.

Upon his retirement from FBN in June 2006, he had a stint as General Manager, Business Development with De La Rue/Interprod, an international security printing company. He left to join Superflux International Limited, one of the big three CBN accredited security printing companies in Nigeria as Group Head, Business Development, rising to the position of Managing Director.

He is on the Board of some blue chip companies, contributing in shaping policies for the overall growth of the organisations and good return on investment to shareholders.

A community leader in Ogwashi-Uku, he has empowered so many youths in the town through educational scholarships and skills acquisition schemes. Widows and the aged have also benefited from his milk of kindness.