Oji N. Ngofa: An Ambassador Plenipotentiary at 52

The Nigerian Ambassador to The Netherlands – Chief Oji Nyimenuate Ngofa, a trailblazer, icon and the golden boy of Rivers State politics turns 52 on August 24, 2020.

I am so excited to celebrate this enigma and one of the new faces of democracy in the politics of Nigeria, an indefatigable, resolute revolutionist and, most importantly, the nightmare to Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and his brand of politics particularly these days when hunger have caused many politicians to undermine the principle of integrity in our political life.

With the birth of this Ambassador extraordinary and a shining star on a bright 24th day of August 1968, to the famous family of Chief and Mrs Nwosu Alale Ngofa of Aleto in Eleme in today’s Eleme Local Government of Rivers State, the politics of Rivers State has never been the same. That date marks the birth of this visionary and egalitarian change-agent; he is a radical but respected pragmatist, a humanist, an accomplished administrator par excellence and exemplary leader. Ngofa is a special gift from God who has maintained a remarkable, memorable, historical and epochal approach to service. In the process, he has carved an evergreen image his persona on the minds of the people of Rivers State, as his positive perception of politics has brought joy to all and sundry in Rivers State.

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Chief Nwosu Alale Ngofa – the father of this great leader – himself, a renowned teacher, unionist, politician and one-time State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). The highly respected teacher, who later became an honourable Commissioner for Education in Rivers State, can beat his chest and state: “I have given to Rivers State and, by extension, Nigeria one of the best products as far governance is concerned”

Though both parents are of blessed memory, I am convinced that wherever they are, they will be proud that through them one of the finest and unassuming political strategists was born

Academic feats

Hon. Ngofa started his formal primary education at the Holy Trinity Anglican Primary School, Nchia in 1974 from where he obtained First School Leaving Certificate, FSLC, in 1980 before proceeding to the famous Stella Maris College, Port Harcourt for this secondary school education, obtaining the West African Schools Certificate, Ordinary Level (O/L) in 1985. Like an eagle destined for greatness beyond the peak of Mount Everest, he gained admission into the famous University of Calabar in Cross Rivers State, capping his academic prowess with Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Literary Studies with emphasis in Comparative Literature in 1991. He later added a Post Graduate Diploma, PGD, in International Affairs in 2000 from the University of Port Harcourt.

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This Shining Star of Nigerian Politics & His Remarkable Feats:

Though, he learnt a lot from his godly parents who prepared him for the onerous task and challenges ahead of him from his childhood, the fact remains that, at every point of his existential evolution, Hon. Oji Ngofa had always found himself saddled with challenging leadership positions that would task his skills, and no doubt, those opportunities have prepared him for today and indeed for the future.

The following positions he held exposed him to whom he has become today –

– Captain, Jet Bombers Football Club, Aleto 1987

– Secretary, OTELGA (Okrika/Tai/Eleme Local Government Area) Youth Council 1988

– President, National Association of Eleme Students (NAES) 1989

– President, Eleme Progressive Youths Association 1985 -1990

– P. R. O, National Union of Rivers State Students (NURSS) University of Calabar chapter 1989

– President, Nigeria Union of Campus Journalists, University of Calabar chapter 1989-1990

His quest for improved standard of living and wealth of experience made him secure employment in managerial positions in hi-tech giants and blue-chip conglomerates. Some of those were:

– Personnel Manager, Dellatra Bezons Nigeria (DBN) 1993-1994.

– Personnel Manager, IPCO (NIG) Ltd.- 1994-2003

Ngofa And His Brand Of Politics

On the political sphere, Ambassador Oji Nyimenuate Ngofa’s name has become a brand in Eleme in particular and Rivers State in general since his divine nomination by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as its chairmanship candidate, including his election and subsequent swearing in as the Executive Chairman on 25th April, 2008. He has within six years in office initiated, constructed and commissioned several landmark projects, which have changed the aesthetic landscape of Eleme.

Ngofa’s brilliance performance as Council Chairman led to his elevation and election as three time Executive Chairman of Eleme Local Government Council is of course a record as it broke the aged-long jinx that nobody in Eleme was allowed to run for a second tenure in office despite what might have been his performance in office.

He was elected Vice Chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) Rivers State, until when his second tenure of Eleme Council Chairman elapsed in May 2014. His superlative performance was seen by Governor Chibuike Amaechi who graciously re-appointed and swore him into office as Chairman of Caretaker Committee, Eleme Local Government Council, on 31st May, 2014 and subsequently elected as the State Chairman of ALGON.

His appointment as the National Deputy Secretary of APC and appointment as the Ambassador to the Netherlands

Like a golden fish that has no place to hide, amidst hearty cheers and great relish, he was elected the Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, at its first National Convention at the Eagle Square, Abuja on Saturday 14th June, 2014.

His Vision:

Ngofa a graduate of University of Calabar in Cross Rivers State of Nigeria ought to be a terror to every sign of evil which sadly Wike’s administration represents. All graduates of UNICAL are known as MALABITES (male) while our female counterpart are known as MALABRESSES and they are taught on how to confront evil without any atom of fear. This is an aspect of Ngofa not known to the world.

Ngofa is not the type of politician that you feel you can pocket and dictate to about his rights and goals.

His Excellency O.N. Ngofa the Ambassador Extraordinaire to the Kingdom of Netherlands is also accreditated to four multilateral organizations that Nigeria is a member; International Criminal Court (ICC), International Court of Justice (ICJ), Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), and Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) . Though one of the youngest Ambassadors in the world he is a respected personality in the comity and college of Ambassadors. He has within a short period strengthened the bilateral and diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and the Netherlands which is a remarkable and appreciative achievement

On his vision for Rivers State, he explains that, “I must stressed though regrettably, Rivers State is in a gradual State of demolition, unlike the immediate past, when all development indices points to positive and rapid development. It is sad that a state that was enjoying second position in economic development only seven years ago is now budding last among 35 other States in the list of employment generating States. This scenario must change and seeing that the current leadership of the State cannot improve on the lot of the State, then the electorate should be ready to change the State Government. We can’t leave our State in the hands of mediocre leadership whose only major achievement is looting our common patrimony as a State with impunity and decimation of all the key feats of the administration of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.”

Ngofa Hosts President Muhammadu Buhari

On 15th July, 2018 Ambassador Ngofa has the singular honour of becoming the first Ambassador of Nigeria to Netherlands to host his visiting President when he hosted President Muhammadu Buhari who was on a State visit to Netherlands.

President Buhari was welcomed by Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, President of the ICC, Vice-President of the Court, Marc Perrin de Brichambut and the Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeam. Others at the airport to welcome the Nigerian leader were Mr Oji Ngofa, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Mr Robert Petri, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria.

Also on hand to receive the President and his delegation were Lt.Col Veenhuijzen, Aide-De-Camp to His Majesty the King of the Netherlands and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

According to the Nigerian Ambassador to The Netherlands, Oji Ngofa, “the invitation of President Muhammadu Buhari to attend the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Rome Statute of International Criminal Court, ICC, is an indication that Nigeria’s support to the court was recognised and appreciated. He said the good bilateral relationship between Nigeria and The Netherlands propelled the Dutch government to promise to expedite action to see that their embassy resumed issuance of Schengen visas in Abuja.

Ambassador Ngofa reiterated that Nigeria had always been a strong pillar of support to ICC, especially in Africa, since the adoption of the Rome Statute, which established the court on July 17, 1998 and I am happy to note that President Buhari is the only Head of State invited to this milestone event by the court, that is indicative of the high regard in which Nigeria is held. The President’s visit will be an opportunity to show Nigeria’s appreciation for the honour done to the country by electing a Nigerian as President of the court.

I am proud to note that the President of the Court, Justice Chile Eboe-Osuji, is a distinguished Nigerian jurist. His election as President by his peers in March 2018 indicates that his cerebral and leadership traits have not gone unnoticed.”

Ambassador Ngofa went further to state that, President Buhari during his visit met with Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte. And that other top government officials from Nigeria were also on hand to have bilateral meetings with their Dutch counterparts in different areas, all geared towards improving the security, economy and governance of Nigeria.

On bilateral trade between Nigeria and the Netherlands, Ngofa expressed satisfaction with the current volume of trade, which currently stands at 3 billion Euro in the first quarter of 2018. He said Nigeria was working assiduously to diversify its export base and increase the non-oil exports from Nigeria to the Netherlands, in line with the administration’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, ERGP. The latest figures released by the NBS (Q1) 2018 shows that the Netherlands is currently Nigeria’s largest trading partner, with trade volume of over €3 billion (N1.2 trillion). This total is composed of imports from the Netherlands worth €726 million and exports to the Netherlands of €2.29 billion. Nigeria, therefore, has a healthy trade surplus with the Netherlands. However, a majority of the value of the exports are petroleum-based,” he said.

He also spoke on the visa policy of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria and according to him, In 2013, the Netherlands Embassy in Nigeria had swapped their visa application processes in Nigeria with the French Consulate-General in Lagos and the Embassy of Belgium in Abuja, This has been one recurring theme in my interactions with the Dutch authorities since my arrival as ambassador late last year. I also had to get my visa to this country from the Belgian embassy in Abuja, and upon my arrival, I have kept this issue on the front burner with host authorities. We have made series of representations and the Dutch have promised to expedite action to see that their Embassy resumes issuance of Schengen visas in Abuja. We believe that with the increasing trade relations between our countries, priority must be given by the Dutch to visa applicants in Nigeria, as this would facilitate business and people-to-people contact,’’ he said.

On other consular issues, the envoy praised the Nigerian community in the Netherlands for being generally law-abiding and contributing positively to various aspects of Dutch society. He said further: ‘’There are, however, a few Nigerians who are detained mainly for immigration and sundry offences”.

Mr. President was full of praises for Ambassador Ngofa for distinguishing himself as a great envoy.

What Ambassador Ngofa Is To Nigerians

“The strong cornerstone of the feat of His Excellency, Chief Hon. Oji Nyimenuate Ngofa as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Head of Nigerian Government in the Royal Kingdom of the Netherlands is his open-door policy, and willingness to always carry the problems of Nigerians who call on him as a personal one. He respresnts a father figure for those of us residing in Holland” – NIGERIAN COMMUNITY IN HOLLAND during a Town-Hall meeting held in Amsterdam on 18th July, 2020

According to Ambassador Ngofa during this historical meeting, “The need to always be united as a people, and pursue the overall interest of one another, while beaming the sterling and quality image of Nigeria, should always be fundamental…”, Nigerians took time, one after the other, raining encomiums on the Diplomat, identifying one by one, the areas Chief Oji Ngofa has met with their aspirations, especially in the delivery and provision of seamless Consular Services, which had hitherto been a tough challenge before his appointment into the mission by President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR.

Recall that in the month of December, 2019, His Excellency Ambassador Oji Ngofa (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary) was in Aso Rock Villa, Capital of Nigeria, with the Dutch Prime Minister to cement cardinal Bilateral Agreements, a feat, which received personal applause from the President of Nigeria and Governors in attendance at that auspicious international ceremony.

The praises did not pour on the Rivers born Diplomat and Politician for the sake of politics or mere human sentiments; they had rather praised Oji Ngofa based on the fact, that one-by-one, he took on the core of his mission calls, and delivered same without hindrance and on record time.

Indeed, this is a man who has changed the narrative and made Nigeria proud in the line of duty.

To Hon Cletus Obun, an Academic, Journalist, Media Consultant and a common face in most of our National Television Stations proffering insights and solutions to most of our political and economic challenges facing us and our nation, “His. Excellency, Ambassador Oji Ngofa, is a among the few men of conviction in our country whose robust intellectual content propel his political trajectory. A consummate progressive with passionate patriotism. A junior at the classic ELS Dept in Unical , Ngofa showed early signs of his assignment. His rising profile is only an affirmation of his formation.”

Dr. Dakuki Adol Peterside a frontline political leader from Rivers State and erstwhile Director General of NIMASA in his birthday message to Ambassador Ngofa stated, “Only few persons are excellent in title and in deed. I know one and he is Amb OJI NGOFA . Hardworking , an achiver, visionary leader and determined fellow. On his birthday, I join the global community to celebrate an excellent gentleman and my brother. May Almighty God bless Oji, grant him long life and good health”.

Marshall Israel is the Federal Commissioner,Public Complaints Commission, Rivers/Bayelsa States in his message, ” You are an inspiration to my generation and you have proven yourself to be a leader of high ethics and morality. Tou are a fantastic role model for all those seeking to understand how to make an impact with their life. Thank you for your brave and fearless leadership.”

TO Prince Obarine Wai Ogosu from Rivers State, “You have exhibited uncommon wisdom, remarkable vision, and exemplary leadership. You are a fantastic role model for all those seeking to understand how to make an impact with their lives. You have also proven yourself to be a leader of high ethics and morality. Once again, I join the host of heavens, family, friends and associates to say Congratulations, Happy Birthday and many more returns”.

While to Godspower Igwe one of the major Media influencers from Rivers State in a birthday message which he titled, “Birthday Eulogy and Tribute Deserving of an Iconic Leader”, he stated, ” Just a few moment ago, you achieved a well-deserved target middle age, and today, a little dropping has been added on to it, thereby setting, and equipping you for a robustly goal-driven leadership and service tempo. As a youth, you became pioneer President of what today is known and addressed as Eleme Youth Council Worldwide. During this era of service to Eleme youths, you exuded rare leadership talents, exhibited stellar characteristics, which drew attention to the plights of your people. As a University undergraduate, you gave light to campus life, with a conglomerate effect cutting across entire Nigerian Universities- your records at the enviable University of Calabar are solid testimonials. I can go and on to chronicle the roles you played in making life worthwhile for mankind when you held sway as industry player…

Eleme politicians saw you as a threat, they tried to axphixiate your vision, mission and values, but you fought through and became an Executive Chairman of Rivers’ most envied Local Government Area, Eleme LGA. It is on record how, as Council Boss, you facilitated the employment of over 200 Eleme indigenes at the notorious Eleme Petrochemicals and PHRC, the former is known and addressed as INDORAMA Company today.

Your reign, till today, serves as the only signature of democratic dividends Eleme people can boast about; Eleme Ultramodern Market, Eleme House, aka ‘O’toor Eleme’, Eleme LGA International Secretariat Building (finished to 85%), Akpajo International Market (finished to 98%) only painted by your successor, Nyade Road, Canaan Road, to list but a few….”

“Through your outstanding leadership, you’ve proven to be a leader of high ethics and morality. You have exhibited uncommon wisdom, remarkable vision and exemplary leadership for us to us to emulate. Thanks for being a role model and an enviable example of selfless giving to this generation.we are proud to call you our leader and someone worthy of emulation. Words cannot evince our happiness to be part of your special day.” -Y oung Female progressives ( YFP Eleme Chapter)

Hon. David Okumgba the amiable Zonal Secretary, South-South APC states in his message, “Your Excellency, it is traditional to roll out drums in celebration, on a day such as this auspicious occasion of your 52nd birthday anniversary. However, it will be largely a disservice to God for me not to appreciate Him for your progressive and meteoric rise in public reckoning.

Ambassador, I bear witness to His uncommon oil upon you, that has seen you climb the rungs of leadership, from being a football captain, student leader to becoming a youth leader whose enviable superlative performance remains unparalleled till date.

Like a delectable goldfish, you emerged Executive Chairman of Eleme LGA, breaking the glass ceiling to be the first re-elected Eleme council chairman and a two-time CTC chairman in series.

Your consistency in loyalty, humility and tenacity in pursuit of what is right, earned you the post of Deputy National Secretary of our great party — APC — before luck again smiled on you, when in appreciation of your rich values, you were nominated as Nigeria’s image in Netherlands by our leader, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

My dear brother, I cherish these wonderful garlands that God has decorated you with, I therefore beseech Him to increase your strength, perfect your health and imbue you with greater wisdom in your service to Him and mankind. Congratulations and a Happy 52nd birthday!”

“Your Excellency, I met you in the course my political struggles and you changed my political trajectory for good. You have remained my greatest source of inspiration. Your polical Leadership, anchored on superlative vision, Courage, sagacity, Honesty, integrity and an unimpeachable commitment to the improvement of our society through the instrumentality of politics has and will always stand you out. On any day, I will like to be counted as one of your ardent followers to register my appreciation and wish you a a great future.” Hon. ThankGod Ohakwe.

NGOFA THE TERROR AND NIGHTMARE TO GOVERNOR WIKE OF RIVERS STATE AND THE NEW NAME OF GOV NYESOM WIKE

Governor Wike with all due respect to any contrary opinion is a deadly tactician and political strategist of note who is ready to do anything to achieve any goal he sets his mind to achieve. This notwithstanding, in the politics of Rivers State no matter the thinking in any quarter, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi stands poles apart and has influence in almost 87 percent of key political actors in the State including Governor Wike.

Conclusion

Let me conclude this eulogy by quoting Johnson Abbey one of the great minds from Rivers State, “Ambassador Ngofa is a Goal setter for growth both in politics and private sector, a committed servant, a dogged man who knows his fundamental responsibility that is why his boss Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi the undisputable leader of Rivers State politics decided to make him his political son hitherto. He is a leader that knows his people well enough even by their names no matter how populated they are. Such a man deserves to drive Rivers State to a promise land because of the leadership aura that fluffs around him.”

Hon. Oji Nyimenuate Ngofa, is an orator, a speaker extempore, speech writer, grassroots mobiliser, a fashion monger for the stronger sex, colossus, a complete man in every life’s ladder as was opined by a renowned author, Hans Christian Anderson, who in one of his books stated that, “Every man’s life is a fairy tale written by God’s finger.” With his often manicured, iconic beard, this younger Ngofa stands out in a crowd.

The future of this illustrious son of Eleme ethnic nationality can only be written by the Divine Fingers that crafted him.

Finally, I wish this my young brother, God’s stead and more fruitful years to enable him continue his services to humanity and accomplish his divine drive for a better Rivers State. Happy Birthday the great Malabite! Happy Birthday the Ambassador extraordinary!! Happy Birthday one of the best products of Amaechism!!!

He is happily married and this union is blessed with three amiable children. At his spare time, he delights in reading and playing football.

Eze Chukwuemeka Eze is a Media Consultant based in Port Harcourt and writes via: ezemediaconcept2020@gmail.com