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Tag: Onosode

  • NCMG honours late Adadevoh, Onosode

    The Negotiation and Conflict Management International (NCGM) recently celebrated heroes of peace as it conferred posthumous special recognition awards on Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh and Mr. Gamaliel Onosode for their notable contributions to the country and track records of exemplary leadership.

    The event, which took place at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, featured other awardees including Dr. Fatimah Akilu of NEEM Foundation, who got Peace Builder Award; Dr. Josephine Okei-Odumakin who was bestowed the Justice Builder award; Khairatul Saidu got Youth Innovation for Peace Award just as Almajiri Child Rights Initiative (ACRI) was given an award as an Institutional Peace Builder.

  • Onosode: Tribute

    Onosode: Tribute

    SIR: How does anyone pigeon-hole this unusual man of honour? Brother Gamaliel Oforitsenere Onosode represents the ideals of what all Nigerians aspire to be. Because he is a product of a detribalized family, he lived a life that transcends his Urhobo origin and spills over to Itsekiri, Yoruba, Benin and other cultural and linguistic groups that had been part of his very existence. He spoke perfect Urhobo, impeccable Itsekiri and fluent Yoruba as a truly detribalized   Nigerian. Brother Gam got along with everyone whose paths crossed his, regardless of their ethnic, religious or national orientation.

    Economically, he was a role model to many of us because he successfully manoeuvred his way through the generally turbulent and sometimes corrupt terrains of the Nigerian business world without blemish. One could not imagine Bro Gam demanding or receiving gratification in other to offer a job or contract to anyone. And yet he chaired some of the most important corporate boards and public sector enterprises in our country. How he did this successfully, could not be far from his life as a practicing Christian; not just in name but in deed.

    From the point of view of education transcending mere literacy, Bro Gam represents what a truly educated man is. His background in the classics has never failed him in the matters of intellectual and cultural excellence which his power of communication indicates. To know him, is to imbibe moral rectitude and intellectualism within the context of a sound mind in a healthy body. With zeal and zest, he enthusiastically spoke his mind without fear or favour even on issues that may be unpalatable to some religious or political doctrinaires. Indeed, he was an embodiment of wisdom, understanding and knowledge- attributes that left him less concerned about titles and appellations.

    In politics, the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo had often been referred to as the best President Nigeria never had. The same could also be said about Deacon Gamaliel Onosode, when he ran for President in the late 1990s. Although I was abroad then, I could hardly believe Bro Gam would venture into the rough terrain of politics in Nigeria. Concerned about his personal safety on the campaign trail, I phoned to ask him what he was doing about his security. He told me all was well because his brother (Andrew)’s son who was his bodyguard had a pen knife in his pocket and that was enough.

    As a Christian, Brother Gam took his religion seriously; he lived and practiced what he preached. As a fellow Baptist, I often wondered how he traversed the rough waters and terrains of our politics, faith and doctrines. Suffice it to say that his detribalized disposition, shielded him from hindrances that were inimical to his commitment to Christ and the Great God he served.

    Brother Gamaliel Oforitsenere Onosode, You will be greatly missed as my Role Model, My Big Brother, Friend and Fellow Baptist.

     

    • Professor Jim Nesin Omatseye,

    Warri, Delta State.

     

  • Onosode… giant in business, education

    Onosode… giant in business, education

    A lot has been said about his business feats. But, the education sector will also not forget the late Deacon Gamaliel Oforitsenere Onosode’s contributions, particu especially on tertiary education.

    The late Onosode served as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the University of Uyo (1997-1999); his alma mater, the University of Ibadan (2005 to 2009); and the University of Lagos (2009-2013).  He also played a crucial role as a negotiator for the Federal Government in the drafting of the 2009 agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

    In these assignments, academics and administrators that dealt with him said he brought to bear his reputation as a man of integrity, perfectionist, and one who was genuinely concerned about the common good.

     

    The generous Onosode

     

    Unlike many who had served as pro-chancellors and abused the position for personal comfort and enrichment, the late Onosode, who died at the age of 82, on September 29, served gratis. He donated his entitlements each time for the development of the universities.

    His alma mater, UI, where he studied Classics (1957 graduate), utilised his salary to develop the university.

    Recalling his contributions, Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Isaac Adewole, said in a statement that Onosode attracted $1 million to the institution when he celebrated 50th years of graduation from the university.

    “During the celebration of the 50th anniversary of his graduation from the university, his corporate constituency requested to honour him.  In a rare display of love for the university, he asked that such honour be bequeathed to the university that contributed to whom he was. The $1 million gift from Celtel Ltd changed the teaching and learning landscape of the university,” he said.

    Prof. Olufemi Bamiro, who was the vice-chancellor while Onosode was pro-chancellor, said the donation was applied to various projects, including two car parks, solar street lighting, students recreation park, complete renovation of Melamby Hall with a basketball court and a fully equipped gymnasium for staff and students.

    The application of the fund reflected his love for the environment.  Bamiro said Onosode even spearheaded the planting of some flowers on the campus.

    Onosode is also fondly remembered for how he helped to grow the university’s endowment fund.  As Vice-Chairman of the fund for 30 years, Prof Adewole noted that the fund grew from an initial capital grant of less than a N1 million in 1973 to over N1.5 billion later.

    At the University of Lagos, Onosode did not also collect his salary but donated it for use.

     

    An astute Administrator

     

    Onosode was not called a boardroom guru for nothing.  In the hallowed council chambers of the various universities he served, as well as in venues where he met with ASUU on the negotiating table, the Delta-born man displayed an enviable level of discipline, brilliant and analytical mind.

    Former Registrar of UNILAG, Mr Rotimi Shodimu, who served as secretary to council while Onosode was chairman, described his power of analysis as uncommon.

    “Onosode cut the picture of simplicity as created by God.  He has an uncommon analytical mind; he was a detribalised Nigerian with phenomenal spirit of sacrifice and above all, a gentleman to the core,” he said.

    Bamiro noted that Onosode was able to analyse well because he took his time to investigate issues before taking decisions.

    “He was patient enough on issues. He was patient to listen and ask questions. His analytical mind was great which helped him come to decisions driven by the common good. He was never afraid to take decisions. But he took his time to get all the facts before deciding,” he said.

    The former vice chancellor also praised Onosode’s discipline, demonstrated in the way he kept to time set for meetings.

    “Onosode brought the private sector approach to the university system. I learnt that from him fast. He arrived latest 10 minutes before meeting time. We all adjusted immediately. Since then, I have been getting to meetings earlier,” he said.

    Director of Academic Planning, UNILAG, and a member of the Governing Council during Onosode’s tenure, Prof Toyin Ogundipe, said the way he managed the appointment of the present vice chancellor, Prof Rahamon Bello, without acrimony was a testament to his good leadership.

    “He was a role model; someone that had the interest of Nigeria at heart and it reflected in the way he managed the university.  He was involved in the appointment of the present vice chancellor; and he did not show favouritism,” he said.

    Ogundipe also noted that the conferment of a honorary Doctor of Letters degree on Onosode during the university’s 2013/2014 convocation in April, was in recognition of his contribution to education.

    “The honour came not because he was former pro-chancellor of the university but because of his contribution to the development of education in Nigeria,” he said.

    Prof Jerry Gana, pro-chancellor of UNILAG, praised Onosode’s dedication to excellence when he visited his home on a condolence visit. ‘’He was a highly disciplined and respected Christian. We salute his dedication to excellence.  We admire his profound wisdom; a life lived to the glory of God and service to humanity,’’ he said.

     

    Why he won ASUU’s respect

     

    Not many people who have represented the government were respected by ASUU the way Onosode was.Various ASUU leaders have praised Onosode for his brilliance, thoroughness, and above all, transparency, in the way he negotiated with the union.

    Former National ASUU President, Prof Ukachukwu Awuzie, who along with other leaders negotiated the ASUU Agreement with Onosode, remember him for being forthright about what the government could provide.

    Awuzie, who refused to refer to Onosode in past tense, spoke highly of his sincerity, and credited him for laying the foundation for the rehabilitation of the public university system in Nigeria.

    He said: “My first major contact with Onosode was in 2009 when he led the Federal Government side on the negotiation with ASUU. That gave me the opportunity to see his passion for the development of education. He was a boardroom guru, an administrator per excellence and a man with impeccable integrity.  All these he brought to the negotiation table.

    “He was not there to deceive ASUU by making promises that he knew that were not applicable and he was very thorough. For instance if we get to some thorny issues that may require huge cash inflow from the government to ASUU he will often call for a break so that he could have time to crosscheck it and be sure that whatever agreement we reach can be applicable because he was not out to deceive ASUU or betray the Federal Government.

    “It was during the period of this negotiation that we took a tour of the universities to asses at the level of dilapidation of the universities, the quality of staff and the quality of education. Our findings culminated to the development of the NEEDS document.

    “In fact, Onosode left a mark in the education sector in Nigeria but it is unfortunate that the Federal Government has never been sincere with the negotiations. All that mattered to the government was to make ASUU call off the strike and they will do decline from the agreement.”

    The National Vice President, ASUU, Prof Biodun Ogunyemi, who spoke on behalf of the National President, Prof Nasir Issa-Fagae, said ASUU leaders enjoyed their interaction with Onosode because of his superior intellect.

    “The late Gamaliel Onosode was a thorough person who knew his onions. He also knew how to negotiate and every contact we had with him was intellectually engaging.

    “He could engage us for hours if not days and ASUU saw that as a mark of a thoroughbred technocrat.  Little wonder people called him ‘Mr Excellence’; he was a perfectionist in a way.

    “There were occasions he brought fresh insight into discussions and we could not but appreciate his depth and breadth of issues which is about knowledge of issues handled even when you don’t agree with him.

    “As a union of intellectuals, we enjoyed our interactions with him even when we disagreed on the basis of principles; but you cannot deny that he had the mastery of his assignment as a negotiator.”

    Former ASUU Chairman, UI, Dr Ademola Aremu, said the union appreciated Onosode because he understood the issues in the education sector.

    He said: “He was a strict negotiator. You would not get anything frivolous from him. But if you are able to convince him to see that what you are asking for was for the development of the university system, he would not only support it but ensure full implementation of such demand.

    “There were some demands ASUU presented. He went through them meticulously and at the end, the agreement produced was beneficial to the university system and development of education in Nigeria. Anytime he was called upon, he defended the content of the agreement.

    “He was a workaholic, ready to meet you at any time of the day as occasion demanded. He acted on issues promptly as they came. He was also very prudent when it came to management of funds, he was a worthy alumnus of the University of Ibadan.”

     

  • More like Onosode

    More like Onosode

    Reading comments by various people about the contributions of the late Deacon Gamaliel Onosode to the development of the education sector increased my respect for him.  I had covered him so many times in the course of my journalism career but knew so little of him.  I did not know he was so valued, especially by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and the universities he served as pro-chancellor.

    I knew he was negotiator for the Federal Government for the drafting of the 2009 ASUU agreement but I did not know the immense value he brought into the process until he died and we sought the union’s comments.  I was really impressed by what they said of the role he played.  He acted with integrity on behalf of his principal, the Federal Government; yet he balanced it with genuine care for the concern of the union, which was for the universities to be able to operate properly with requisite facilities for teaching, learning and research activities.  Like the former ASUU President, Prof Ukachukwu Awuzie noted, Onosode laid a foundation for the revival of tertiary education in Nigeria.  If the agreement is followed to the letter, the underfunding of our tertiary institutions that resulted in infrastructural decay and brain drain, would become a thing of the past.

    For someone to be recognised as untainted in the world of business as well as education after handling so many delicate assignments is indeed rare in today’s Nigeria.

    Another thing I appreciate about the late Mr Integrity was how he relinquished his entitlements to the universities he served.  Onosode also attracted a lot of funds used to develop the institutions.  (Chief Afe Babalola was reputed to have done the same when he served as pro-chancellor of the University of Lagos).  Are there not some others like him remaining in Nigeria enough to go round all our public institutions? Many institutions do not have enough to adequately cater for running costs as well as capital project; yet we hear of governing council chairmen that demand for an arm and a leg.  I was told of one at a college of education who rejected the vehicle used to pick him because it was not new.  The institution had to cough out money to buy a new car to ferry him around.  It is also common knowledge that many fight for contracts as a way of siphoning funds.

    Onosode’s sterling character has provided a benchmark for the government – at Federal and state levels – to consider when choosing external people to serve on the governing council and boards of our public institutions.  They should be people who have earned their breakfasts; who would not mind committing personal funds for public good – not those seeking reward for political loyalty.  They should be disciplined professionals who would not, for instance, keep people waiting for hours because they would not arrive at meetings on time.  Given the way ethnicity, religion, and politics divide people, they should be patient, fair and detribalized, like Onosode, who the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan said did not take a decision until had completely investigated an issue.  We need our council members, and even other public servants, to have his kind of maturity and not take sides without knowing the full story.

     

     

  • Boardroom guru Onosode dies at 82

    Boardroom guru Onosode dies at 82

    •Buhari, Ambode, Anyaoku, Tinubu,
    others mourn

    Gamaliel Onosode, frontline industrialist, skillful boardroom player, financial consultant and renowned administrator, died yesterday in Lagos. He was 82.

    Tributes came in torrents from the high and mighty, among whom he was numbered.

    President Muhammadu Buhari, governors, industrialists and other eminent Nigerians paid homage to the character and achievements of the former presidential aspirant.

    Onosode’s son, Ese, in a terse statement, announced that his father died at 8.15am.

    At the late Onosode’s home in Surulere, Lagos Mainland, his widow, Susan, was prevented from speaking to reporters by family members.

    A condolence register was opened in front of the building.

    The register was placed on a table, decorated with flowers and with the portrait of the late Onosode, with his  gleaming trademark hair pattern.

    Dignitaries were steaming. Among them were the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Rahman Bello, who said the university was lucky to have the late Onosode as the pro-chancellor.

    “The period he spent with us has reshaped the way the university operates,” he said.

    Onosode, an Urhobo,  was born on May 22, 1933 in Sapele, Delta State.

    He was educated at the Government College, Ughelli and the University of Ibadan (UI).

    In the 1970s, he became one of Nigeria’s leading chief executives, when he was at the helm of affairs at NAL Merchant Bank of Nigeria.

    Over the years, he became a leading boardroom player.

    He was an adviser to the then President Shehu Shagari and a former President of the Nigerian Institute of Management. He chaired several private and public sector businesses and initiatives.

    These include Dunlop Nigeria Plc, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Presidential Commission on Parastatals and Nigeria LNG Working Committee and Nigeria LNG Limited and the Niger Delta Environmental Survey.

    The late Onosode was a Fellow of the Economic Development Institute of the World Bank, the Nigerian Institute of Management and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

    He was the immediate-past and inaugural President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, immediate past Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Uyo.

    He held Honorary D.Sc. degrees of Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Benin and the Rivers State University of Science and Technology.

    He was chairman of Delta State Think-Tank on Development, Global Missions Board of the Nigerian Baptist Convention and Governing Council of Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso

    President Buhari extended condolences to the family.

    A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, also commiserated with the government and people of Delta State, and the Nigerian Baptist Convention on the passing away of their illustrious son and evangelist.

    The statement said: “He joined them in mourning Mr. Onosode, who apart from being a colossus in Nigeria’s private sector, also excelled in public service on various occasions.

    “President Buhari believed that Mr. Onosode will be long remembered as an exemplary citizen and leader who made very significant contributions to national development.

    “He urged his family, friends, associates and other Nigerians to honour Mr. Onosode’s memory by upholding the virtues of integrity, honesty and dedication to service, which he passionately promoted in his long and highly successful career in the private and public sectors.”

    Former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku, the late Onosode’s friend of more than five decades, described him as “a true symbol of integrity, an outstanding patriot and an icon of the best of Nigeria’s national values”.

    “An iroko in the corporate world has fallen,’’ he said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    “Gam, as he was called by his contemporaries, was a true symbol of integrity in the boardroom. He was an outstanding patriot and an icon of the best on Nigeria’s national values,’’ Anyaoku said.

    “He was a man of God who deployed a significant part of his righteously acquired resources to supporting the church in his hometown of Ughelli and in Lagos where he lived an exemplary modest life,’’ Anyaoku said.

    “Gamaliel was my best man at our wedding almost 53 years ago. My entire family, which enjoys close relationship with his family, joins his wife Susan and their children in mourning this virtuous man.

    “We thank God for his remarkable and fulfilled life and pray that his soul will rest in perfect peace,’’ Anyaoku said.

    .Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Habib Aruna, expressed sadness over Onosode’s death.

    ”Mr. Onosode was one of the few Nigerians who ruled the boardroom. A quintessential businessman, he was also a master in his field and deeply religious. It was not therefore surprising that he rose to become a leading boardroom player in Nigeria’s corporate environment.

    “He will be remembered for the dexterity he brought to bear when he served as chairman and board member of several multinational companies.”

    “I wish to convey my deepest condolences to the Onosode family on behalf of the good people of Lagos state. This is indeed a sad loss,” Ambode said.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the late Onosode as a man of integrity and an exemplary discipline.

    ”Onosode was a big man who didn’t necessarily look the part,” Atiku said, adding that “he was in trim, good shape and his tastes were simple”.

    The Turaki Adamawa recalled that the late Onosode was chairman of many panels, boards, councils, commissions and committees in both public and private sectors.

    “From the private to the public sector, many organisations in Nigeria will today be mourning the loss of one of their own.”

    Some financial experts described Onosode’s death as a big blow to the nation’s capital market, banking and the entire corporate Nigeria.

    Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu, a former President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), said the country had lost a gem and an “epitome of moderation and simplicity”.

    Unegbu, who described the death as painful, said the late Onosode stood for truth, hated corruption and never accepted unethical conduct during his active years.

    Emeka Madubuike, the President, Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria, said the late Onosode was instrumental to the stability in the capital market and the economy in general.

    Madubuike said the late Onosode contributed to the country’s economic development as the chairman of various quoted companies and the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Investor Protection Fund.

    Malam Garba Kurfi, the Managing Director, APT Securities and Funds Ltd., also said Onosode’s death was a great loss to the entire capital market community.

    Kurfi said the late Onosode contributed his quota to the development of the NSE and the stability of the Institute of Chartered Stockbrokers (CIS).

    He said Onosode was also instrumental to the transformation of the capital market through efficient policies.

    “We cannot forget him; Onosode is one of the greatest contributor to the market; the first doyen to be lost and we will surely miss him,” Kurfi said.

    Mr Adebayo Adeleke, the National Secretary, Independent Shareholders of Nigeria (ISAN), said the late Onosode was one of the pillars of industry in Nigeria.

    Adeleke said that he was “a great influence on economic policies and development straddling over four decades”.

    Tinubu mourns foremost industrialist

    National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday condoled with the Onosode family.

    In a letter to the family, he said: “I write to commiserate with the entire Onosodefamily on the glorious passing of your accomplished and most distinguished father and an illustrious son of our country, Nigeria, Deacon Gamaliel Offoritsenere Onosode.

    “As a Nigerian, I note with pride that he excelled in many areas and served as a shining example of erudition, honesty, industry, passion, selflessness and Godliness in his private and public engagements, comportment and disposition. It is no wonder that your late patriarch commanded deep admiration and respect from far and near, from both public and private sectors and from all shades of political opinions and leanings.

    “I appreciate that this is likely to be a time of mixed emotions for the family. However, while it is proper and deserving to mourn the passing, loss and irreplaceability of an exceptional human being, I urge you to focus more on thanking God for his life and on celebrating hisnotable contributions to Nigeria and to humanity.

    “On behalf of my family and I, please accept my deepest condolences.  You will remain in my thoughts and prayers as your family is joined by many in celebrating the life and times of the departed great son of Nigeria. “