The Critical Message in Oluremi Tinubu’s National Library Project

By Tunji Olaopa

As a very critical part of her 65th birthday celebration, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, restructured the usual pomp that attend the birthday celebration of the political class as we know it. Rather than submitting herself to the numerous treats, felicitations and pageantries that would be sure to have been deployed to mark the auspicious occasion, she demanded that anyone who needed to celebrate her should focus their largesse on the furtherance of the National Library project, and possibly its final completion. And that appeal has generated a beautiful sum of N20b. This is all so grand, and noble but unusual. It is an unusual gesture because a member of the political class, rather than the government itself, is the one championing the resuscitation of the National Library project. Maybe it is the government by association, but then the gesture is not the result of an intentional and deliberate policy commitment that enable the government to connect the library to the larger goal of national development. How do we read this strange but commendable gesture into the overall development status of the Nigerian state?
The current state of the Nigerian National Library speaks tremendously to the possibilities and failures of the national development project in Nigeria. In many nations of the world, from the Library of Congress in the United States to the Bibliotheque de France and also the National Library, Singapore, the national library signals the single repository of books, manuscripts, orature, archival materials that connects cultural heritages, knowledge production programmes, critical ideas and paradigms, historical documentation and national memories. Adolf Hitler perfectly understands this fundamental significance of the knowledge base of any nation. And this is why, in a most pernicious manner during the Second World War, he ordered the massive destruction of books and materials that were considered to be subversive of, or even contrary to, the ideals of the German Third Reich project. And quite fortunately and pragmatic enough, the allied forced, led by the United States thought it significant and strategic to fight back by making the book resurgent from their crematorium.
This speaks to the indomitable spirit of ideas, ideals and knowledge that books embody. It is in this critical sense that books and library connect a state to not only its historical and cultural knowledges and heritages, but also signal the state’s willingness to project itself into the emerging knowledge and information society that ultimately define the progress and wealth of nations. Libraries connect reading and learning culture, the dynamics of literacy, educational projects, human capital development and the generation of ideas, as well as paradigms fashioned purposely for creative innovation and policies especially in sociopolitical, socioeconomic, development and governance contexts. Libraries therefore connect a state’s willingness to become a legitimate participant in the evolving fourth industrial revolution while also keeping alive its own credentials as an entity that keeps generating culturally and historically relevant knowledge.
Knowledge, ideas and books—indeed the entire educational structures—reinvigorate the ways a state keep reengaging its problems, challenges and the solution and resolution frameworks for understanding and undermining them. Education is the fundamental bedrock that instigates individual, collective and national enlightenment and progress. And this therefore ultimately connects not only with the creative policy intelligence that is enabled by the availability of knowledge preserved in libraries (especially as it denotes the repositories of global knowledge, ideas and paradigms), but also how leaders connect with these ideas and knowledge through what they read. When I wrote my op-ed piece on the reading habit of HE Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, I opened up the possibilities for a nation that an enlightened leadership embodies.
Unfortunately, Nigeria does not have a national library. Or more precisely, the national library project that was formulated in 1981 has refused to materialize into a symbolic and concrete structural manifestation of Nigeria’s willingness to join the global knowledge society. The idea of the national library was muted in 1981, but it took the next twenty-five years for the idea to get an enabling contract in 2006. And yet forty-three years later, the structure remains a pipedream that refused to take off. And so, while it was all too easy to build the National Ecumenical Centre and the National Mosque within which the dilapidated library structure located, this significant element of Nigeria’s progress has remained uncompleted. This is simply just emblematic of the general institutional and structural dysfunctional experience that characterize the Nigeria Project right from independence to date. Knowledge production and the entire educational structure in Nigeria have faced significant limitations that derive from the myopic inability to connect development with an enlightened human development capital. There is also the tightrope of anti-intellectualism that the Nigerian political class has always been walking in its relationship with the institutions and structures of knowledge production and idea generation in Nigeria. The ongoing adversarial industrial relations between consecutive Nigerian governments and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over transforming universities into a significant force in nation building efforts in the state is a clear evidence of this a-developmental elite orientation.
All these dysfunctional issues are surprising given that the Nigerian state is very concerned about both her geopolitical status and credentials as a democratic and developmental state in the world—as the Giant of Africa—and also to achieve a stable and empowering economic growth that measurably improve the life prospect and economic lives of her citizens. However, efforts at making the lives of Nigerians better are usually concentrated on purely economic, econometric and macroeconomic indices of development. If reading and education come into reckoning, it is strictly to the extent that they are inescapable to the fruition of any particular human capital development policy. And yet, the quality of a nation’s human capital is measurable only to the extent of the place of an enlightened reading culture, symbolized by a functional and efficient library systems.
Thus, a state is instigated not only by the economic but also informational and educational resources at its disposal. In other words, the availability and the rate of access to the information resources and the extensive reading rate per capita are the development indices of a society. The number of published books, journals, libraries, readers, writers, translators and publishers of a country are all indices and fundamental criteria of its development. Extending the culture of studying and book reading, developing libraries, publications and distribution of books and utilizing these unrivaled cultural instruments are therefore the requirements and necessities of each society’s growth. This connects the functional and efficient library system to a reading culture that stimulate the young people into the consumption of ideas and paradigms that enable creative and critical thinking.
Building a Nigerian national library—that possibly will be replicated in all the states of the federation—signals a symbolic aspiration by the government to ground learning and reading as a key variable in the determination of the quality of the human capital that Nigeria needs for her development process. It also determines the quality of Nigeria’s democratic experiment founded on the enlightened status of the Nigerian citizenry. Thus, a lot is riding on Nigeria’s capacity to build a functional and efficient national library as a repository of local, national, regional and global experiences, histories, ideas, paradigms, ideals, perspectives and creative innovation. So, does it matter who lead the crucial initiative to jumpstart and crystallize the national library project as long as it is done? The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, saw what should be considered a national embarrassment, and responded to it while also ensuring that the gesture is funneled through government institutions, like the Federal Ministry of Education. Having woken up the nation from its slumber on this unarguably defining project with deep essence, it is now an all-stakeholder national challenge to get the noble gesture by the First Lady concluded and put into use. That seems like a long stretch given the forty-three years of policy and implementation inactivity. And I think we should all support this very unique and very ardent attempt to push a significant dimension of Nigeria’s development effort to bring to life what ought to have been alive and kicking many years ago.
However, whether we like it or not, the fact that it is an individual and not the government that is pushing for the realization of this project is an indictment of national proportion. One way to read this is that the National Library project is happening on the sideline of whatever consecutive Nigerian governments considered to be significant policy initiatives that aligned with development visions and implementation frameworks. But then, the redemption comes from the fact that the Nigeria Project, unlike the national library project, is a work in progress. And this allows for the government to pick up where there is any glaring historical and political failure and provide redemptive policy reclamation and reconstruction. I think this is the most important lesson that Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s gesture towards the National Library project has provided us. The government and other stakeholders cannot afford to have this project to remain at the individual level. This gesture has therefore become an instigator in terms of what the citizenry can do to push the government to implementing the general will. And this is even all the more crucial because it is coming from a bona fide member of the government itself. This then implies that the government is now instigating itself to action on behalf of the Nigeria Project.

*Prof. Tunji Olaopa, a Professor of Public Administration, is the Chairman,
Federal Civil Service Commission

​  

  • Related Posts

    Tinubu to New Service Chiefs: Strengthen Nigeria’s Security Architecture, Deepen Professionalism

    Tinubu to New Service Chiefs: Strengthen Nigeria’s Security Architecture, Deepen Professionalism

    ·         President retains chief of defence intelligence in major shake-up

    ·         Gen. Oluyede now CDS, Maj. Gen. Shaibu named Chief of Army Staff, AVM Aneke is Chief of Air Staff, Rear Admiral Abbas appointed Chief of Naval Staff.

    ·         Presidency says appointment of new service chiefs routine

    ·         Governors pledge to share intelligence with DSS, others

    ·         Experts harp on synergy, improved troops’ welfare

    Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Linus Aleke in Abuja and Chiemelie Ezeobi in Lagos

    In a bold move to strengthen the nation’s security architecture, President Bola Tinubu yesterday replaced the Service Chiefs and gave the newly appointed military leaders a clear mandate to deepen professionalism, enhance vigilance, foster unity within the Armed Forces, and serve the nation with honour and dedication.

    Precisely, the President appointed General Olufemi Oluyede to replace General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff. The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu. Air Vice Marshall S.K Aneke is now the Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff. However, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P Undiendeye, retained his position.

    The shake-up, described by analysts as both urgent and strategic, underscored the Tinubu-led administration’s resolve to restore public confidence and reclaim control from spiraling threats and killings by armed bandits in some parts of the country.

    This comes as the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) pledged to deepen intelligence sharing and coordination with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies, to tackle insecurity threats, violent extremism, and inter-communal tensions across the country.

    The President in a post on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, while announcing changes in the hierarchy of the nation’s security leadership, explained that the new appointments were part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture and enhance operational effectiveness.

    “I have approved changes in the hierarchy of our Armed Forces to further strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture. I charge the new Service Chiefs to deepen professionalism, vigilance, and unity within our Armed Forces as they serve our nation with honour,” Tinubu wrote.

    President Tinubu also expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other former Service Chiefs for their “selfless service and dedicated leadership,” assuring that the new appointments reflect his administration’s resolve to ensure a secure and stable Nigeria.

    Earlier yesterday, in a statement, presidential spokesperson, Sunday Dare, Tinubu had charged the newly appointed Service Chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them to further enhance the professionalism, vigilance and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    The appointments were with immediate effect.

    In a separate statement yesterday, the Presidency described as routine the appointment of new service chiefs.

    Dare clarified that the appointment was a routine exercise within the constitutional mandate of the President, who, as Commander-in-Chief, bears the responsibility of recalibrating the nation’s security architecture for optimal performance.

    He explained: “It is a routine, the President as the Grand Commander of the order of Federal Republic of Nigeria, can make appointments just as he changed the ministers few months ago”.

    Dare dismissed insinuations that the appointment was a confirmation of speculations in a section of the media suggesting undue discord.”

    The presidential spokesperson affirmed that the President acted within his constitutional powers and prerogative in relieving former Service Chiefs of their duties.

    He stressed that appointments and reappointments in the security sector remain the exclusive preserve of the President, in line with his obligation to safeguard national security and ensure effective leadership within the Armed Forces.

    Meanwhile, the NGF has pledged to deepen intelligence sharing and coordination with the Department of State Services to tackle security threats, violent extremism, and inter-communal tensions across the country.

    During its fifth meeting in Abuja, which held from Thursday night to early yesterday, the Forum also called on governors to rally support for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, describing it as a vital step toward gender equity and inclusive governance.

    In recent weeks, gunmen have launched sporadic attacks on lives and property in parts of the country.

    The DSS had on Tuesday warned of a planned attack by the Islamic State West Africa Province targeting Ondo and Kogi States.

    In response, security agencies in the affected states have heightened surveillance and activated counter-terrorism measures to thwart the threat.

    Kogi State, which borders 10 states: Benue to the east, Anambra to the south, Enugu to the southeast, Edo and Ondo to the southwest, Ekiti and Kwara to the west, Niger to the north, Nasarawa to the northeast, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has been identified as a strategic location.

    Alarmed by these developments, NGF, in a communique signed by its Chairman, Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and read by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasised the need to strengthen intelligence sharing and collaboration with federal security agencies to promote peace and stability across the country.

    Sanwo-Olu stated, “The Forum received a presentation from the Director-General of the DSS, Mr Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, on emerging security threats and intelligence-led strategies to strengthen subnational coordination.

    “The briefing focused on countering violent extremism, managing inter-communal tensions, and addressing security risks linked to economic hardship and political transition.

    “Governors expressed appreciation to the DSS for its proactive engagement and reiterated their commitment to deepen intelligence sharing and collaboration with federal security agencies to enhance peace and stability across the states.”

    In a related development, security experts yesterday set agenda for the newly appointed Service Chiefs, urging them to prioritise synergy amongst the services, invest in troops’ welfare, and judiciously manage the funds at their disposal to achieve the Federal Government’s objectives in the defence and security sector.

    They also dismissed speculations that the sack of the former chiefs may be connected to the alleged attempted coup plot which the military authorities had previously denied.

    The former Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ogbole Amedu-Ode, advised the new chiefs to carry out their constitutionally assigned duties to the best of their ability and ensure the security of the country, both internally and externally, so that citizens can sleep with their two eyes closed, and travel without fear of bandits, kidnappers, or terrorists on the highways.

    The retired ambassador, who spoke to THISDAY, said: “I expect them to prioritise kinetic efforts, while non-kinetic measures should be directed towards exposing those who sponsor insecurity — the conflict merchants. We should be able to identify who they are and bring them to face the full weight of the law.”

    Asked if there was a nexus between the appointment of the new Service Chiefs and the alleged attempted coup, he said: “I am not someone who is easily given to speculation. Whatever the case, the Commander-in-Chief has exercised his constitutionally granted powers to the best of his ability. His actions are in accordance with the law.”

    A security expert and veteran defence journalist, Chidi Omeje, stressed the need for collaboration and synergy among the services, as well as improved welfare for frontline troops.

    According to him: “The new COAS was a theatre commander not long ago, so he understands the issues at stake — namely, extinguishing the flames of terrorism in Nigeria. He is aware of the challenges. I expect each and every one of them to strengthen collaboration, as no service can do it alone. Therefore, I want this new set of Service Chiefs to foster greater cooperation and synergy within and amongst themselves, so that the occasional complaints by ground forces about not receiving air support when urgently needed will become a thing of the past.”

    Former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mike Ejiofor, said the President has his reasons, but changing the Service Chiefs may not bring about immediate improvements in the security situation.

    He added: “They must concentrate all efforts on fostering synergy; they must work together to succeed. The government must also play its part by adequately funding the services.

    “While analysts may insist that the defence and security sector has the largest allocation in the 2025 budget, they often forget that we have only just begun implementing it, which means we are effectively running two budgets concurrently. There have been few releases and little cash backing for projects in the sector.”

    PROFILES OF NEW SERVICE CHIEFS

    Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede: Seasoned Commander and Strategic Reformer Appointed Chief of Defence Staff

    President Tinubu approved the appointment of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), following a successful tenure as the 24th Chief of Army Staff (COAS). 

    A seasoned commander and reform-minded officer, he is widely regarded as one of the key figures behind the Nigerian Army’s recent transformation drive, which focused on operational efficiency, personnel welfare, and inter-service cooperation.

    During his tenure as Chief of Army Staff, General Oluyede led a series of successful counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the North-East and North-West, resulting in the decimation of several terrorist enclaves and the surrender of thousands of insurgents. 

    He also prioritised improved welfare and training for troops, ensuring that field commanders received the logistical and intelligence support needed to sustain momentum on all fronts.

    His administration introduced key reforms in Army logistics, intelligence-led warfare, and human capacity development, initiatives that enhanced operational coordination within the Armed Forces. 

    He was also instrumental in expanding the Army’s civil-military relations framework and in deepening collaboration with the Navy and Air Force, fostering joint operations that improved mission outcomes.

    Thus, with his appointment as Chief Defence Staff, President Tinubu is seeking to ensure continuity and stability in the military’s strategic direction.

    Major General Waidi Shaibu: Battle-hardened Strategist Takes Command as 25th Chief of Army Staff

    A decorated commander and seasoned strategist, Major General Waidi Shaibu brings to the post of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) a blend of operational experience, academic rigour, and unyielding commitment to Nigeria’s sovereignty. 

    His appointment signals a defining phase in the Nigerian Army’s transformation towards enhanced combat readiness and institutional reform.

    Born on 18 December 1971 in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, General Shaibu was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1989 as part of the 41 Regular Course and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps in 1994. 

    A mechanical engineer by training, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the NDA and multiple advanced degrees, including a Master’s in Strategic Studies (University of Ibadan), a Master’s in Security and Strategic Studies (National Defence University, Washington D.C.), and a Master’s in Public Administration (University of Calabar).

    His career trajectory reflects both grit and intellect. He has commanded formations across challenging theatres of operation, from Borno to Yobe, including his tenure as General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander Sector 1, Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri. His previous appointments include Chief of Training (Army Headquarters), Brigade Commander (21 Special Armoured Brigade, Bama), and Chief Instructor, Nigerian Army Armour School.

    General Shaibu’s leadership has been tested in major operations such as HARMONY, LAFIYA DOLE, HADIN KAI, and DESERT SANITY, earning him the Purple Heart Medal for gallantry. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and has served on peacekeeping missions in Liberia and Sudan.

    A Fellow of the Defence College (fdc) and recipient of numerous decorations, including the Distinguished Service Star (DSS) and Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Shaibu is expected to consolidate reforms in the Army, enhance intelligence-led warfare, and deepen synergy in joint operations.

    Rear Admiral Idi Abbas: Seaman Scholar Rises as 25th Chief of the Naval Staff

    Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, a seasoned Above Water Warfare specialist and career naval officer, assumes office as the 25th Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), a role that caps nearly four decades of service defined by discipline, professionalism, and operational excellence.

    Born on 20 September 1969 in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, Rear Admiral Abbas began his military journey at the Air Force Military School, Jos, before enrolling in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 as part of the 40 Regular Course. He was commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant in 1993 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry.

    An accomplished officer, he has undertaken several specialised and command courses at home and abroad, including the Officers’ Long Course (OLC XII) at NNS QUORRA and the United Nations Military Observer Course in Tanzania. 

    A graduate of the National Defence College, Abuja, he holds the prestigious designations of Passed Staff Course (psc) and Fellow Defence College (fdc).

    Rear Admiral Abbas’s naval career has been defined by wide-ranging leadership roles. He has commanded key operations and naval bases, including NNS VICTORY, NNS DAMISA, and the Central Naval Command. 

    His previous appointments include Flag Officer Commanding (CNC), Maritime Guard Commander of NIMASA, and Commander Task Group of Operation TSARE TEKU. He has also served as Chief of Naval Safety and Standards (CNASS) and Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations (CDCMR) at Defence Headquarters.

    His outstanding service record has earned him several honours, including the Forces Service Star (FSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS), Grand Service Star (GSS), and Defence General Staff Medal (DGSM).

     A member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and the International Institute of Professional Security (IIPS), he is respected for his firm leadership and innovative approach to maritime security.

    Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke: Intellectual Aviator and Strategic Reformer Becomes 23rd Chief of the Air Staff

    An accomplished pilot and scholar, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke’s appointment as the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) represents a fusion of intellectual rigour and operational excellence. His leadership is expected to propel the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) into a new era of smarter airpower, enhanced mobility, and precision warfare.

    Born on 20 February 1972 in Makurdi, Benue State, AVM Aneke hails from Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State. A member of the 40th Regular Combatant Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in 1993. Over the decades, he has distinguished himself as a tactical aviator, strategist, and reform-minded officer.

    Aneke holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management, and two Master’s Degrees, one in International Affairs and Diplomacy (Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria) and another in Political Economy and Development Studies (University of Abuja). 

    He also earned a Professional Certificate in Aviation Safety Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida, and is currently pursuing a PhD.

    With over 4,300 flying hours on multiple aircraft, including the Falcon 900, Gulfstream 550, and Hawker 4000, AVM Aneke has led complex missions within and beyond Nigeria. 

    He has served as Chief of Air Operations for the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC), Command Operations Officer at Tactical Air Command, and Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, Yenagoa.

    His stellar career is decorated with medals such as the Grand Service Star (GSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS), and Field Command Medal (FCM). 

    Known for his calm disposition, discipline, and strategic foresight, Aneke is poised to strengthen the NAF’s role in counterterrorism, intelligence-led operations, and defence innovation.

    ​  

    ·         President retains chief of defence intelligence in major shake-up ·         Gen. Oluyede now CDS, Maj. Gen. Shaibu named Chief of Army Staff, AVM Aneke is Chief of Air Staff, Rear Admiral

    Tributes Pour in as Oramah Steps Down as Afreximbank President

    Tributes Pour in as Oramah Steps Down as Afreximbank President

    • Successor, Olombi pledges to build on legacy of innovation, unity

    Sunday Ehigiator

    In what was both a grand celebration and an emotional farewell, tributes from African leaders, business magnates, and international dignitaries poured in yesterday for Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah, as he officially bowed out as President and Chairman of the Board of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) after a decade of groundbreaking leadership that redefined the trajectory of African trade, finance, and economic integration.

    The valedictory ceremony, held at Afreximbank’s headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, was an affair befitting the stature of a man many described as, “Africa’s trade architect,” a scholar, visionary, and patriot whose ideas turned into enduring institutions and whose leadership transformed Afreximbank into a continental powerhouse.

    The event, attended by some former and current African heads of state, business leaders, bankers, and global diplomats, saw Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote, former Afreximbank presidents Jean-Louis Ekra and Christopher Edordu, incoming President Dr. George Olombi, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene, among others, pay glowing tributes to Oramah’s indelible legacy.

    Since assuming office in 2015, Oramah presided over what many describe as the most transformative era in Afreximbank’s 30-year history.

    Under his stewardship, the bank’s assets grew beyond $30 billion, Afreximbank launched PAPSS to enable local-currency trade, initiated the African Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja, created CANEX and the Intra-African Trade Fair, and established the AFCFTA Adjustment Fund with $1 billion in seed capital.

    Observers said these initiatives redefined Africa’s trade sovereignty and strengthened South–South cooperation, especially between Africa and the Caribbean.

    Taking the podium last, Oramah delivered a reflective and gracious farewell, tracing his 31-year journey with the bank — from joining as a pioneer staffer, to leading it through Africa’s most dynamic trade decade.

    “When I joined Afreximbank, I knew I was not entering just another financial institution,” he said. “I was joining a movement aimed at turning Africa’s aspirations into reality.”

    He recounted milestones achieved under his tenure, the implementation of AfCFTA, the launch of PAPSS, the Intra-African Trade Fair, and the bank’s balance sheet growth from $6 billion to over $40 billion.

    “We fought on all fronts,” he said, “because we knew Africa’s economic emancipation could not come from outside. Our development dynamo had to be powered from within.”

    Oramah paid tribute to his mentors; the late Dr. Babacar Ndiaye, pioneer president Christopher Edordu, and successor Jean-Louis Ekra, for their trust and guidance, and to the Afreximbank board and staff for their unwavering support.

    He closed his speech with quiet humility: “Thank you for allowing me to serve. Thank you for your partnership, friendship, and faith. The relationships we have built and the bonds we have forged will remain permanent threads in the tapestry of our lives.”

    In one of the night’s most heartfelt moments, Oramah’s wife, Mrs. Chinelo Oramah, moved the audience to tears as she spoke about the personal side of the Afreximbank journey.

    “One time he fell sick, and the bank rallied around us,” she recalled. “The concern of the board, management, and staff—and the care that was provided—saved his life. That kind of support transcends employment. It is family. It is love. It is humanity at its finest,” she added.

    She thanked Afreximbank for investing not just in her husband but in their entire family’s well-being and future.

    “If not for this institution, my children would not have had access to the best education and opportunities,” she said.

    Expressing appreciation to the Afreximbank Spouses Network, she said, “You created a community where we could share joys, navigate challenges, and support one another. The strength you gave me enabled me to be the pillar my husband needed.”

    Turning emotional, she offered gratitude to Egypt, which the family has called home for 32 years. “Cairo is not just where we lived; it is where we loved, laughed, and belonged,” she said. “May God continue to bless Afreximbank, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and our beloved continent.”

    Incoming president, Olombi was visibly moved as he received the mantle of leadership.

    “We are witnessing the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new chapter,” he said. “Professor Oramah has shown us what is possible when vision meets courage. We will build on this legacy,” he said.

    Aliko Dangote captured the mood of the evening with humour and affection, praising Oramah’s relentless drive and service to the continent.

    “Prof, as you depart, you leave behind a kindred spirit and zeal which can only get better,” Dangote said. “We return you now to your family, but only for a brief sabbatical because we can’t have our star player on the bench when the game is still in the first half.”

    Dangote also acknowledged Oramah’s wife, and their daughters for what he described as “a decade of generosity in sharing him with Africa.”

    Turning to Oramah’s successor, Olombi, Dangote pledged the Dangote Group’s continued partnership with Afreximbank, urging Olombi to “take the institution to even greater heights.”

    Jean-Louis Ekra, who handed the baton to Oramah in 2015, spoke with visible emotion as he reflected on their 30-year professional bond that began when Oramah joined the bank as a young officer in 1996.

    “For nearly two decades as my colleague and close collaborator, he demonstrated deep dedication and steadfast commitment to the bank’s growth,” Ekra recalled. “Ten years later, I am profoundly moved to witness that Prof. Oramah not only fulfilled that mandate but far surpassed every expectation.”

    He described Oramah as, “a man of loyalty and faithfulness,” crediting his transformational leadership for making Afreximbank “an indispensable pillar of African development finance.”

    Ekra also saluted Oramah’s wife, Chinelo, for her steadfast support through years of demanding public service. “Behind this great man is a woman of rare strength,” he said.

    The bank’s pioneer president, Christopher Edordu, recounted his first encounter with the young Oramah in the early 1990s, when the agricultural economist presented his PhD thesis on irrigation, as his entry credential to banking.

    “He had never worked in a bank, yet his thesis revealed an audacious mind,” Edordu said. “He was the kind of man who, if you showed a helicopter, would return in a week with a sketch of a spacecraft.”

    Edordu noted that Oramah’s early writings on trade finance and currency policy helped shape the intellectual foundation for the creation of Afreximbank and later the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).

    AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene praised Oramah’s visionary partnership that helped the new trade secretariat find its footing.

    “Because of him, we can now trade in local currencies. The PAPSS is a reality,” Mene said. “He didn’t just imagine Africa’s integration, he built it.”

    He lauded Oramah’s courage in asserting African financial independence despite external skepticism: “When African institutions assert their independence, there are always consequences. But leaders like Oramah have shown we can deliver on our promises as Africans.”

    Representing Nigeria’s political and traditional community, Engr. Simon Ukpaka described Oramah as “a man whose humility and brilliance have not erased his roots.”

    “Each time he returns home, he supports our community projects and mentors our youth,” Ukpaka said. “He has made us proud.”

    The Prime Minister of Grenada, through his envoy Ambassador Richard Allen Nixon, recalled the African-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum 2025, where Oramah was honoured with a symbolic flamboyant tree planting in Grenada’s national park.

    “That tree, with its fiery red blossoms and resilience, now stands as a living tribute to the unity you fostered between Africa and the Caribbean,” the message read.

    As the lights dimmed on the ceremony, applause lingered for minutes, echoing through the marble halls of Afreximbank’s Cairo headquarters.

    For many present, the night was not just a farewell to a leader but a celebration of a legacy; one defined by vision, discipline, and faith in Africa’s potential.

    Oramah’s life’s work, as one speaker put it, “became Africa’s shared story; a testament that when Africans believe in themselves, the world takes notice.”

    ​  

    Sunday Ehigiator In what was both a grand celebration and an emotional farewell, tributes from African leaders, business magnates, and international dignitaries poured in yesterday for Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah,

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Business & Economy

    Finally, Nigeria Exits FATF, Global Financial Crime Watchlist

    Abimbola Olashore: As Kids, We Used to Sit on NTA’sFloor for Tales By Moonlight

    Redesigning Skills for Nigeria, Others’ Creative Future

    Nivea Rolls-out 100million Fund to Advance Child Wellness

    Stallion Group Unveils 4 New MG Models in Nigeria

    Spiro Electric Bikes Cut Costs, Promote Cleaner Environment

    Report Says Human Skills Crucial to Stay Relevant in AI Era

    Naira strengthens to N1,455/$ as foreign reserves hit $42.8 billion 

    Aradel Holdings acquires 40% ND Western, deepens upstream footprint 

    FMDQ Exchange lists N30.05 billion fresh Commercial Papers in one week 

    Tigran Gambaryan: Court sets November 27 for judgement in detention case against Nigeria

    Tinubu hails FATF for removing Nigeria from grey list, calls it reform milestone 

    NGF, federal stakeholders, Woodhall Capital explore funding frameworks for state-led infrastructure – Organisers

    NGF, federal stakeholders, Woodhall Capital explore funding frameworks for state-led infrastructure – Organisers

    Kaduna: SON destroys N25 million worth of expired sugar, substandard goods

    IMTO inflows down $193.14 million in Q1 2025, miss remittance target

    FATF removes Nigeria from grey list, boosting investor confidence

    Afreximbank assets grow to $40 billion as Elombi takes over presidency 

    Nuli celebrates grand opening in Washington, DC

    Breaking: President Tinubu sacks service chiefs, appoints new military leadership 

    NEM Insurance records N5.8 billion Q3 2025 profit on booming investments 

    Lagos water transport: High fares threaten potential amid €410 million Omi Eko push 

    Nigeria’s fiscal deficit widens to N13.5 trillion in 2024 – Budget Office  

    Nigeria Immigration dismisses 2 officers for kidnapping, others

    CGT: How Nigeria compares with other African countries 

    Bonny Light boom: Nigerian crude set for biggest weekly surge since June rally 

    Meet Guinness Nigeria’s newly appointed company secretary, Abimbola Ajibola-Jimoh 

    Most indebted listed oil and gas companies as of June 2025   

    NEM Insurance revenue for second quarter 2025 soars to N75.41bn as sector grosses N1.2tn 

    TAJBank emerges Nigeria’s biggest non-interest bank 

    Who Lives Better: Income of N1.5M in Nigeria or $1K in the US? 

    Oil revenue declines 22% to N3.9 trillion in Q4 2024 – Budget Office  

    Fintech startup Lidya shuts down after nine years 

    Africa’s richest, Aliko Dangote, net worth hits $30.2 billion in 2025 

    Germany-Nigeria trade volume rises 30% to €3 billion – Ambassador 

    Why Saving Money in Nigeria won’t make you Rich 

    Can Strong Fundamentals Sustain the NGX Bullish Streak Past 151,456.91 Points