Tribute To Nelson Ovhori (Penned March 2015)
Engr. Nelson Ovhori (a.k.a Papa Nelly) was a good man in the real sense of the word and a gentleman for good measure. I should know because we were in the same graduating class of 83 and have been close ever since.
Through dint of hard work he rose from humble beginnings to the exalted position of Director of Infrastructure, Federal Ministry of Niger Delta. He had a keen intellect and admired excellence, was thoughtful, very kind and compassionate, was tolerant of people, had infinite patience, a man of peace, he always saw the big picture on all issues. He was sociable, detribalized ( had friends all over the country) a good mixer, connecting with the high and mighty and also the lowly and small. Perhaps this was his greatest gift, been able to relate with all in equal measure. No wonder he made friends easily and the out pouring of grief from so many people over his sudden demise has been overwhelming.
Nelson loved Nigeria and believed in the greatness of its potential. On the issue of sending our kids to learn abroad, he often said he would love his kids to acquire all the knowledge and skills they can abroad then come home to contribute their quota to our development. After all Nigeria is our true home.
Nelson loved his friends, he would go to great lengths to assist friends, associates indeed all he came in contact with who needed help. I remember vividly when he had just left Ibadan and I had a FERMA job in the area. On his family visit to Lagos, he accompanied me to Ibadan to introduce me personally to the supervising Engineer who replaced him. On getting to the premises right from the gate to the secretary in his former office, he was so warmly welcomed by all the staff he left behind even a blind man could see their excitement. That was a measure of a great friend and a great leader.
Nelson loved his colleagues. He enjoyed a good working relationship with all. He abhorred conflicts and would do anything in his power to resolve issues.
He loved his ancestral community, he wanted his people to acquire education and skills and was always ready to support such endeavors. He knew that is the path to development and progress and deployed his best efforts in that regard.
Nelson loved his family. He always had a warm smile whenever he talked about his wife and kids. An achiever, he was always so proud of their achievement and successes and I want them to remember this in all their dealings.
Nelson loved life, he enjoyed a good laugh. A great company, he enjoyed a good joke and was great at embellishing funny lines. He had good taste and appreciated beauty and aesthetics, environment and music. He was a Gentleman.
Adieu my good friend, you have ran a good race. Posterity will place you in the pantheon of men who contributed greatly to better the lives of others.