SAM WAS AHEAD OF SEVERAL GENERATIONS WITH FARSIGHT.
We write this with great sadness over the unimaginable loss of a close friend, great Pfizer Alumni who has been described by many as one of the greatest Pfizerites dating back to about 35 years now. Omokunrin Sam Nda-Isaiah. He was just in his early 20s when he joined Pfizer in 1985. In 1986 following the introduction of SAP he advised we buy cars and keep as the most economical decision. We thought he was too junior to understand the fundamentals of the economics of SAP. He had farsight. He made tremendous efforts along with other colleagues to develop Pfizer business in the North. He used to sell almost one third of Trosyd & GynoTrosyd nationwide. He and his colleagues like Ben Ajepe and Issa Danbatta under a team Headed by C. C. Chukwu did their best to lay solid foundation for the company and accelerate business growth in the North.
He eventually relocated to journalism but did not cut off his close link with many of us. He hired many Pfizerites and even honoured me with the role of Executive Vice Chairman for Leadership Group & Holdings. He was a loyal, humble, honest and hardworking but jovial man. He wanted to create a group of businesses with great governance corporate structure. He was moving at great speed and too serious with his big, hairy and audacious dreams.
He fought bravely for the weak, the poor, the widows etc. He took each day in stride, never really complaining and always hoping that Nigeria would be better. This was our hope too.
Sam also popularly referred to as Omokunrin, Uncle Sam, Chairman, inside and out, was a wonderful friend to us all as Pfizer Alumnus, supporting anything Pfizer in all ways for about 35 years with his smiling, gentle and caring nature. One of his beliefs in life was the importance of being authentic with people, saying what needs to be said because it’s good for the relationship and for the soul. Unfinished business causes pain and having peace is essential for a healthy and joyful life. Also, we always admired his productivity, hard work, dedication, accommodating others and how he never judged or forced his opinions on anyone, but offered valuable and truthful advice that we will surely miss.
We hope he forgives us all for our assumption that he was too much in a hurry. Now we understand he had to pursue his God given purpose faithfully within 58 years.
Our friend was loving and real. He was a wonderful worker, a great family man who laid a strong foundation for his family. Lastly, his magnetic smile, jovial nature, hardwork, productivity and dedication will be missed by all of us. His beautiful spirit will live on. He tried his best and fulfilled his purpose based on the testimonies and tributes, but God called him, and he had to go. Now our hope is that he rest in peace knowing he did all that he could and that his family will be fine. When we love people it’s so comforting to know that they will always be with us in our hearts.
Many associate Sam with the following names and descriptions- Omokunrin, Sam, Extraordinary man, Loyal, Persistence, Resilient, Honesty, Highly Opinionated, Patriot, Soft at heart, Asian Economic Growth Specialist, Governance, Strong Faith, Charity, Meaningful Life, Servant of Friends, Alive, etc revealing that he is a quintessential man.
We will all miss you but continue to smile and keep hope alive till we will all meet at the feet of our Lord and Savior on the day.
Lere Baale - On behalf of Pfizer Alumni.
Executive Vice Chairman Leadership Group & Leadership Holdings.