Nigeria Grieves the Loss of Former UBA Chairman Israel Ogbue at 99
Nigeria is in a state of grief and lamentation following the announcement of the death of Chief Israel C. Ogbue, the former Board Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc. He passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 20, at the age of 99. The bank, along with its Board of Directors, Management, and Staff, confirmed his demise in a formal statement, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of this respected administrator and boardroom veteran.
A Legacy of Service and Excellence
According to UBA, Chief Ogbue dedicated over six decades of his life to service in both the private and public sectors of Nigeria. He was born on February 18, 1927, in Onicha-Olona, Delta State. His career began in the Federal Civil Service before he moved to the United Kingdom to further his studies. Upon returning to Nigeria, he built a distinguished career in the insurance sector, rising through the ranks at the National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria (NICON) before retiring in 1988.
His administrative excellence and reputation for corporate governance earned him seats on the boards of several notable institutions, including UBA. He joined the bank's board in 2005 as a non-executive director, was appointed chairman in 2011, and retired in 2013. UBA highlighted that he left behind a legacy of institutional excellence, discipline, and integrity, which has had a lasting impact on Nigeria's financial and corporate landscape.
Reactions from Nigerians and Colleagues
Following the news of his death, Nigerians have taken to social media and other platforms to express their condolences and reflect on his influence. Many reactions centered on his connection to Tony Elumelu, a prominent Nigerian businessman and UBA's former CEO, as Ogbue was Elumelu's father-in-law. Some comments highlighted surprise at this familial link, while others praised Ogbue's role in shaping UBA's success.
- One user, Rufusking, commented on the bank's dynamics, saying, "I now understand how Tony got UBA off Hakeem Bello-Osagie; his wife's dad was the inside man. I see."
- Another user, Illumina, expressed astonishment: "Wait, wait, wait. How am I this old and have never ever heard that Awele's Dad was a former UBA Chairman? Chai... this life sha. And Tony will be giving us motivational quotes."
- Akatah Chukwuemeka Romanus suggested straightforwardness in the announcement: "Simply say Tony Elumelu's father-in-law is dead. Than going around the bush trying to avoid the message."
- Chibuzoo connected Ogbue's legacy to Elumelu's rise: "I can now connect the dots. I was wondering how Tony Elumelu was able to head a bank just from the level of an employee."
- Uchenna Nnadi offered prayers: "May his soul find the eternal kingdom of the Almighty Father! My condolences to his family, associates and friends!"
These reactions underscore the widespread respect and curiosity surrounding Ogbue's life and his connections within Nigeria's business elite. His death has sparked discussions about his contributions and the networks that have shaped the country's banking industry.
Broader Context of Loss in Nigeria
In a related development, Nigeria also mourns the death of Barinada Mpigi, a senator representing the South-East senatorial district in Rivers State. He passed away at the age of 64 on Thursday, February 19. His death was confirmed in a social media post by Oloye Akin Alabi, a federal lawmaker from Ibadan, Oyo State. Senator Mpigi had a notable political career, serving as a member of the House of Representatives in 2011 and 2015 before being elected as a senator in 2019 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and re-elected in 2023.
This period of loss highlights the passing of key figures in Nigeria's public and private sectors, prompting reflections on their legacies and the future of the nation's institutions. As tributes continue to pour in for Chief Ogbue, his life serves as a testament to dedication and service, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria's history.
