Muideen Adebayo Ibrahim (MAI) writes
End of an era!
Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu propelled me to go into the Manufacturing of Pencils when he said in 2015 that there was no PENCIL Manufacturing company in Nigeria.
Behold on 20th October 2019 I presented my BAMIB PENCILS to him in his Conference Room at Abuja in the presence of his members of Staff and Pressmen.
He stood up and hugged me for heeding his clarion call by producing Pencils for Nigeria and Nigerians.
I then handed BAMIB PENCILS to him and he looked at them with utmost respect and admiration. He then stated categorically that “I am so proud of you.” I said “thank you very much Sir.”
He then specifically requested what he should do for BAMIB.
I suggested to him to write some MDAs on our behalf for patronage.
He wrote to all of them as requested.
But alas! They ignored his letter.
That is Nigeria for you!
No form of synergy amongst the MDAs at all. I have since moved on because I am so passionate with what I do and I derive joy cum happiness from same despite the harsh economic environment.
Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu is gone but he left a good Legacy because he was able to make me ‘think otside the box’ of how to produce Pencils and other allied products which are still in the embryo stage.
Not only that, he was able to make Akees, an Akwa Ibom State Company to produce Toothpicks which were NOT produced in Nigeria prior to 2015.
Dr. Onu was in his best element as the then Minister of Science and Technology from 2015 – 2023 because he was able to make some Nigerians like me to produce products that were not hitherto produced in Nigeria prior to 2015.
He had a good vision for the country most especially with respect to the Development of Science and Technology and he was able to make a mark in that regard.
He made me to be very productive and also increased my love and passion for the great country.
How I wish our Leaders can be so passionate about this great Nation just as Dr. Onu was.
Dr. Onu came, saw and left indelible marks that are immeasurable.
May his soul rest in peace. Amen!
It is well!!
Adieu Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu!!!
MAI is a PENCIL Manufacturer and based in Lagos.
