Victor Ochei: A Round Peg in a Round Hole
There’s something to be said for times and seasons in the life of a man. Just when one thinks that he has been relegated to the end of the line, something else comes along his path and there’s nothing else to do but be grateful to divine providence for skill and ability and just the right people in just the right place. With the latest appointment in town, Hon. Victor Ochei must know this truth better than anybody else.
The earliest days of the month of March came with a lot of surprises and shocks and changes. One of the most radical of these was the impending retirement of Dr. Dakuku Peterside from his position as the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) – the apex regulatory and promotional maritime agency in Nigeria. Having occupied the Director-General role for 4 years, folks were eager to see who was next in line to run with the NIMASA baton. It was Dr. Bashir Jamoh.
With the appointment of Dr. Bashir Jamoh as the new DG, it was obviously imperative to have someone just as capable in the executive roles; and thus was Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei appointed as the Executive Director of Maritime
Labour and Cabotage NIMASA.
Victor Ochei is at the moment being lauded as a fitting individual for the role. As a former speaker of the 5th Delta State House of Assembly, the administration is not new to him. Besides, Ochei was a remarkable grassroots politician, and so must excel in rapping people’s heads – that enviable skill called people skill that has always eluded most of the gentry.
Hon. Ochei is proficient in numerous disciplines, including engineering, financial management, corporate governance, education administration, and legal partitioning. With all these in his belt, there’s really no reason to imagine him doing anything less than his utmost best – which he has already proved with years of public service and philanthropy.
These are the days indeed for fitting cotton on soft bodies, hard boots for harsh climes, staff of hope and belief on the left hand and right, and the perfect man for the perfect job.
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The best human stories are always a far cry from the monotonic existence that most of humanity enjoys. Tragedy and comedy, happiness and pain; these have a tendency to accompany each other. Sometimes, it is better to have little or no knowledge of them; other times, they serve to make better sense of the times. With Aremo Adesegun Oniru, the clouds of tragedy have given way to joy.
Just a few days ago, Aremo Adesegun Oniru turned 55. Rather than put together a fanfare event, the likes of which will remain on the minds of all and sundry, it was a small party of close friends and relatives. Notwithstanding, it was evident from the festive ambiance that there was no better time to be 55.
For folks who aren’t in the mix, Aremo Adesegun Oniru is the firstborn son of the late Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru, the recently deceased Oniru of Iruland. However, Aremo Oniru is just the first among others – all of whom have a vested interest and right to the Iru stool of kingship. Regardless, Aremo Oniru has been acknowledged to stand a better chance to continue the prestigious legacy of his late father, Oba Idowu Oniru.
Truth be told, since the late Oba’s sojourn to the abode of his ancestors, there has been a bit of tension and unrest as to whose shoulders the royal role would fall. In the real sense, Aremo Oniru had as much chance of bearing under the weight of kingship as his brothers, Ademola and Tajudeen.
However, not long after the controversy and anticipation came to a towering crescendo – with another man claiming the role for himself – Aremo Oniru reportedly got the thumbs from the Baales and kingmakers of Iruland.
Thus ended a long traditional campaign, culminating in success for Aremo Oniru within whose breasts the heart of the people of Iruland will beat and beat and beat stronger. At 55, Aremo Oniru already possesses a kingly mien and the character of strength for which; what else is needed for the job?