Peter Odili’s Towering Legacy at 75

Christopher Unuigbe

Today, August 15, the sun will set on Peter Odili’s 75 years on earth. As one of the remarkable leaders Nigeria has produced, the pages of his life’s narratives are inked with the stories of countless lives he has impacted, as well as his indelible imprints in politics and health sectors. His outstanding leadership, accomplishments and values are honoured as he celebrates a new year

In the tapestry of time, 75 years have woven a legacy that mirrors the remarkable journey of Peter Odili’s life — the former Governor of Rivers State and founder of PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS). The elder statesman is renowned for his resilience and transformational leadership that continues to resonate in the country, particularly Rivers State where he was a deputy governor and later governor for eight years.  This was glimpsed at his 74th birthday celebration last year when the former governor Nyesom Wike threw a party for him at the government house and gifted him a mansion for his contribution to the state. 

In some quarters, Odili is seen as the godfather of Rivers, having taken over the reins just as the country birthed a new democratic rule. Irrespective of the obstacles thrown his way, Odili emerged from his tenure in glowing terms, owing largely to the principles and values he lives by.

Beloved by many, Odili was born into modest beginnings in 1948 in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers. His parents, Chief Philip Celestine and Princess Janet Okwei Odili, despite their limited resources, ensured he lived a comfortable life under colonial rule. This prepared him for life’s challenges and he tackled them with a spirit of resilience that foreshadowed his future endeavours. From the halls of academia to the corridors of power, his unwavering commitment to excellence and service became the bedrock of his character.

Setting out on a path of scholarly pursuits, young Odili embarked on a journey that began at St. Michael’s School, Oguta II, and Sacred Heart School, Onitsha. His academic journey continued at the renowned Christ the King College in Onitsha and proceeded to the University of Nigeria where he studied medicine and embarked on a medical career that would later become a platform for his remarkable impact. The institution was more than a learning ground for the academician, as he encountered a pivotal connection – the love of his life, retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Mary Odili.

On completing the mandatory internship under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Odili was hired as a Resident Staff Physician at Medical Consultation Centre, Port Harcourt, between 1979 and 1980. Though it was a short stint, Odili’s passion for service was excellently displayed. Therefore when he set up his private medical practice, PAMO Clinics, where he served as the Resident Clinician-in-Charge for two years, it was seen as an act of Providence, inching him closer to his true calling.

It was only a matter of time before his illustrious medical career began to unfold like a meticulously crafted masterpiece, each chapter revealing the depth of his expertise and the profound impact he would leave on countless lives. 

He pursued a specialist program at the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, while keeping an unwavering focus on his community, returning to Port Harcourt after his studies to serve the people. His expertise eventually led him to a prominent role as a nominee of former US President Bill Clinton, to a 10-member roundtable committee charged with the responsibility of shaping Africa’s response to the HIV/AIDS crisis in the workplace.

However, Odili’s impact was felt most at home, from politics to academia. In 1988, he was elected member and leader of Rivers State Delegates to the Constituent Assembly and was elected to the National Constitutional Conference, where he served as the Chairman of the Conference Committee on State Creation. In 1992, he was elected as the Deputy Governor of Rivers State. At the peak of the struggle for the laying of the foundation for the Fourth Republic, Odili first served as National Vice Chairman (South-south) Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN), and later as National Secretary.

He was the Founder and Leader of Rivers Platform, in 1998; Founder and Leader, of the Restoration Team as well as the State Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); elected Executive Governor of Rivers State in 1999 and served two terms. It was in that capacity that he took the country by storm and became a reference point in the nation’s political calculations. He was at various times the National Chairman, PDP Fund Raising Committee (2000); and Chairman, Presidential Committee on Housing and Urban Renewal (2001). 

Odili played a pioneering role in the inception of the National Independent Power Project (NIPP), which eventually gained nationwide prominence. As the governor of Rivers State, he was at the forefront of this initiative. Prior to his leadership, significant portions of Rivers State lacked essential infrastructure such as roads and electricity, with the state capital, Port Harcourt, isolated from the national grid. All of these changed under his administration. 

Moreover, the Government House, once a modest abode at best, underwent a remarkable metamorphosis. Odili’s visionary approach resulted in the creation of a grand and distinguished edifice that stands today as an architectural masterpiece, leaving an indelible mark on the cityscape.

Owing to his remarkable contributions to the state, Wike in celebrating the former governor last year, acknowledged that Odili stands as one of the preeminent political figures in Rivers, responsible for elevating every member of the current ruling echelon in the state. 

In his eyes, Odili is an embodiment of authentic leadership, a mentor to many, and a catalyst for propelling numerous individuals into the political spotlight, both in Rivers and across the nation. 

“There was a time when every political class abandoned Dr. Odili. This is a man who gave us everything. Some people called him Mr. Donatus. There was no abuse he did not get. Everybody he tried to help their families, at the end of the day, all betrayed him,” Wike said.

In academia, Odili’s imprint is equally bold. He founded the first wholly private medical university in Nigeria, PAMO University of Medical Sciences. Last May, he unveiled the 250-bed integrated PAMO University Hospital. The purpose-built multispecialty, tertiary care private hospital offers patient care services across a range of medical and surgical specialties.

Beyond his political and academic endeavours, Odili’s benevolence radiates through his philanthropic efforts. From donating vital medical resources during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to empowering countless families through various initiatives, his heartwarming contributions have touched lives far and wide.

One of Odili’s commendable qualities lies in the serene haven he has artfully crafted for his family. While being married to a prominent woman in the nation naturally invites its share of media scrutiny, the duo has adeptly sidestepped such commotion. Remarkably, their tranquil way of life, coupled with the fact that their union has blossomed into a family of four cherished children, stands as a remarkable accomplishment amid the spotlight’s gaze.

Indeed, his 75 years of life reflect the harmonious blend of wisdom and transformation that has marked his journey on earth. This milestone serves as a testament to the profound impact Odili has made, both on an individual level and within the larger community. His relentless pursuit of personal growth and self-awareness, coupled with his willingness to embrace change, has set the stage for a legacy that continues to flourish.

•Unuigbe, a public affairs commentator, writes from Benin-City, Edo State