Nduka Obaigbena: May Your Road Be Rough

I opened the pages of the newspapers during the week and it was his birthday celebrations that greeted me. Then my favourite egbon, Segun Awolowo sent a well-written birthday greeting to a man you would really be doing yourself evil to ignore.

Surprisingly, I have physically met the man they call Duke only twice in my life. The first time at the swanky George Hotel in Ikoyi. It was in the heat of COVID and he came out looking like a Mongolian astronaut, complete with glass visors and masks protecting him from the deadly virus.

He sat in the lobby and I joined him. For me, that was a moment. I was meeting my hero in person for the very first time in my life. As we spoke, I winked at a photographer who was lurking around and he took the shot without Prince Obaigbena’s knowledge.

I enlarged it and placed it as a huge mural on the wall in my bedroom. When people come to visit me, I take them on a tour of my bedroom to show them the picture of me and my god.

Yes, Nduka Obaigbena provided the carrot to my donkey. Someone I have chased and wanted to be like right from his bowtie-wearing days. His foray into media was quite explosive, giving him a perch at the very top of the pedestal.

From print to broadcast to events, pulling in concerts, fashion and the works… the man is simply a big-bellied wizard, and as a publisher of inevitably the most influential newspaper in the country and also arguably the most penetrative TV news platform, he is very powerful and he enjoys power.

My second meeting with him happened during my appearance on my big sister, Ruth Osime’s very popular programme, ‘Perspective.’ I had just got off the set when he called out and said:  “Oga, why are you looking for women trouble?” I immediately said, “Oga o, I am looking for you.” he invited me to his plush apartment and we had a long conversation.

I do not think I have tried so hard to emulate anyone as I do to him, even wearing bowties as he does. The man has been epochal in his contributions to the society. His networking prowess is second to none which I believe must be documented for posterity. He mixes very easily between social classes and deploys his superhero-like brilliance as the fuel for building these relationships and also maintaining them.

My goal is to write a book on him. I have begged him, but he has dodged but will keep trying and until he agrees, let me wish him a blissful 65th and a fun-filled, impact-filled long and super productive life.

Nigeria is lucky to have him. Thanks