By Balarabe Oshiafi
In February, 2024, death again harassed us with its gluttonous remainders by hurrying over five Nigerians out of this world. This day was the day Bafana Bafana of South Africa slugged it out with the Super Eagles of Nigeria and these football enthusiasts panicked and wouldn’t remain on Earth to witness the eventual outcome of AFCON 2023.
One of those who embarked upon this unfortunate peregrination to the great beyond was Cairo Ojougboh, a Physician, Politician and Philanthropist
Between 2003 and 2007, he represented the people of Ika federal Constituency of Delta State in the green chamber and made his impact felt both by drawing Constituency project to his people and making robust contributions to arguments in the house.
The lanky and cerebral seven footer would scarcely let matters go without making his submissions to be appreciated.
“Balarabe, just like you, I also write very well, Dr Ojougboh said to me during a conference in his Yesaram, Wuse, Abuja Office one day.
Ojougboh was a staunch loyalist of my late Boss, Prince Tony Momoh. If he is Abuja, he would make it to our Office at least once in a week.
After Tony Momoh transited in February 2021, a lot of his Associates most of whom we serviced with the opportunities our office sprung literally ostracized me. Dr Cairo Ojougboh was not one of them. He would call me to send my account number and post cash to me. He would also follow up with encouraging words of a better tomorrow.
On January 27, when I saw you at the wedding ceremony of Adams Oshiomhole ‘s Son in Abuja, I didn’t have the foreboding that that would be the last. Little did I know that fate was waiting in the wings to shatter my hope of seeing you again!
The great beyond is more populous than planet earth. I believe that you have gone there to spice up things up just like you have done honourably well here. Try and locate Prince Tony Momoh and see what assistance you two can render President Bola Tinubu in rescuing Nigeria from the plethora of maladies still plaguing her.
Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, farewell.
