Tributes to a Quintessential Leader, Father and Mentor: Olorogun Otega Emerhor OON

By Jefia Dede

 

Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, OON is a man of indomitable character and charm. Fifty nine years ago, he came to mother earth as a blessing to humanity. He was born in Evwreni in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. Notwithstanding his modest background, he has distinguished himself in many spheres of life as a man of exceptional qualities.

 

In 1983, he graduated with a First Class Honours degree in accountancy at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He was the recipient of many awards during his undergraduate years, including the Faculty Prize for the best final year student and the Lever Brothers’ Prize for Best Graduating Student, among others.

 

Courageous and resilient, Olorogun Emerhor has provided visionary leadership for the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Delta, a state whose bright fortune has been debased by the retrogressive people democratic party.

 

Today, Emerhor standout as a mentor to progressives who desire a radcical change in the state. He is the embodiment of the change yet to be witnessed in Delta state. As an idealist, he believes that ideas rule the world, thus he takes to be true that every man is in possession of ideas but only if he chooses to think them into reality.

 

So, for Olorogun, he sees possibility where many see impossibility. Wrapped in this belief, I have discovered myself working closely with him. Olorogun, as he is renowned in national politics, is a chartered accountant, investor and industry leader. He is the Chairman of Standard Alliance Group, Transcorp Hilton Hotels and a host other investments.

 

He has made significant contributions to the growth of the Nigerian economy; he continues to contribute as a major employer of labour. To demonstrate his fatherly care and to give back to society, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor is the chairman of Fair Life Africa Foundation, a non-governmental organization that focuses on reuniting street children with their families and sponsoring their education, and empowering the less privileged.

 

In recognition of the worthy attributes, he was conferred with Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award. A Midwest Personality of the Year 2002 awardee, United Nations – POLAC Ambassador of Peace (2013), and an Honorary Citizen of the state of Georgia, USA (2015). The world celebrates today because it is birthday. Happy Birthday Olorogun.