Basil Akukwe
Those who grew up in Benin City, the Edo State capital, in the olden 60s sure know Chief (Dr.) Joe Aisien Ogbebor. He was a renowned newspaper distributor. He also traded in other merchandise. Today, he is no more.
Born on March 6, 1948 in Benin – City to the family of Mr. & Mrs. Aisien Ogbebor from Oza in Orhionwon Local government Area of Edo State, Ogbebor attended St. Peter Primary School, Benin City and proceeded to the then Nigeria Institute of Technology Asaba in Mid Western State of Nigeria.
He started his early life in Benin City as a newspaper vendor. He also sold ice blocks and prospered to become a major newspaper distributor in Benin City and its environs.
In 1967, Ogbebor headed to Lagos to work with his elder Sister, Mrs. Grace Bazuaye as a transporter. As a hardworking gentleman, he was involved in the transportation of goods for various companies and individuals. With his experience in haulage business, and armed with savings from his salary, he started buying lorries on hire purchase from Leventis Motors to set up his business.
Luck smiled on him as the MD of Ekene Dili Chukwu Transport noticed his interest and zeal in transport business and assisted him by registering his Transport Company under JAO. In 1976, he went into the importation of building materials and tyres from Brazil to Nigeria. He also ventures into wine and spirit importation until his death in auto accident on Benin-Ore Road last month.
Among the companies Chief Ogbebor owned was Josien Holdings Limited. He ran other subsidiaries, which are involved in the distribution of various wines and spirits throughout the country and the Wes African sub-region. He had international business connection and serves as representatives of many foreign business interests and franchise in Nigeria. He did credible business and all his products are genuinely registered and approved by the National Agency for Food & Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The Edo Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Benin–City, Edo State, dealing in health care products and related services is also Ogbebor’s company. His entrepreneurial and contributions to the economy of Nigeria have been applauded outside the shores of the country. In 1993, he served the Edo State government as a member of the Economic Advisory team of the then governor, Chief John Odigie Oyegun.
A foreign university based in the United States (USA), recognised and honoured him with an award of PHD (Honorius Causal) in Business Management in 2007. He had other awards conferred on him by various organisations in recognition of his outstanding contributions and commitments.
In acknowledgement of his contribution to humanity in Edo State the Oba of Benin in 2013 awarded him the title “D’Efeisoghoba of Benin Kingdom. His generosity and magnanimity brought him respect, to the extent that his friends nicknamed him “Emperor Joe Aisien Ogbebor”.
He was a member of Ikoyi Club and a patron to several social clubs in Nigeria.
• Akukwe is National President, Global Freight Forwarders and Maritime Association.