By Edmons Chijioke Adindu
October 6th — what a sad day it was! A day that will forever remain dark. On October 6, 2022, the Nigerian nation, and indeed the entire Igbo race, lost a renowned industrialist and entrepreneur, a towering political figure, and a quintessential statesman, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor (Ugwumba Olokoro). He died in a Canadian hospital after a brief illness, at the age of 73. We mourned, we wailed, yet death showed no pity. He departed like a fleeting guest. Heartless, restless death — in cowardice you toil, snatching away a selfless man and peaceful soul, leaving emptiness and sorrow in your wake.
He was my boss and mentor. I recall speaking with him just days before he passed away. I had no idea it would be our last conversation. He said goodbye, and it’s stuck with me ever since. An indigene of Olokoro community in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor was a man of the people who touched countless lives with his kindness, compassion, generosity, and selfless service, and I’m a living testimony to this fact. His legacy lives on through the memories and stories of those he helped and inspired.
Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, OFR, KSS, KSJ, was a political giant and a colossus of his time. He held several esteemed positions, including Honourable Minister of Economic Matters (Presidency); Honourable Minister of Economic Matters and Special Projects (Presidency); National Secretary and later National Chairman of the then ruling PDP. He was also Chairman of the Federal Tenders Board; Chairman, National Information, Communication and Education Programme (NICEP); Member, National Economic Council (NEC); Member, Federal Government Policy Coordinating Committee; and Chairman of several Federal Government White Paper Committees. I remain eternally grateful to him for the privilege of serving with him in various capacities (as his trusted aide). I give God all the glory that I did not betray the trust he reposed in me. Before his appointment as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he had served in Abia State as Economic Adviser to the Governor and later as Commissioner for Works, Lands, Housing, and Transport. My life history will not be complete without a copious space dedicated to this great son of Umuahia and Igboland — Prince Vincent Ogbulafor.
Prince Vincent Ogbulafor was a rare-breed politician — simple, gentle, dependable, respectful, gracious, and peace-loving. His style of politics was refreshingly accommodating, marked by a rare ability to play politics without bitterness. This was reflected in his profound saying: “Even in politics, there is God.” Remarkably, his humility was unparalleled. As PDP National Chairman, his memo to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2009 not only saved the National Security and Civil Defence Corps from being phased out but also facilitated the creation of an armed squad. Similarly, his intervention in 2008 paved the way for Nigeria to host the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup, following an appeal from Dr. Amos Adamu. He was a courageous leader who demonstrated unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s economic development, democracy, and unity.
Beyond politics, he served humanity in many spheres of life. He was an egalitarian philanthropist. A Papal Knight of St. Sylvester, Prince Ogbulafor was the first Pastoral Council Chairman of the Catholic Diocese of Aba (1990–1997); pioneer National Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN); and President, Rotary Club of Umungasi (1989–1991), among others.
Though he has exited this planet, the legacy he left behind endures and will forever be remembered and cherished. Adieu, Prince of Peace! We shall meet on the resurrection morning, where we shall be together forever.
May the good Lord continue to protect and bless the beautiful family he left behind.
Edmons Chijioke Adindu was Special Assistant on Media to Late Ogbulafor.
