Apart from aggressive development of infrastructure, drive for human capital development is seen as the biggest venture in the Niger Delta region. This must be why as the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) clocks 50 years, it fished out one figure in the area of human capital development, Emi Membere-Otaji, to the world to behold, and for recognition and eulogization.
This is even more so now that oil economy is receding. For life after oil, all hands seem on deck to replace the hydrocarbon industry with a human capital reservoir expected to propel the oil region to the next level where agropreneurship, IT revolution, processing prowess, etc, banking services, shipping, fishing, deep sea enterprises, blue economy, etc, would attract the world and elevate indigenes of the Niger Delta in the new economy unlike the hydrocarbon industry where they were spectators.
As it is at the moment, mega agencies and organisations such as the NDDC and IFAD seem to be busy developing hubs in IT and agroprenuership. Some silent corporations such as Elschon are seen deepening the maritime sector while the Princess group and Elschon group founded by Membere-Otaji is seen pushing the medical technology frontier to global standards.
When the Uniport chose to mark sectors and individuals that have moved the region to higher levels, the human capital development aspect stood out. Membere-Otaji with DREMOF also stood tall.
The missive was mailed to the medical doctor cum entrepreneur (Membere-Otaji) by Owunari Abraham Georgewill, Vice Chancellor of the highly respected university.
As part of the University of Port Harcourt 50th anniversary celebrations, Georgewill began, “We are pleased to recognize and honour individuals and institutions whose invaluable support has been significantly contributed to our growth and success over the years.
“It is with immense pleasure that I inform you that you have been selected to receive the Human Capital Development Award. Your outstanding contributions, Dr Emi Membere-Otaji, have been instrumental in our growth and success. This award is a testament to the enduring partnership and impact you have made in advancing our mission of excellence in education, research, and community service.”
The Uniport said they were delighted to invite the Kalabari High Chief to the 50 Golden Years and 35th Convocation Ceremony, where the award would be formally presented. “…As we celebrate not only our Golen Jubilee but also the remarkable individuals and organisations who have journeyed with us.”
The University said they were filled with joy at the prospect of celebrating the significant milestone with Membere-Otaji.
Membere-Otaji, 67, the Deputy President of the National Chamber of Commerce (NACCIMA), is one of the remarkable young men from Kalabari-Ijaw in Rivers State who made Port Harcourt what it was, soon after the war. He graduated from Baptist High School in flying colours and was one of the few that had right to pick any university of their choice to study Medicine. After graduating from the University of Lagos, he chose the Uniport to practise. Soon after short practice, he opened private practice (The Princess) and soon resigned as a fast-growing Gynacologist at the UPTH to delve into other endeavours including private practice.
It did not take long before the political class found the well of knowledge and enthusiasm in him and he became Board Chairman of the only quoted corporation (WAGGI) on the Stock Exchange, and later Commissioner of Health, and much later Special Adviser on Investment. He was to walk away from all this, counting his losses instead of gains, to delve fully into entrepreneurship where he founded Elschon, a maritime and energy focused company. Today, he is a renowned continental entrepreneur and investor.
The Uniport authorities, while picking on Membere-Otaji for the human capital development award, mentioned partnerships in academic ventures. The medical doctor-cum entrepreneur is founder and president of the ‘Dr Emi Membere-Otaji Foundation (DREMOF)’ which is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of marginalized communities through education, healthcare, and environmental initiatives. The Uniport seems to be a major beneficiary of DREMOF’s donations and other support activities.
Just last December (2024), DREMOF donated a state-of-the-art 150-seater capacity lecture hall to the Uniport, Abuja Park, Choba Port Harcourt. Other institutions also benefited.
The fully furnished lecture hall boasts modern facilities and ample space for large classes to support the growing academic needs of the university.
The Uniport seems to know Membere-Otaji’s contributions to human capital development drive through DREMOF in many facets including education where he donated school bags to indigent pupils in several government primary schools; rebuilt the fence of Township Model Primary School, Port Harcourt; built and furnished a library at Baptist High School, Port Harcourt (his alma mater); granted scholarships to indigent students at government tertiary institutions in Rivers State, etc.
The awardee said: “We have many scholarships in many public institutions in Nigeria, including the University of Port Harcourt. Target is indigent but very brilliant students. We also have regular Back-to-School to remote hard-to-reach public schools.”
The organization also does infrastructural renovation works in some institutions. Over a year ago, DREMOF is said to build and furnish a 250-seater lecture theatre.
Currently, we are setting up an e-Library at the College of Medicine University of Lagos, Idi Araba Lagos.
DREMOF also made waves in health sector by paying hospital bills for indigent patients at government hospitals. DREMOF organized free medical outreaches to underserved communities; and sponsored health awareness programmes on popular radio stations. DREMOF and has running health and environmental sustainability talks in radios in Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Abuja.
On environment and leadership, the philanthropist sponsored an environmental jingle on radio. He sponsors annual award in the maritime sector for Journalists that excel in the sector, all to promote awareness for the protection of the Ocean and the Environment.
The entrepreneur and management expert as well as consummate leadership consultant recently made waves when he published the leadership book, “Push Through the Wall…Way of Success,” telling the story of his journey as a resolute maverick.
The strategist who helped most CEOs overcome the storm during the COVID-19 turbulence has an eye on the future, which may be to expand scholarship opportunities for indigent students across all levels of education.
He wishes to increase the scope of healthcare outreach programmes with a focus on mental health and specialized medical care. He also wishes to partner with organizations for environmental conservation and a greener planet; as well as continue mentoring the next generation of leaders through educational programmes and leadership publications.
Membere-Otaji’s heart is always in whatever he lays his hands on. On the lecture hall he donated to the Uniport, he said it was not just a building but a symbol of his commitment to enhancing the educational experience for generations. “This handover is just one step in the continued collaboration between DREMOF and the university.”
To the Trustees, Advisory Board, Staff, Partners and Sponsors, of DREMOF, this award is for you, and I appreciate you all, says the Alabo, who is the managing director of the Princess hospital group and fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management as well as Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
