Ode to Delsuth CMD, Prof. Okolugbo @ 53

The concept of leadership has always been of tremendous interest to innovative thinkers as well as contemporary political, entrepreneurial and professional researchers as our world continues on the path of progressive route.

Similarly, astute leadership theory rose to prominence in 1980-90s, and can be traced back to the political sociologists, Max Weber and James Macgregor Burns, who did justice to leadership evolution.

Classical leadership fits have a twin focal point on ‘who a leader is as well as what a leader does’, merging both the trait and behavioural theories of leadership would be met.

Replica leaders are exceptional because they possess a deep sense of personal purpose coupled with an unshakable self-confidence in the ability to realize this purpose.

They also have a willingness to take personal risks and make sacrifices in order to get their destinations.

They anticipate change and are innovative, rather than reactive to events cum challenges.

They focus on opportunities, not on challenges. They have a winning mentality and will never rationalize failure.

A real visionary leader accomplishes great feats by drawing on innate inner strength and as such is not often moved by external challenges.

This no doubt is the case of the digital Chief Medical Director of the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Prof. Nekwu Emmanuel Okolugbo. His sojourn in the institution has brought tremendous changes amid staff attitude to work.

Being a man who has made selfless servant-leadership and growth of his staff his watchword, he has been able to enthrone leadership of those around him first in the confines of his powers, being always ready to sacrifice all and lots to the well-being of those around him.

His no-sectional leadership in his leadership capacities has earned him general acceptability in anywhere he finds himself. He has proven that he is a man who has the interest of his people at heart, through genuine tutoring of those under him, care for his people his priority.

He also make respect his hallmark, especially for his elders and senior professional colleagues as a mark of respect and honour for authorities, cannot be swept under the carpet.

His adjudged ‘no’ nonsense behavior speaks volume as he passed through several test crucible without being held back or down by any ugly antecedents.

Because of his humble family background, he has been able to affect the lives of men and women in different sphere of life, being a specialist cum consultant in the medical profession and hospitality advocate, all were to serve humanity.

Born to the illustrious Anglican Family of the Very Reverend Dr. Emmanuel Ogeleka Okolugbo, Retired Associate Professor of Delta State University and Retired Provost of All Saints Cathedral Asaba and Mrs Anna Obielumani Okolugbo, Retired Headmistress of the University Staff School Delsuth Abraka both of blessed memory, Prof. Nekwu Emmanuel Okolugbo Started his academic journey at the Staff Primary School of College of Education Abraka From 1976 till 1982.

Thereafter he had his Secondary Education at St George’s College Obinomba from 1982 till May 1987.

He commenced his journey into the Medical field when he gained admission in 1989 into the University of Benin to study Medicine and Surgery. He graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)

After his Housemanship and National Youth Service, He went back to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital Benin City in September 1999 to Specialize in his Chosen Field of Otorhinolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery).

Prof. Okolugbo obtained the Fellowship of the National Postgraduate Medical College in November 2006 thus making him a Specialist in that field. In October 2007 he went on and obtained the Fellowship of the West African College of Surgeons by Examinations and in September 2012 He was made a Fellow of the International College of Surgeons (FICS).

He also obtained a Fellowship in Rhinology from the Medical Univ. Graz Austria in February 2009.

The erudite professocer was also inducted into the Prestigious American College of Surgeons in 2021.

Because of his intimidating credentials coupled with his vast experience, Prof. Nekwu Emmanuel Okolugbo was appointed a Consultant in the Delta State University Teaching Hospital Oghara in June 2007 and rose to the position of Chief Consultant ENT Surgeon in January 2014.

He also lectured at Delta State University Abraka and rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery in October 2021.

He served as Head of Department of Surgery From 2010 to 2015, when he was appointed the Deputy Chairman Medical Advisory Committee of the Hospital (DCMAC) during which time he served two consecutive tenures and from then was appointed the Chairman Medical Advisory Committee/Director Clinical Services and Training while serving second tenure when his Excellency the immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa appointed him as the Chief Medical Director/CEO of the Delta State University Teaching Hospital making him the First Ndokwa man to serve in that capacity.

Prof. Nekwu Emmanuel Okolugbo has held positions in several State and National bodies he served side by side as Member Faculty Board of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria from November and Member Sports Medical Committee of the Nigerian Football Federation September 2014 to 2021.

He has over 50 publications in both local and international journals, including books he has published.

He is a recipient of over several awards including the Excellence Award by the Nigerian top Executives in The Medicine and Pharmaceutical Industry and the Young Scientist travelling Fellowship of the European Union of Federated Otorhinological Societies (EUFOS) February 2007.

A dedicated Christian, communicant in the Anglican denomination, Prof. Nekwu Emmanuel Okolugbo has served as a member of the PCC in his Local Church the Chapel of Advent NNPC Housing Complex Warri for several years.

He is also a Knight of St Christopher and a member of the Diocesan Board /Medical Adviser of the Ndokwa Diocese of the Church of Nigeria

He is happily married to Lady Antoinette Uche Okolugbo and blessed with children.

Prof. Okolugbo is a child of destiny, destined to be great and he has prepared his path to greatness.

Prof! As you climb the hills to another glorious year, continue to sail the ship of the State owned Teaching hospital to restore its lost glory even as my hope rekindled that God almighty would grant you more years and wisdom IJN. Amen.

Congratulations!

Kparobo Ehvwubare is a journalist, social commentator and advocate of justice writes from Oghara-Delta State. Could be reached on marksbare@gmail.com.