Sam Ohuabunwa at 75: Legacy of Vision and Leadership From bidding farewell to the great world sports giant, Christian Chukwu at Enugu, I moved to celebrating another colossus - this time in the health and pharmaceutical industry- Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, on the occasion of his 75th birthday and book launch in Umuahia, Abia State. After graduating from the University of Ife, Ohuabunwa began his career humbly as a salesperson with Pfizer. Through sheer diligence, vision, and discipline, he rose to become CEO of the company. He later spearheaded the historic management buyout that transformed Pfizer into Neimeth, a deal valued at about $300 million. This singular act stands today as one of the most remarkable feats of corporate leadership in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry. Mazi Ohuabunwa distinguished himself not only as a boardroom success story but also as a patriot committed to the idea of a more productive Nigeria. His leadership, marked by integrity and innovation, earned him numerous national honours and professional merit awards. Deeply concerned by Nigeria’s decline from a culture of productivity to one of consumption, he ventured into politics, convinced that only bold ideas, moral courage, and visionary leadership could rescue the nation. He encountered the harsh reality of a transactional political environment where vested interests and transactions triumph over ideas. He, however, remained consistent and persistent in what Nigeria could achieve if men of character and competence were given room to lead. As he marks his 75th birthday, I celebrate Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa not only for his past achievements but also for the enduring example he offers to younger generations. I wish him continued good health, wisdom, and fulfilment in the years ahead. More importantly, I pray that his vision for a just, productive, and prosperous Nigeria will find fuller expression in the new Nigeria that is possible. -PO
Opening the record…