Renowned archivist, biographer and knowledge management expert, NyaknnoAbasi Osso, has been celebrated for his outstanding contributions to journalism, documentation and the preservation of Nigeria’s historical records.
In a tribute by Jide Olusola and Martha Unuigbe, Osso was described as a “wonder boy” whose journey from Ete in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State to becoming one of Nigeria’s foremost archivists exemplifies resilience, vision and dedication.
According to the authors, Osso built a distinguished career in media librarianship before the advent of the internet, earning a reputation as a “human search engine” for his vast knowledge and ability to retrieve information. He was also credited with pioneering the establishment of the library at Newswatch magazine and later spearheading the development of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, described as Africa’s first presidential library.
The tribute highlighted Osso’s early life, noting that he was born after his mother lost seven sons and was named “NyaknnoAbasi,” meaning “I leave this one in God’s hands.” Despite financial hardship and family pressure to study medicine, he pursued Library Science, laying the foundation for a career spanning more than five decades.
Osso was also recognised for creating the award-winning Newswatch Who’s Who in Nigeria and establishing the Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation (BLERF), an organisation dedicated to documenting the achievements of notable Nigerians from 1861 to the present.
The authors said his work has promoted historical documentation, cultural preservation and nation-building, while serving as an inspiration to younger generations on the values of perseverance, purpose and patriotism.
Commenting on Osso’s legacy, Professor Andrew Oshiotse Okwilagwe described him as a meticulous professional committed to preserving knowledge, while journalist Sam Akpe said Osso’s life and achievements were too extensive to be captured in a brief tribute.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Osso is a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and founder of the Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation. He also serves as Chief of Research and Coordinator of the Dele Giwa Journalism Research Centre and Editor-in-Chief of BLERF’s 5,000 Most Amazing Nigerian Women.
The tribute noted that Osso has amassed a personal archive of more than 2.5 million books and about five million documents, including rare photographs and videos, over the course of his 55-year career. It added that he is seeking financial support to digitise the collection to make it accessible to scholars, historians, journalists, diplomats and future generations.
