Izoma Phillip Chukwuedo Asiodu, CFR, CON! What a name! What a man! It is always a name that fills one with awe, admiration, and sheer respect.
Here is one of General Gowon’s ‘Super’ Permanent Secretaries. He was among the first-generation post-independence Nigerian bureaucrats who laid the foundation for the administrative structure of modern Nigeria. He is an encyclopedia of contemporary Nigerian history, politics, geography and even the psychology of the country. Not only that, he also contributed a lot to regional integration in West Africa.
He belonged to a group so vast in intellect, so noble in character and so very far-sighted in public administration. You had no idea of the meaning of the term ‘all rounder’ until you meet Chief Asiodu. He was knowledgeable about everything. He was limitless in his scope.
Here is a portrait in unalloyed loyal friendship, sticking with Chief S. L. Edu to nurture the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), dedicated stewardship, steering the ship of organisation for so many decades, and a man of a razor-sharp memory, even at this age of 90 years!
Asiodu is a national treasure in detailing the history of not only NCF, but indeed Nigeria, through the ages. He currently serves as the President of NCF’s Board of Trustees, a position he assumed after meritoriously serving as Chairman of the Foundation’s National Executive Council for many years.
Over the years, each NCF event was important to Asiodu and he would gladly attend all of them. He would meet the mighty man/woman of distinction and the lowly student, with equal respect and cordial interaction.
He never sits on the fence. He takes a position in every situation. Not even the anonymity of the civil service tradition could alter that sensibility.
It was his foresight and unswerving sense of commitment that informed his teaming up with Edu and other well-meaning people to blaze the trail in Nigerian environmentalism. Their pioneering efforts led to the setting up of the NCF in 1982. He has a tremendous chunk of credit for numerous achievements recorded by NCF over the years.
There are numerous achievements by the organisation. But the ones that stand out include influencing the establishment of the then Federal Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Ministry of Environment, the National Park Service and various environmental legislations.
Many have written and many more will still write about Asiodu, his unquestionable qualifications and his myriad of achievements and awards.
Some of his quotes include, “I have strongly canvassed for a practical approach to support Nigeria’s efforts on forest rehabilitation and a focus on an agenda for rebuilding Nigeria’s vegetation cover to at least 25 per cent, even if it will take some years to achieve”.
While making an opinion on national development, he said, “I have no doubt that the solution to our problem does not lie in disintegration”.
Asiodu occupies a unique position in the history of the Nigeria’s public service and nature conservation.
NCF cannot thank Asiodu nearly enough. We wish you sir, not just a happy birthday, but all the very best always.
May your children, grandchildren, and generations of yours yet unborn, reap bountifully from the altruistic seeds you have sowed all your life.
May peace, happiness and unqualified good health be yours, sir till the end of time.
We cannot help ourselves in doffing our hats to you, Sir.
Ninety hearty green conservation cheers to our dear unforgettable Izoma!
Written by Adetoun Fagbayi Mohammed and Paddy Ezeala
Mrs. Adetoun Fagbayi Mohammed is NCF NEC Member, former NCF Education Manager, and first Nigerian Head of School, Corona Schools Trust Council
Mr. Paddy Ezeala is Founder/Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Development Agenda magazine, a bilingual (English/French) West Africa-focused publication on development issues. He was also Communications Manager of NCF.
