He is a short man, no doubt. He also has a miniature frame. On a first encounter, you can easily dismiss him as a minion. But what he lacks in height and physical frame has adequately and freely been granted him in wisdom, tall ideas and character.
Mr Maxwell Oko is not just humane, he is inexplicably humble, affable and sociable. From the streets of the Niger Delta where he was seriously involved in the struggle for the region’s development, a niche that earned him the position of pioneer chairman of the Ijaw Youths Council, IYC, Central Zone, working with the likes of the late Oronto Douglas, Asari Dokubo, Government Ekpumopulo, popularly called Tompolo and Dr Felix Tuodolo, et cetera, Oko has become a household name in Nigeria’s corporate world.
He stands out as a refreshing anomaly. Born and raised in Otuesega, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, in the Niger Delta, Oko’s early life was marked by a deep connection to his community and a keen awareness of the region’s struggles. Growing up, he witnessed firsthand the environmental degradation, economic marginalization, and social injustice that plagued the oil-rich region. His bravery, strategic thinking, and passion for justice earned him recognition and respect from his peers and community.
As the Niger Delta struggle evolved, so did Oko. He transitioned from activism to politics, serving as commissioner for energy during the government of Chief Timipre Sylva in Bayelsa State, before he decided to dive into the business waters, floating several blue chip firms as CEO and executive chairman.
He was doing his own thing in the business arena when he was nominated by the then president, Muhamadu Buhari ,to serve on the board of the Niger Development Commission, NDDC, as executive director, finance. The then senate screened and cleared him for the position. But it was not to be. A new board was named and the position was taken from him. What transpired is now history.
He moved on with his life, growing his businesses and expanding the frontiers of his oil and gas business interests, as well as farming and ICT. Today, Oko is doing well as the founder/CEO of Eraskorp Nigeria Limited, Lake Oko Farms (owners of one of Nigeria’s largest fish and ogbono farms), Eraskon Nigeria Limited and Erasko Energy and is also the board chairman of Eraskon Nigeria Limited. His business acumen and leadership skills have been instrumental in driving growth and development in the region. The first lubricants producing plant in the south south, a multi-billion facility which construction flag off was done by a former president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, located in Bayelsa State and founded by him, is currently nearing completion.
Despite his impressive achievements, Oko remains humble and unassuming. Those who know him describe him as kind-hearted, compassionate and genuinely committed to the welfare of others. His humility and humanity have earned him a reputation as a revered figure in the Niger Delta region.
Oko turns 50 on December 13. Being a quiet person who takes delight in serving and helping others instead of being served, he is not given to a loud lifestyle. But his friends and associates would not allow the day pass by, just like that.
Some of them have decided to celebrate him openly. For example, Da Amakiri Tubo Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, the Inabiobuari II Alabo Edi Abali Of Kalabari and former Niger Delta freedom fighter, in a birthday message on Oko wrote: “Your journey has been marked by courage, resilience, and might. From the Ijaw and Niger Delta struggle to corporate heights. Your passion for emancipation, a beacon of hope and light continues to inspire generations, day and night. As you mark this milestone, I celebrate your life’s work, a testament to your dedication to our collective wellbeing and survival as a people in both the struggle and in the murky waters of economic relevance. I honour your commitment to the Ijaw and Niger Delta cause, a champion of justice, equality, and freedom. May your golden jubilee mark a new chapter in your life. I am proud to call you friend, comrade, and true brother.”
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On his part, the man popularly called Tompolo said: “Through the tumultuous waves of the Niger Delta struggle, you stood firm, a rock of integrity. Exposure to the world’s temptations couldn’t shake your core values, your character, a North Star. From the frontlines of activism to the boardroom, you’ve remained true to yourself a rare breed leader whose head remains untouched by the lures of power, wealth, or fame’s corrupting influence. I wish you many more years of standing tall, unwavering and strong. A shining example of character, where principles guide. I celebrate you, my dear brother, comrade, development partner and compatriot. May your life continue to inspire.”
At 50, Oko remains the same humble, humane elixir that he was as a student at the then Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where he studied architecture. He is still the same affable personae with a phenomenal mien, whose large heart has pushed him to sponsor several people in various institutions, many of who he does not even know.
At 50, Oko has remained as radiant as ever, with his trade mark smiles, thinking of what new impossible business puzzles to solve. His children call him the best dad in the world, his wife see him as a unique husband. And in the Ogbia Brotherhood, an assembly of Ogbia people of Bayelsa State, Oko is seen as a light bearer. His elderly friends and business associates, including ABC Orjiakor, the Chairman and co-founder of SEPLAT, and Azipabu Godbless Eruani, owner of the Azikel Refinery, see him as a cherished younger brother whose integrity cannot be faulted. And, that is what Maxwell Oko truly is-an enigma, an elixir.
• Umanah, a member of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, is the publisher of TNN Newspaper based in Port Harcourt.
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