By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu
“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michaelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.'” – Martin Luther King.
Writing a profile of a notable and erudite personality such as the Distinguished Senator Enyi Abaribe is no small feat. The task is challenging, constrained by time and space. The road to success is often marked by both highs and lows – you may win today and lose tomorrow, but what matters is remaining resilient and unwavering despite the odds. This resilience perfectly encapsulates the journey of Distinguished Senator Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe. Despite facing numerous challenges, Senator Abaribe (fondly called SEA) has remained steadfast in all his endeavors, echoing Richelle O Goodrich’s observation, “Like yeast, it’s impressive how considerably an ounce of determination can make one’s efforts grow and expand.”
Throughout his academic career, Senator Abaribe demonstrated remarkable intellectual prowess and a lasting passion for learning. His academic journey was colorful. From Adventist High School and Government College in Umuahia, where he obtained a distinction in the West African Examination Certificate in 1974, to the University of Benin, Benin City, where he earned both a BSc (1979) and an MSc (1982).
After completing his education, Senator Abaribe embraced teaching, a career that spanned from 1982 to 1985. He worked as an Economics lecturer at the then Bendel State University (now Edo State University). From there, he transitioned into the corporate world, joining SCOA Nigeria Plc as a Trainee Manager, eventually rising to the position of Area Manager (South Nigeria) in the Trading Division. In 1990, he joined NICON Plc as Investment Manager, overseeing the management of a substantial investment portfolio, which included the famous Nicon Noga Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
Enyi’s career continued to evolve, and he was instrumental in the liberalization of Nigeria’s financial sector. He was part of the pioneering group involved in expanding financial services as the Managing Director of Integrated Mortgage Company Limited, which was founded in 1993. In 1995, he moved into private business as the Executive Vice Chairman of an IT company, Barry Nobik Limited.
Enyi’s passion for exploring new territories led him into politics with the commencement of Nigeria’s democratic dispensation in 1999. He served as Deputy Governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2003 under Governor Orji Uzor Kalu. His tenure was tumultuous, surviving three impeachment attempts, setting him apart as the first Deputy Governor in the Fourth Republic to endure multiple impeachment attempts.
In 2003, he resigned as Deputy Governor to run for Governor. While he did not win, his efforts led to the formation of the Otuonu Movement, one of the most impactful political movements in Abia State at the time.
In the Senate, his leadership abilities shone brightly. He served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs (2007-2011), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information (2011-2015), and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, Steel Development, and Metallurgy (2015-2019). At the inauguration of the 9th Senate in 2019, he was unanimously elected as the Minority Leader, a position he held until May 2022, when he resigned to join the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Senator Abaribe was instrumental in the passage of the famous “Doctrine of Necessity,” which resolved the political crisis following the illness of President Yar’adua. He also served as Chairman of the Council of the Nigerian Institute for Educational Policy and Administration (NIEPA), Ondo State, from 2005 to 2007.
In 2013, he launched the ‘Buy Nigeria’ campaign with the first Annual “Made in Aba Trade Fair” in Abuja to promote locally-made products, a vision that earned him the title “Made in Aba Senator.” This initiative was embraced by the Abia State Government and later the entire country, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth. His colleagues in the Senate recognized him as the “most innovative Senator in Constituency Projects” in 2016.
Senator Abaribe holds numerous traditional titles, including “ENYI ABIA,” the highest honor given by the Abia State Government, as well as MMA AGHA NDIGBO and NWADIOHANMA NGWA, conferred by the Abia South Traditional Rulers Council. He has over 26 other titles, reflecting his profound influence in the community.
Enyi is an alumnus of the University of Benin and has attended prestigious institutions such as the Said Business School, Oxford University, and the Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Education. He is a member of the Aba Sports Club, Patron of the Eastern Ngwa Country Sports Club, and a member of IBB Golf Club, Abuja.
A proud father of three, a grandfather, and happily married to Flora Abaribe, he is also an ardent soccer fan. Over the years, he has been honored by his community and various groups.
Today, we join hands in celebrating the remarkable life and achievements of the People’s General, Distinguished Senator Enyi Abaribe, at 70!
