Dr. NyaknnoAbasi, OSSO
In a very humble way, I have come back to say THANK YOU, JESUS for the gift of life.
Interestingly, I come from a family where I am the only survivor out of eight boys. Which was why I was given the name — NyaknnoAbasi (I leave you in the Holy Hands of God).
I would also like to THANK GOD for the founders, shapers and teachers of Regina Coeli College (RECCO) who groomed and nurtured me to be the best I can be in my chosen career: information and knowledge management; a booklover, researcher, librarian and biographer.
It was Kirill Korshikov, an entrepreneur and videographer based in Barcelona, Spain that once said: “Never Stop Learning Because Life Never Stops Teaching.” This statement has made a lot of impact in my life so far.
I was once that boy, whose nickname was Elvis, in the dusty field of Regina Coeli College, chasing football and dreams with equal energy, never imagining that reading and learning — not football — would one day take me before four American Presidents and the Best minds worldwide.
Which is why, I am in total agreement with Kirill Korshikov that “Life Never Stops Teaching.”
In the last 71 years of my life’s journey, I have spent 25 years with General Olusegun Obasanjo, former Military Head of State and later civilian President of Nigeria, whom I met through just ‘a phone call!’ I learnt so much politically, professionally and religiously on how to to get things done excellently without offering any excuses.
I used to have a BIG STICKER on my door post and desk in office that boldly stated:
“WE DON’T BUY OR SELL EXCUSES HERE.”
Although I am a career librarian, I ended up spending over 50 years in the Newsmedia as the Chief of Research for the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, publishers of the Nigerian and Sunday Chronicle (1975–1984); and Newswatch newsmagazine (1984–1998).
As a researcher, and knowledge and information expert, I have virtually lived in different types of libraries for over 55 years since I was employed as a Library Assistant at the prestigious University of Ibadan Library.
I have, during this period, visited about 550 libraries in over 50 nations of the world — travelling mostly with former President Obasanjo during his international visits around the world.
I am happy to announce that through collaboration with President Obasanjo, I was the one who initiated and brought the first Presidential Library from America to Africa — The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Joyfully, I can trace the turning point in my life to Recco, when I discovered the power of reading and learning.
Two miraculous things happened when I was at Recco, guided by the Holy Spirit. One, I had an encounter with my History Teacher, Dr. Mbong Udofot (Orokpokpo), who made me love African History so much that I wrote 75 pages of answered sheets during my mock examination in my final year (1970). He awarded me A+.
Reading became my passion, driven by curiosity. This was what led to my compiling and editing the most authoritative and dependable Biographical Encyclopedia for Nigeria (1990), titled “NEWSWATCH WHO’S WHO IN NIGERIA”, which has been transformed digitally to blerf.org published now by Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation (BLERF).
Secondly, it was my keen interest in reading The Catholic Digest magazine in our small library at Recco that generated my love for books, magazines, and newspapers. I felt in love with libraries and research, which catapulted me to get a job at the University of Ibadan Library. The Rest is History.
In conclusion, I recommend highly my latest publication titled: “AGAINST ALL ODDS: My Testimony” — to both the old and new generation of Recco students.
It’s a story of STRUGGLE and GRACE, with emphasis on PERSEVERANCE, FAITH, and DIVINE DIRECTION.
Undoubtedly, I did not get to my position by chance. I got there by grace, guided by the Holy Spirit and strengthened by books and reading.
“My Recco, My Root.” I deeply appreciate Recco as the foundation of my journey. I and my entire family congratulate the school on 70 years of excellence.
Finally, if reading took me from “Amen House” to world leaders, imagine where it can take you — if only you believe, prepare, and let God lead the way.
— Dr. NyaknnoAbasi, OSSO.
