Unlike a warrior who has seen the face of war and lives to sing the song of his own deeds and derring-do, whether conceitedly or correctly, Alhaji Francis Ogboro treads the unbeaten path to acclaim yet, he never sets out to inspire or attract garlands and honours. But they come to him in torrents, from home and abroad.
Yes, there is a sphinx-like quality to Ogboro. His genius burns with electricity that that no earthly contrivance could tame. Ogboro’s humanity is universal with no religious, tribal or any other primordial boundaries. Such is his altruistic traits that honours have not ceased being bestowed upon him from numerous organisations, clans and kingdoms.
The latest of such honours have come from no any other place but the Argungu Emirate; and when the Emir of Argungu, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Samaila Mohammed Mera, deems an individual worthy of chieftaincy title, it is a testament to their exceptional and exemplary deeds, which should not go unnoticed and unrewarded.
The city of Argungu is playing host to prominent Nigerians from far and wide today, Friday, 3rd August, 2018, as the Emir of Argungu confers the title of ‘Dan Darman Kabi’ on Francis Ogboro for his selfless service and humanitarian gestures toward the city and its people. Ogboro is said to have maintained a strong bond and friendship with Emirate for quite some time. Not only has he been friends with top people from the ancient city, Ogboro has been instrumental to the development of sports, especially Polo, and its facilities in Argungu.
Ogboro, whose strides as President Nigeria Polo Federation, dot spots across the country, has been at the forefront of elevating the game of Polo in Nigeria, and was a core part of the think-tank that ensured the success of the inaugural edition of Argungu Polo Tournament last year which saw Bauchi Dokaji Farms emerge winners of the Governor’s Cup.
His love and passion for Polo has earned the game unprecedented growth and huge patronage from corporate sponsors who annually jostle to play a role in various Polo events in Nigeria. Beside his love for the game, Ogboro is widely acknowledged for his sheer industry with flourishing entrepreneurship. Both local and international communities are his oyster as he has recorded remarkable success business sectors. Highly urbane and widely travelled, his affability draws friends to him like magnet attracts metals.
His selfless disposition makes him a natural appeal to people who really matter. His has never been parasitic when he is on your side. Those who have had the privilege of encountering him always give testimony of how he they would forever be grateful for the opportunity to glean wisdom from his highly dignified and immense erudition.
To the credits of his razor-sharp intellect, Ogboro has erected giant enterprises that have stood the test of time. He is the Chairman of Rockshell International, a consultancy outfit; and Bimbo Detergent. Through his managerial acumen, he continues to steer Options International, a company through which he has been able to stack up stakes in telecoms and built exchanges for NITEL in its glory days. His enterprise portfolio is further enriched with ownership of vast stakes in the oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, leisure, and FMCG sector. His connection to high net-worth and influential Nigerians is also intimidating as he has Presidents, governors and legislators of note as friends and associates.