Dimkpa Wuwu Okori

Engr. Dimkpa Wuwu Okori

Engr. Dimkpa Wuwu Okori (1947–2011) was a pioneering Eleme-born chemical engineer, an accomplished professional in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, and a distinguished community figure. Rising from the adversity of orphanhood to become the first indigene of Eleme to attain management cadre in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), his life exemplified resilience, discipline, and professional excellence.

Birth

Okori was born on Sunday, 20 April 1947, to the family of Late Okora Awaa and Esther Okora Awaa of Atcharama, Aluoken Community, Ogale Clan, Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State. He was the only child of his parents. His father passed away when he was an infant, and his mother died while he was still in primary school. Consequently, his upbringing was entrusted to community leaders and guardians, including Samuel Chujor, Elder Gomia H. Osarollor, Johnson Obe-Etebe, and the late Joshua Ngawala.

Education

Despite the early loss of his parents, Okori pursued education with distinction. He obtained a Standard Six Certificate with distinction from Holy Trinity Primary School, Nchia, in 1960. He later secured, on merit, an Ogale Community Scholarship for his secondary education at Ascension High School, Ogale, which he completed in 1966 with excellent results.

His studies were interrupted by the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). Following the war, he joined the Ministry of Agriculture, which facilitated his training at the Institute of Agriculture, Owan, Plateau State. In 1972, he proceeded to the United Kingdom for further studies. He undertook “A” Levels at Flintshire College of Technology, Connah’s Quay, Wales, graduating with distinction in 1974. He then advanced to Imperial College, London, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering in 1977.

Work Experience

Engr. Okori commenced his professional career in Nigeria at Nochemets, Lagos, during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year (1977–1978). He was retained by the company after service. In 1980, he joined the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), where he served diligently for twenty-four years.

During his career, he became the first Eleme indigene to attain the NNPC management cadre (M-Level). He held several key positions, including:

• Depot Manager, Minna (2000–2001)
• Depot Manager, Enugu (2001–2002)
• Division Manager, Oil Movement
• Manager, MMD

He retired from NNPC in December 2004 after a meritorious service record.

Engr. Okori also benefited from advanced technical and management training programmes in the United States, Europe, South Africa, Japan, and India. His professional affiliations included membership of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers and the Chemical Engineering & Chemical Technology Forum, Imperial College, London. His reputation within the corporation and beyond was anchored on his incorruptibility, discipline, and professionalism.

Private Life

On 15 September 1977, Engr. Okori married Mrs. Rose N. Okori, with whom he had six children—three sons and three daughters. A devoted family man, he balanced discipline with affection, ensuring that all his children received sound moral upbringing and quality education.

Religiously, he was baptized in the Catholic Church, but later became a member of the Anglican Communion, where his marriage was blessed in 2009. His Christian convictions were reflected in his moral uprightness and principled conduct.

Though not an overtly social individual, he maintained select associations and participated in community and political life during the NPP/NP era.

Death

Engr. Dimkpa Wuwu Okori passed away on Saturday, 26 November 2011, at approximately 11:45 a.m., after a protracted illness. His passing marked the end of a life defined by perseverance, professional distinction, and service to community and nation.

He is fondly remembered by his family, community, and professional peers as a trailblazer, disciplinarian, and incorruptible leader whose legacy continues to inspire future generations of Eleme and Nigeria at large.

Edited by Nwafor Oji Awala 

(c) Two & Half Decades of Cultural & Political Developments in Eleme