Gomba H Osarollor (1943 - 2015)

 

Elder Gomba Osarollor 

Elder Gomba Humphrey Osarollor, JP, was an accomplished agriculturist, environmentalist, administrator, politician, philanthropist, and Christian leader. He devoted his life to advancing agricultural development, promoting education, supporting community growth, and strengthening the church. A man of deep faith and integrity, his legacy continues to inspire the people of Eleme and Rivers State.

Birth

He was born on April 20, 1943, to Abel Mbie Osarollor and Selina Nwanda Ejomah in Ogale Eleme, Rivers State. Elder Osarollor was the only child of his mother. Though his father had no formal western education, he strongly valued learning and worked as a farmer and palm produce dealer to ensure his son received quality education and Christian upbringing.

Education

Gomba Osarollor began his primary education in 1950 at Holy Trinity Anglican Primary School, Nchia Eleme, where he excelled in his studies and sang as soprano lead in the Holy Trinity Church choir. He completed primary school in 1957.

That same year, he gained admission into Okrika Grammar School (OGS). Through the support of Judge Foulkes, he secured an Eastern Nigeria Government Scholarship, a rare privilege for children from minority groups at the time. He graduated in 1962 with Division I results in his West African School Certificate.

In 1963, he enrolled briefly at the School of Agriculture, Umudike, as an Agricultural Assistant in Training before proceeding to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). There, he studied Agriculture (Plant/Soil Science) and graduated in June 1967 with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree. His academic brilliance earned him both a UNN scholarship and an Eastern Nigeria Government scholarship, of which he chose the latter for its broader benefits.

Driven by his thirst for knowledge, he furthered his studies at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands, where he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition in July 1971.

Work Experience

Elder Osarollor began his career in July 1967 in Enugu as Agricultural Officer in charge of Cocoa Extension for the Southern Provinces of Eastern Nigeria. Between 1968 and 1970, he served in Abakaliki Division as Credit Officer for the Supervised Agricultural Credit Guaranteed Schemes and later became Senior Agricultural Officer for Crop Production in the Ministry of Agriculture, Rivers State.

In 1971, he joined Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) as Senior Agricultural Adviser in the Community Development Projects Department. At Shell, he pioneered several agricultural and rural development initiatives across the Niger Delta. He developed programs that promoted modern farming methods, improved food production, and supported cooperative societies. His work helped many communities transition from subsistence farming to more sustainable and profitable agriculture.

He rose to senior management positions at SPDC, where he became a strong advocate for environmental protection and community development. His experience and leadership helped shape Shell’s corporate-community relations strategy at a time when oil exploration was rapidly expanding in the Niger Delta.

Public Service & Political Life

Outside his professional career, Elder Osarollor was a cultural leader, statesman, and political figure who championed the interests of Eleme and Rivers State.

He was the pioneer president of O’elar Obor Eleme, the apex sociocultural group of the Eleme people, where he provided visionary leadership that united the community and promoted its identity, values, and development agenda.

In politics, he served as a member of the Rivers State Executive Council as Honourable Commissioner of Agriculture under the administration of Governor Melford Okilo during the Second Republic. In this role, he contributed significantly to agricultural policy and development in Rivers State, laying the foundation for modern food production and rural empowerment programs.

Beyond official appointments, he remained a mentor to young political leaders and a philanthropist who sponsored education, supported youth empowerment initiatives, and contributed to community infrastructure, including schools, churches, and social projects in Ogale and beyond.

Through these efforts, he earned widespread respect as both a professional and a statesman, one whose wisdom was often sought on issues affecting Eleme and Rivers State.

Religious Life

A devout Anglican, Elder Osarollor was deeply committed to the growth of the church and Christian education. From his youth, he had been active in the choir, later serving in various leadership roles within the Anglican Communion. His faith shaped his worldview, guided his service, and earned him recognition as a Justice of the Peace (JP). He was widely regarded as a Christian leader who combined humility with unwavering dedication to God’s work.

Private Life

Beyond his public and professional engagements, Elder Osarollor was a devoted family man. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, who instilled in his children the same values of education, service, and Christian living that had defined his own life. Known for his humility, generosity, and mentorship, he left lasting impressions on all who came in contact with him.

Passage and Funeral

Elder Gomba Humphrey Osarollor passed away on December 27, 2015, at the age of 72. His passing was deeply felt by his family, the people of Ogale Eleme, the Anglican Communion, Rivers State, and beyond. His funeral was marked by glowing tributes that celebrated his outstanding service as an agriculturist, administrator, politician, philanthropist, and Christian leader.

Edited by Nwafor Oji Awala 

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