There are monarchs, royalties and nobles and there are special mankind that take obeisance of kings … not because of any spectacular standards – age or creed - but because of divine orchestration. When ocean roars and people shout on top of their voices that, ‘It is a magic moment!’ Many people may wonder what and why but there can never be a more magical moment than human perception and besides, the magic moment cannot be as spectacular as the magic that makes the moment fascinating. For example, it is rare to find leopards walking the streets and of the cats’ family, there is something unique and inspiring about leopards – it is their spots and great hunting skills.
Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, OFR – an astute pharmacist/businessman, an articulate executive, a noble with excellent character who wields the magical wand that makes every moment and place phenomenal, one afternoon, in his Sonibare Estate abode hosted the duo of Lanre Olusunmade - the Publisher of Synochure International magazine and Yomi Abayomi in an inspiring and educative session that x-rayed his life from childhood to all the daring adventures he has taken and how far the Lord has taken him nationally and internationally. Excerpts below:
Sir, in 2023, you contested for the primaries of the presidential election under PDP. What was the motivation behind this?
Well, the motivation is that all my life, especially my adult life, I have agonized about the situation of Nigeria. I have had a passion to play some roles to see Nigeria move from an underdeveloped third world to a prosperous, competitive first world - and that passion has been hastened by the fact that a couple of countries classified as third world in the 60’s like China, Singapore and many others have either become first world nations or close to it as developing nations. Nigeria is still third world and every human development index you look at seems to be going back instead of going forward. The corruption perception index, human development index, the longevity of life, mortality rates, infant and maternal. Malaria has remained with us since I was born. Other diseases have come and gone. There are just too many things that say that Nigeria is not moving. That passion led me into advocacy through the Manufacturer Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, the Nigerian Employers Consortium, the Organised Private Sector, and the Nigerian American Chamber of Commerce. I've advocated at the state and national levels. I've written books upon books on my thoughts on what Nigeria needs to do. I've participated in conferences ad-infinitum. The most significant one is the Vision 2010, the Strategy Conference Vision 2020, the Nigerian Political Reform Conference of 2005-2006 … all in an effort to see Nigeria become a globally competitive nation that works for all - and when all these didn't work, especially when Muhammadu Buhari came to power and Nigeria went down to anomy, poverty, criminality and everything negative. The spirit of God tugged at my heart that, ‘It's time to quit advocacy … stop complaining, and see if the work can be done. That was the major motivation that made me go all out and see if I can emerge. All I have left was just to resign and forget about Nigeria but it is difficult for me.
Why under PDP? Why not the ruling party?
When I decided to join a political party, I had two issues. First, I had been identified with PDP. I joined PDP several years ago and persuaded my younger brother to join politics in 1998 because I was quite busy with my career - and my brother being a political animal was encouraged to be where decisions are made from my constituency, ward and upwards. So, when I thought of the ideal political organisation, PDP readily came to my mind. Secondly, I was coming with an ideology of a new Nigeria. I did not see the performance of APC and its ideology appealing to me because I cannot identify something positive that APC did to Nigerians that mights make me join the group. In a sane world, APC should have been punished for the way they ran down the economy of this nation like it happens in America … if I hadn't gone to PDP, I would have gone to ANPP.
In one of the interviews you granted during that time in one of the national dailies, you said even people in your constituency did not vote for you. What will you say is responsible for that?
It is because the Nigerian political culture is completely monetised. What is the criterion for electing anybody in any political partyin Nigeria? It's how much money you have; there's nothing about capacity, competence, or character. You can be a paedophile, armed-robber, kidnapper, and assassin combined in ope body … you may not have gone to school but if you have enough money, people will vote for you. That is what happened in 2023. During national elections, we have Nigerians who vote for ideology, conscience, capacity, competence, to a degree, even though that may not win you the election if you don't have sufficient money to deal with INEC, to deal with security people. Even if INEC or those who rig don't rig for you, you cannot stop them from rigging for another person. So, money still plays a vital role when it comes to political selection process at the primaries. The only thing that makes people win election is money, nothing else.
Sir, looking back, what was the experience like?
Wonderful … very intersting … so fascinating. It did so much for me. First, I went around the country three times - and that enabled me to see the ends of this country and to associate with the people, to feel their pain, to ride on their rough roads, to enter their rough rooms and hotels, to feel the weather and all that happens in those areas. I witnessed security problems face-to-face. There was a day we were driving in the north, coming from Zamfara, the bandits were on the other side of the road. The only thing that separated us was the median, but God saved me because I was on the other side, they were there with about 200 motorcycles. God was just merciful onto me and my entourage. Luckily enough, we’d had a car break down. One of the cars in our convoy broke down, and the moment the security people with us saw them, they told me to just drive off, and leave the broken-down car, which we did. I experienced everything we should know because part of the problems of leadership in Nigeria is that leaders are far from us, they are distant from us, they do not connect with us. The second experience was that I got to know about Nigerian politics and understand it better. All of us who are not politicians interpret Nigerian politics in different dimension. I also understood how Nigerian politicians think and it was clearer to me why Nigeria is where it is today. So, I resolved on a lot of things. I used to say, ‘Why is this or that?’ Now, I know why. Thirdly, as I told you, I went with a motivation. Permit me to say it is divine so I feel fulfilled that I did not chicken-out, I followed up to the end, did what I could do. All I know today wouldn’t be known if I had disqualified myself because I didn't have much money or knew political father or because of my age. I have no guilt whatsoever, I feel good that I answered God's call and I believe that is not the end of the story …there is still something else God wants to achieve by that motivation.
So, are you still nursing the ambition of going back into the political ring in the future?
I cannot rule that out, but if you ask me if I want to run now, I will answer no. By doing so, I'm just limiting myself to my feelings because the first time I ran, I never thought I would go into politics. If I’d wanted to go into politics, I would have gone in the late 80’s and 90’s. In 1992, the governor of Abia State invited me to serve in his cabinet. That would have been my first introduction to politics but I was already high up in my career ladder. At the end of the interview, the deputy governor called my sponsor and told him that my performance was extraordinary that I was the first person they made up their minds to choose but they are now struggling with the ministry that they can put me in as a pharmacist. The health ministry was the first natural option but they felt it was going to be too small for me. They even thought of making me the Commissioner for Information and Strategy to sell the State. The interview was conducted on Monday, the Deputy Governor called my sponsor on Wednesday - and on Friday the List of the Commissioners came out and my name was not in it. Was that a political game? I don't so; it was a divine intervention. How did I know it was a divine intervention? If I’d been named, I would have resigned from my job to become a Commissioner, and I would have done the work for one year, because the government was overthrown in 1993. The same May 19912, my appointment as Deputy Managing Director of Pfizer came out. If I had become Commissioner, I wouldn't be the MD. So I see the hand of God in everything. My sponsor believed it was a political game but I told him it's the humble work of God and the moment they announced me as Deputy Manager, he organised a party to thank God that he did not divert me from my career.
What advice do you have for the younger ones who want to become politician in future?
With my experience; if you want to be a successful politician in Nigeria, you should start early. It is like a recruitment …an apprenticeship. Start early as a Councillor, become a chairman, House Rep. You must build it like a career. Don't do like those of us who come into politics, eyeing an elective office, from a business or other professional careers. Just be a professional politician. It's difficult to work-out except you've made a lot of money or you have people who are willing to sponsor you. To come in the middle is a tough job. So, my advice is enter into politics like an apprentice … climb … run, if you want to run, or have enough money to spend or look for the people who have the money to sponsor you. That's why we have this ‘Godfatherism Syndrome.’ But that's the only thing that works in Nigerian politics you can't run on your own goodwill without money.
For the sake of our reading public, let's get to know you sir. Who is Mazi Sam?
I was born on the 16th of August 1950. I'll be 75 years on earth by August 2025, and those years are actually more than 100 years for a normal person. I've lived for 100 years, given the kind of things I've been through. On my 25 years old birthday as a final year student at the University of Ife, I told my birthday audience that i've lived half of my life, that if God gives me another 25 years, He would have done something extraordinary for me. Imagine someone like me who thought 25 years was half of his life who has had no reduction in his level of activities, with full utilisation of talents and skills, offering services and leadership everywhere he goes --- given an opportunity of 50 more years. My life is full of testimony; I was born in Portharcourt, my parents and grandparents came from Abia to settle there. I am first of 12 children from one father and two mothers. I did my primary school in Port Harcourt, St. Michael's Primary School. In 1964, I went to Okrika Grammar School, River States till Form 4 when the war broke out in 1967 disrupting my education. In 1968, I joined the Biafra Army and God helped me to survive. In 1970, I joined Government School in Owerri where I did my school cert. I went to the University of IFE in 1972 to read Pharmacy, I graduated in 1976, joined Pfizer in 1978. By 1993, I had become the Managing Director and CEO of Pfizer International, Pfizer Nigeria. The next year I became Regional Managing Director for Pfizer West Africa. I worked till 2011 when I retired, having spent 33 years in the industry. 18 years as CEO between Pfizer and Niemeth.
You were drafted into the Biafra Army as a young lad to fight in the war. After the war, you went back to school in the east - but when it was time for higher institution you came to the West. Why Ife and why pharmacy?
My parents actually preferred I go to Nsukka but by nature, I like to travel. I decided to go far from home. I took Ife, Ibadan and Nsukka. I preferred Ibadan being the oldest university in Nigeria but it offered me Pharmacology while Ife gave me Pharmacy, even though I didn’t know the difference between the two. I attended the interviews for both schools. I didn’t go to Nsukka at all. When I got to Ife, by the time I drove from the gate and climbed to Ife and saw the building and the campus I fell in love with the school. I said, ‘This is the place!’ So, I forgot Ibadan. I didn’t plan to read Pharmacy as there was no career counselling. I was a bright student, thought to be a medical doctor. If you ask me what I loved was to be a lawyer, a journalist or humanist. I also thought about doing Geology because I had some senior friends who studied that. Because I’d lost 3 years to the war, I cant spend another 7 years studying Medicine. There was no money as such. I needed a shorter course like business management, but my uncle persuaded me to read Pharmacy.
What was your experience like at Ife, and how do you compare what was obtainable in your time to what we have now?
I had a very beautiful experience at Ife but there is no way I can compare what I had with what my daughter had. I ensured my daughter chose Ife for her Pharmacy but I never visited her until she’d spent more than 2 years in Ife. I went to her hostel, they had 6 bunks in a room, which means they were 12 in a room and then she told me they all had squatters in a room which means they are like 24 in a room. When I was in Ife we were 2 in a room. Things have gone down. When I became CEO I did my bit in the school. I am not one to complain.
In what ways will you say going to Ife has impacted on your profession?
The basic thing about Ife was the colouration and the mix of the people. It was ethnically balanced, people from all tribes - even from other nationalities. There was no known discrimination against the igbos. Ife taught me discipline especially pharmacy.
Why did you choose Business and Management for your postgraduate, or was it going back to your first love ?
It was Pfizer that sent me to Columbia University for the executive management programme. I didn’t opt for it on my own --- and I can even say it is divine arrangement.
When you joined Pfizer, did it cross your mind that one day you will become the Managing Director of Pfizer?
It was after the first five years of joining Pfizer that I started noticing some changes because my initial plan was to spend between 3 to 5 years because I had an uncle who asked that we start a pharmaceutical business together. Very attractive offer but God restrained me. Those 5 years at Pfizer were years of extraordinary works, not necessarily for the good of the company but for my own good. My growth in Pfizer exceeded my bosses’ expectations. In 1980, I became the Regional Manager and in 1985, I became the National Sales Manager. 1983 that was supposed to be my 5th in Pfizer, and the year I needed to fulfill my promise to my uncle by resigning in January but at the Christmas and annual award party, they called me to receive my 5 years service award/certificate, the chairman of our company was arguing. I didn’t know what they were arguing about. Eventually, the Chairman stepped out and asked, “Sam, have you been only 5 years in this company?” I answered, “Yes sir!” He said, “Unbelievable! You made this kind of impact in just 5 years. My son, you have a bright future. Keep it up.’ 10 years after my encounter with the then Chairman I became the Chairman/CEO.
Sir, you left the buy-over of 60% equity and you never converted. Why did you do that ?
All my life I have never been money-conscious or lived a selfish life. I can’t claim not wanting to but there is this special enablement by God, who has always been providing for me, going ahead of me and softening the road, fighting my battle -- and that has influenced my behavior. I have never made money an issue, I enjoy sharing. I don’t regret my action. My joy is that the company is still alive and doing well.
You are a man of many parts how do you joggle all effectively without one rubbing of on the other?
Its tough. I have learnt the job, and practised the act of time management. I keep diaries and journalise the day. I have a detailed outline of what I am going to do per day. All I am doing are in focus.
While growing up who was your role model?
As a young person, my role model has always changed in line with what I look out. One person that was a role model for me as a young person was Nnamdi Azikwe. I loved him and revered him. In my Adult life, I have 3 areas that I was looking at role models such as community development, there was a man Pa Chris. I was the chairman of his burial committee. I loved him because he was a community-minded person. He did things for the community. In my profession as a pharmacist, the man that I looked up to was Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi (CEO Juli Pharmacy). He still remains my mentor and hero in pharmacy. Then in corporate management as a CEO, I looked up to someone like Felix Onyiwere of Nigerian Brewery Plc.
What advices do you have for the younger ones ?
My recommendation for them are as follows; (1) Whatever it takes; get education, without education nothing can stand. It sets you apart. It opens your mind and broadens your scope, (2) They should embrace God however they believe God. (3) They must learn to exercise their talents and use their skills and abilities for humanity and honour God. (4) Everybody can succeed in life, it depends on your measure of success. There are 5 things every man must know to drive him to success in any positive endeavor. They must have purpose or vision. They must plan every move, project on things they want to do. They must be a hard worker; hard work does not kill. They must have passion; passion is what produces the oxygen to drive when everybody else is in difficulty. They must plan for providence. They are all do able.
How do you unwind?
I unwind by doing different things. Being in the presence of God to me is unwinding. My relaxation is in-built into my several activities. I am a social animal; I attend parties . I also do some bit of sports.
What do you want to be remembered for?
The guy that came, and ensured anywhere he went, he tried to make it better than he met it. I want to be remembered as a man who believed in sharing the love of God and everthing he has with other people … a man who believed in putting smile on the faces of people by supporting them in his own capacity
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