By Emeka Oparah
Those who know me better know that while my father molded me into a man, this living legend, Kevin Ejiofor, molded me into a communication professional.
After brief stints in Journalism, Public Relations consulting and Advertising Agencies, I landed under the warm, strong, experienced and supportive wings of the Enugu-born icon of broadcasting, public affairs and corporate communications, then Corporate Affairs Manager of Cadbury Nigeria.
He taught me not only the practice of corporate communications, he also showed me some of the tricks. My personal industry and quest for knowledge aside, I owe Mr. Ejiofor everything I know in the business. His knowledge is so vast in the business that whatever is the situation, he’s been there done it. His ceaseless denial that he’s not an oracle is emblematic of his nature as a simple, humble, gentleman. He is an oracle to those of us who know his worth and true value.
My years with him in Cadbury strengthened my love for reading, writing and public speaking-and Classical Music. Emceeing a Cadbury event under the watchful eyes of two institutions, Mr. Ejiofor and Dr. Christopher Kolade, then company Chairman, could only make or break one. It made me-and I’m thankful.
Away from Public Relations, KNE (as he was popularly known in Cadbury…mine was ECO) was again one of my favorite teachers and mentors in the University of Life. If Prof. S.A. Ekwelie, Prof. Charles Okigbo, etc. chipped off my rough edges in UNN, KNE smoothened the stone to it current preciousness (even if I say so myself).
My Oga is one of those humans gifted with rare talents, skills and youthfulness. At 87, yesterday, he can pass for mid-60s. The old man is retired but not tired and is still teaching and touching lives through the arts. Like Kolade, Ron Mgbatogu, Dele Adetiba, Ikenna Ndaguba, Emeka Anyaoku, etc, Kevin speaks the English language better than the English-masterfully.
Please join me to wish my boss a truly happy birthday, good health and happiness as he ages with grace and a spring in his gait!
