Category: Tribute

A Tribute to Eng Chidi Izuwa

How does one express the amazing essence and spirit of Engr. Chidi Izuwah – his selfless generosity, uncompromising belief in all that is good and his unwavering commitment to family and friends? Words, even the very best of words, cannot pay tribute or truly capture the sense of loss that we are all feeling today.

The loss is there, tangible and real within everyone, but his exemplified life, love, laughter and an irrepressible belief and faith in seeing the best in everything even loss. And so today we honor him, by profoundly feeling and expressing our loss, but also by remembering Engr. Chidi Izuwah as an amazing person who has played a unique and special role as ICRC / Nigerian government, who always ensured Backbone Infrastructure Limited (BIL) is compliant.

We remember him as a father, brother, colleague and friend. He was a loyal colleague to some and a special friend to many and today we honor this as we recall special moment.

We’ll remember you with all your special nuances and our memories from all the days gone before that we were privileged to share with you.

And today we’ll grieve for you, and cry for you and even smile because of you. And in all the tomorrows we’ll feel you – gone in some ways, but your presence ever near.

Go well…stay well…always.

Dr Nkemka Jombo-Ofo

A man with a Vision, a Mission and Determination to improve the lives of millions, Dr Jombo-Ofo has guided us over the years on the path to realising the Backbone Infrastructure Limited (BIL) Route 1 and Route 3 Corridor.

His enthusiasm and tireless energy have accompanied us along this journey so far.

Sadly, he left us too early; however, we are confident his light will continue to shine on our path.

We will follow his straight forward uncomplicated direction for many years to come.

The Co-Founders of Backbone Infrastructure Limited (BIL), Corvinus Foundation, Integrated Backbone Project Ltd., NetZone Engineering Ltd., and Norman Mining Group Ltd and TunnelCraft Ltd. owe Dr Jombo-Ofo a lot.

We heartfully support our Chairman, Sen Dr Ken Nnamani’s proposal to call the Route 1 and Route 3 Healthcare in his name to honour and extend forever his being amongst us along our journeys.

All of us here mourn the passing of Dr Jombo-Ofo and unite in honouring the exemplary life of a great Nigerian entrepreneur.

We unite in offering our condolences to the Jombo-Ofo family in their time of mourning.

We assure you that the honourable legacy he leaves behind offers both inspiration and challenge to anyone who aspires to emulate this great man.

We hope the many reminders that surround you of how he has enriched the lives of all who have had the privilege to be associated with him will soon bring you comfort and relief of sorrow.

We pray that you, Dr Jombo-Ofo, from high up there where time is eternal, send us your shining light.

The Board of Directors, Sen Dr Ken Nnamani, Dominique Menoud, Henry Owonka, Andrew Taylor, Cormac Hicks, Onyinyechi (IJE) Jombo-Ofo and the Management Team of the Route 1 and Route 3 Backbone Infrastructure Limited (BIL).

Mr Usman, born in 1951 in Funtua area of present-day Katsina State got his early education at the Islamiyah School and the Aya School in Funtua. He then proceeded to the Government School also in Funtua and attended the Federal Training Centre Kaduna, and ultimately the Kaduna Polytechnic where he obtained a certificate in Accounting and Auditing.

In 1970 he joined the North Central State’s Civil Service as Clerical Assistant in the Audit Department and worked at its Headquarters for two years. He was later posted at Jema’a Federation which comprises Kafanchan, Jema’a and Kachia Area Councils then at the Local Inspection Division Headquarters of Kaduna State, and ultimately at the Kaduna/Birnin Gwari Local Government Inspectorate.

Mr Usman left the Civil Service at the end of 1977 to venture into the private sector as a contractor specializing in building construction and supply. He later also diversified into Agriculture, starting with grains production and later livestock, poultry and fisheries.

Presently, Mr Usman is a Director at three different companies, namely; Tower Asset Management, SANAD Integrated farms and ABDAN Global Resources.

Mr Usman is fully versed in Arabic Studies receiving a Diploma from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 2000.

He also served as a Board member of the Katsina State Hajj Commission between 2016 and 2019.

Abdul Wahab Usman has in-depth knowledge of Northern Nigeria and will significantly contribute to the Route 1 and Route 3 Project’s most northern segment.

In loving memory of Dominique J. Menoud

We had to say goodbye to Dominique with tremendous sadness during the last years, and the world is now a smaller place without him. Needless to say, those of us who knew and loved him are still grieving his death.

Like so many others in his circle, I knew him as a coworker, a mentor, and, most importantly, a friend. He was a man of extraordinary fortitude, perseverance, and vision. He was a warrior for all of us, and we must all remember that:

  • We have no idea how long we will be here.
  • We cannot predict the challenges and tribulations that will befall us along the journey.
  • We have no idea what God’s purpose is for us.
  • What we can do is live our lives as fully as possible with meaning, love, and joy.
  • We may utilize each day to show those closest to us how much we care about them, and to treat others with the kindness and respect that we would like to be treated with.
  • We may develop from our failures and learn from our mistakes.
  • We can strive at all costs to make the world a better place, so that if we are blessed with the opportunity to look back on our time here.
  • We will know that we spent it well; that we made a difference; and that our fleeting presence had a lasting impact on the lives of others.

This is how Dominique lived. This is his legacy.