At the Leadership Scorecard Public Lecture held on the 29th of May, 2024 at the NAF Conference Centre Abuja, titled “The Legacy of Abdulsalami Abubakar in the Sustenance of Democracy in Africa,” which attracted a distinguished audience, His Excellency, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar GCFR including his wife, former First Lady and Chief Judge of Niger State, Hon. Justice Fati Lami Abubakar, CON, LLD.
The event was also attended by the governors of Borno, Benue, Plateau, and Anambra states who were honoured as Democracy Governors of the Year 2024. His Eminence John Cardinal Olorunfemi Onaiyekan CON was also in attendance as the Father of the Day, with Prof. PLO Lumumba from Kenya as the Guest Speaker. Other top dignitaries in attendance were Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the Spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum, Engr. Buba Galadima, Sen. Abubakar Sani Bello, Alh. Abba Musa Rimi, former Governor of Kaduna State, General Ishola Williams, Prof. Ali Ahmad, His Excellency, Alfredo Miranda, Mexico Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs Mary Ekpere-Eta, former Director General of Women Development Centre Abuja, as well as numerous diplomats, academics and international representatives.
Leadership Scorecard magazine honoured His Excellency,
Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, GCFR, Former President of Nigeria as “Leadership Icon in Africa”, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, as Peace & Democracy Icon in Nigeria, the Director General, Department of State Services, Mr. Yusuf Magaji BICHI, CFR, fwc as Peace & Democracy Icon in Nigeria, and Dr. Gideon Osi Chidiebere, the President/GMD GOSIMA Group as New Generation Icon in Nigeria.
Dr. Gideon Osi Chidiebere (aka GOC) was born in the serene town of Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, Dr. Gideon Chidiebere Osi’s journey epitomizes the resilience and industrious spirit ingrained in the African narrative.
Dr. Osi’s educational odyssey reflects a tale of triumph against the odds. From humble beginnings at Ihietutu Community Primary School to graduating as the valedictorian from Federal Government College Minna, he exhibited academic excellence. His quest for knowledge led him to the University of Benin, where he earned his MBBS degree, laying the foundation for his illustrious career. Further honing his skills, he pursued post-graduate training in Leadership Strategies for Evolving Health Care Executives at Harvard University, Boston, USA.
Dr. Osi commenced his professional voyage as a house officer at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, subsequently serving at esteemed institutions such as WHARC Benin City and the EFCC. His dedication culminated in leadership roles at NHIS and SURE-P, where he contributed significantly to healthcare reforms and maternal-child welfare programmes.Transitioning into entrepreneurship, he founded Gosima Group, a conglomerate spanning construction, energy, healthcare, consultancy, real estate, oil, and gas sectors. Under his stewardship, the group has thrived, impacting Nigeria’s economy positively.
Driven by a passion for social impact, Dr. Osi established the Gideon and Joy Life and Leadership Foundation, facilitating free medical outreaches, scholarships, skill acquisition programs, and advocacy for good governance. His foundation has empowered thousands of Nigerian youths through educational support and provided housing for the less privileged.
Additionally, Dr. Osi’s commitment to peace-building is evident through his leadership of Save the Peace Initiative of Nigeria (SPIN), facilitating peaceful resolutions for inter-ethnic and inter-religious conflicts.
From his days as Senior Prefect at Federal Government College Minna to his tenure as Elected Speaker of the Student Union Parliament at the University of Benin, Dr. Osi has exhibited exemplary leadership. His accolades, including Commonwealth Ambassadorship and humanitarian awards, attest to his impactful leadership style.At the heart of Dr. Osi’s endeavors lies his cherished family. Married to Joy Nneoma Osi, their union has been blessed with four children, providing a stable foundation for his pursuits.
Dr. Gideon Chidiebere Osi’s life embodies a testament to the power of resilience, education, and service. His journey inspires hope and serves as a beacon for aspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists alike.
In a world yearning for positive change, Dr. Osi stands as a testament to the transformative potential of dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to community and nation-building.
