UGO AMADI
By virtue of his rare accomplishments Dr. Gabriel Ifeanyi Ogbechie. OON , a serial entrepreneur, industrialist, seasoned leader, proficient administrator, oil mogul, engineer, and Group Managing Director of Rainoil Ltd is no doubt one of the few businessmen in Nigeria who have written their names in precious stone.
Fifty-nine years young, with a legacy that continues to inspire and motivate. The string of industry awards that litter his ornate office is evidence of his success story in the sector. So far, it can be said that Providence has been fair to him, especially when you consider his intimidating résumé, connections and assets.
Barely in this part of the world, would you easily find a man like him who has shown that life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives. His name rings bells in the nation’s energy sector , having put in many years in the practice. Indeed, when he talks, many fall over themselves to listen to him because of his wealth of experience.
When he spoke at the Platform Nigeria and the NAEC Energy conference of which he was the Chairman of the occasion, this great and ebullient Nigerian did not only engross thousands of participants, including policy influencers, representatives of large corporate organizations, players in the Nigerian economy and other business owners but also shared some practical insights from his entrepreneurship journey ,in an effort to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges in their businesses. Also, he gave insight on how the nation can grow its energy sector for shared prosperity.
Prominent for his stanch commitment to success, he consistently strikes gold in every venture he undertakes, solidifying his status as a true giant in the oil and gas sector.
Actually, the story of energy sector in Africa and in his home country Nigeria would be incomplete without a profuse mention of the strategic role he is playing. However, it is in chronicling his exceptional journey of well over three decades in various fields of endeavours that some of the unique and exciting qualities that make Ogbechie a rare breed is revealed.
As a brilliant and astute businessman of note , Dr. Ogbechie identified opportunities in the downstream sector of Nigeria’s oil and gas, and he took the bold step to start Rainoil Limited in 1997. Today, the company ranks among the leading downstream oil and gas companies in Nigeria. Dr. Ogbechie has, over the last 28 years, overseen the growth of the group’s business operations across the entire downstream value chain with huge investments in the agro-allied amongst others.
Rainoil Limited has three ultra-modern petroleum product storage depots which are 50 million litre capacity multi-product depots in Oghara-Delta State, Calabar-Cross River State and Ijegun Egba-Lagos State. The company also has an 8,000 metric ton LPG bulk storage facility in Ijegun, Lagos State; over 150 retail petrol stations and LPG plants spread across the country; and a fleet of over 250 petroleum product tank trucks for efficient delivery of products to the Rainoil network of stations and customers across the country.
Ogbechie has adhered strictly to the principles of hard work and perseverance, both of which have become the cornerstone of his success. Today, the fruits of his labour are evident, as he stands at the pinnacle of the business.
As a go-getter, he has seen and conquered the industry with honours among the top veterans of Nigeria’s business climate. Invariably, Ogbechie leads a workforce of over 2000 employees and he has successfully built sustainable systems and culture in the organization.
His unflinching adherence to the organization’s core values of respect, integrity, teamwork, excellence, and safety has caught up with the workforce and this has been customers’ experience with the organization over the years.
A multiple award winner, Dr. Ogbechie has a couple of prestigious awards in his closet, some of which are the Downstream Company of the Year Award at the 2020-Business Day Nigerian Business Leadership Awards, Downstream Man of the Year Award at the 2018 Oil Trading and Logistics Conference, and a Finalist at the 2014 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award and Champion Newspapers Corporate leader award in 2021. On October 11, 2022, in Abuja, Ogbechie was conferred with the honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by the Federal Government of Nigeria under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
It is motivating to note that he has tested in all scores to be a prudent and smart business person and an innovative energy model who has positively impacted Nigeria. He has aided oil and gas in a way no other entrepreneur has while his voyage into the corporate world are baroquely encrusted and iconic. Indeed, he is one man who has demonstrated a great capacity to show the way to lead men where they ought to be and shown that nothing so conclusively proves a man’s ability to lead others as what he does from day to day to lead himself.
Born on May 28, 1966 as the fifth of six children in his family., he is a living example of how creative innovative ideas and fortitude can be combined to achieve astonishing results.
As he turns 59 today,Dr. Gabriel Ifeanyi Ogbechie, has shown great dedication , resilience and has made excellent and lasting impact in the energy sector. As matter of fact, he continues to displays that “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. Also he has shown that the brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” . he has continued to show vigour, brilliance and zeal he exuded in turning ideas into reality in his early years.
He is clearly one of the leaders in the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria that has distinguished himself, not only as a dynamic business administrator, innovative director and technocrat, but also shown a high degree of integrity and transparency in both private, religious, and public activities.
In one of his interviews with the press men , the oil magnate revealed that of all the world’s great personalities , he wishes he had met a man like Nelson Mandela because he is a global icon. “A man who was incarcerated for more than 25 years, yet he came out, forgave those who persecuted him. An African, who was elected to be president of his country, ran for one term and said he wasn’t running for a second term.”
Ogbechie’s philanthropic moves is also top notch, in his attempt to give back to the society from the prosperity heaven has bequeathed on him, he established the Gabriel Ogbechie Foundation.
According to him “We have a lot of people on the scholarship scheme, a lot of people I do not know. We pay school fees, medical bills, and all kinds of support. At the corporate level, we have an annual budget for CSR where we pay all kinds of bills and give support. As God blesses you, you must find a way of giving back to society, it is something I am very passionate about,” he said.
His character and actions eloquently epitomize the true face of right living, patriotism, nationalism, and optimism as he is leading a new agenda for pure corporate governance and integrity in the market place.
As a lover of sports ,he has also made a strong commitment in the development of sports in Nigeria, through sponsoring of annual Rainoil tennis tournament. in partnership with the Nigerian Tennis Federation. Ogbechie revealed that the objective of Rainoil bankrolling a national open tournament was to pave way for an international tournament that would see stars from various parts of the world come to play in Nigeria
A graduate of Production Engineering from the University of Benin, Gabriel began his early career as a factory engineer between 1989 and 1991, and subsequently joined PricewaterhouseCoopers, a leading firm of Chartered Accountants and Management Consultants.
He also spent four years at Ascon Oil, heading the Sales and Operations Unit. At a time of limited indigenous participation, he identified opportunities within the downstream oil and gas space. In 1997, he founded Rainoil Limited, which he has guided from very modest beginnings to a company with operations across the downstream value chain.
He has been involved in many philanthropic causes through the establishment of The Gabriel Ogbechie Foundation in Delta State which provides scholarships to undergraduates, community healthcare services as well as youth employment initiatives. Also, through the Rainoil Community Empowerment Programme, he focuses on financial support to orphanages in Lagos and Abuja, and the provision of physical infrastructures and public amenities in local communities in Delta State.
Gabriel Ogbechie is a pioneer member of the Lagos Business School Owner Manager Programme 2002. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate (D.Sc.) of Technology Management by Novena University, Ogume, Delta State in 2016.
His company has remained a wholly indigenous-owned company throughout its existence and still plays a fundamental role in bettering both the local economy and society, it also further reflected by the business’s sound and responsible approaches to health, safety, and the environment.
He is happily married to his wife, Godrey Ogbechie, who is also Group Executive Director of Rainoil and they are blessed with children.
He sagaciously enjoys widespread goodwill due to his untainted character and impeccable reputation as well as his unprecedented contribution to the growth of his community and the nation’s economy at large.
He is one man who is committed to the peaceful development of his community and has made every effort to ensure the peace and prosperity of his people. His commitment to a life of public good has brought so much goodwill and honour to the people of his community and local government area.
The leaders and people of Idumuje-Ugboko, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta Stat where he hails from described Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie, as one of the greatest ambassadors of the community and LGA ever.
The leaders commented that “In spite of his wealth which he uses generously for the benefit of people without regard to gender, language, religion or ethnicity, Gabriel Ogbechie, is a successful businessman in his own right and remains humble and easily approachable.
To them he socialises with the mighty and the downtrodden, dining with the poor and dancing with villagers at local meetings. He participates actively in local functions where he frequently admonishes the young never to give up despite the vicissitudes of life.
He creates a composite image of endeavour and an ideal principle of maturity. Repulse him with every grit in your vein, treasure him with every air you breathe or be apathetic to his style, philosophy and essence, the Rainoil Boss is a man you could vouch is fulfilling his destiny with panache at 59 and Still Shining Bright!”
“On this special day, we join all his teeming fans, associates, friends and family , to celebrate a remarkable leader, visionary, and entrepreneur. Your tireless efforts have propelled Rainoil to new heights, inspiring countless individuals in the energy sector. May your birthday be filled with joy, love, and reflection on the incredible impact you’ve made. Wishing you continued success, good health, and happiness.”
Ugo Amadi is an energy analyst and Editor of Champion Newspapers
