Aniefiok Umoh, NAMA’s ultimate finance and accounts manager


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By Dan Aibangbe

A LOT of people probably didn’t witness the comet that passed through Nigerian airspace on August 8, 2021. NIMET didn’t see it coming either – for the elements had turned tumultuous! It is common knowledge that the man in the center of the storm learns the news last!

The late Mr. Umoh, one of them, was full of life. It is therefore not surprising that they could not predict its passage! From my landmark as an outside observer, I saw the phenomenal esoteric passage of this gentle giant, despite the dismal skies, the flood that surrounds us, and the cacophony of death in which our nation is now submerged.

Heard the calm hairs of Umoh transition louder than a thunderstorm. So I decided to journal what I saw and experienced about this spectral colossus!

The late Mr. Aniefiok Umoh, originally from Akwa Ibom State, was born in the year of Nigeria’s independence 1960. He spent his early childhood and education in Lagos before moving to Ghana for his graduate studies. .

In Ghana, he obtained a National Post-Graduate Diploma in Accountancy from Accra Polytechnic and subsequently a Bachelor of Colors from Methodist University College, Ghana.

Mr. Umoh began his professional career in banking in 1977 with Barclays Bank of Nigeria (now Union Bank). He worked there until he joined MedAfrica Shipping Line, Lagos, as an accountant in 1985.

From a career perspective, he rose to the exalted position of Executive Director in 2002, while working with a renowned flight services company in Ghana, Astraeus Airline. He worked diligently in this capacity for a period of nine years.

In recognition of his professionalism and hard work, he was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Air Charter Express Ghana in 2012 and held this position for a short period. It was from this office that he was recruited and appointed Chief Accounts Officer of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN.

As recently as August 2017, Mr. Umoh was appointed Director of Finance and Accounts, DFA at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA. It was at this stage that he succumbed to a brief illness on August 8, 2021.

Upon taking office at NAMA, Mr. Umoh quickly put his wealth of experience in finance to good use. He ensured that the agency’s accounting practices fully met the best legal requirements and complied with applicable professional standards.

His time at the agency focused on implementing strategies to improve the accuracy, transparency and timeliness of financial disclosures that were essential to the development of the management business plan.

Another notable testimony from the NAMA boss captured all the essence of the late stallion Umoh as a kind-hearted human who loved to socialize but encouraged diligence and hated dishonesty and resentment.

He would be remembered for his vivid memories and quick and accurate recall of events, especially official affairs. Captain Fola recalled an exemplary event which demonstrated his humility and simplicity. It was the occasion of a corporate training event held in South Africa, where the consultant sought to honor Mr. Umoh by booking him more prestigious accommodation in a five-star hotel as a manager.

Its staff were booked into a low-end hotel. He quickly rejected the offer and insisted that he would stay with everyone at the same five-star hotel or the low-end hotel. He finally settled in with all the staff in the low-end hotel until the end of the training!

The essence of this tribute is to articulate the key attributes that sustained and made the late Mr. Umoh what he was, what we loved about him and the memory of him that we should preserve. He was a man of acuity, a hard-working man, diligent, honest, reliable and loyal to his bosses and subordinates. His humor was overwhelming. He was a peacemaker and a peacekeeper.

Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, while presenting the biography of Pastor Willams Folorunsho Kumuyi, Founder and General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, recently advocated the need for men of God to pay the “Pentecost Tax” Which is essentially an account of their life experience in the successful ministry they have accomplished.

In the same vein, I also take this opportunity to stress the need for official journaling of the essence of life and times of successful stallions like Mr. Umoh. On a higher note, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to think of an official biography, once you’ve made your way through a significant life and career path.

Lessons to be learned from Mr. Umoh’s unexpected stint include the need to take care of your fellow travelers on the journey of life. This is one of the paths to a measure of immortality. We also need to plan to leave a lasting legacy, through mentorship, education and succession planning.

Another great lesson is to appreciate the role of God’s grace and mercy in all of our plans, plans, and schemes. The best-laid plans need time and space to fester and manifest. These two elements are providential to us as mere mortals. They are the only prerogatives of God. Without God, we are nothing and can do nothing.

When the opportunity is given to us, we must avoid procrastination by all means! Whatever your hands find to do today, do it right now, because no one knows tomorrow. Finally, we must always remember to use our God-given positions to positively impact the lives of people to the glory of God.

I encourage family, friends, colleagues, associates and the general public not to cry but to celebrate the good memories we had of this great man. This is the correct and positive way to show love right now.

At this point, it is relevant to ask a few questions. What would you remember about yourself, when your turn comes? Who are those to whom you have done your utmost to show enough love to be fondly remembered? What would your heritage be?

Is it the fleet of cars and the real estate behind which you live? Have you had a positive impact on your family or on society in general? What will people write in your condolence book?

The bigger and most important question is what would appear in “this Great and Ultimate Book of Records” impeccably kept by the Creator, the contents of which cannot be compromised, against which every mortal will be judged?

For those who do not believe that such a record exists, it is a great risk they are taking! The outcome of such a risk is irremediable. I assure all that that day will come when this record will be read to our audition – the unspoken words, the unseen things, the unknown deeds and thoughts that we have accumulated here on earth will be laid bare!

This is the door to eternity in Heaven or Hell – not halfway! Today is the next best day after yesterday when each of us should start writing our epitaph! Tomorrow will simply be too late.

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About Johnnie Gross

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