Death is indeed an enemy: Mourning Celey Okogun

Celey Okogun big Bro, wetin happen now? May 29th suppose bi your birthday? This one cut deep o bros, the shock is palpable. This one too much, shortly after the sudden passing away of my former IT colleague and gentleman Henry Aigbuza? I still can’t get over this shocking news. Our last convo was Edo politics and the sleazy intrigues of some players, we both denounced and had morbid aversion for their dirty politics. We shared a sameness of ideological leaning: that politics should be about service and not sheer avarice as we have today in Nigeria. 

But Bros you bi good man, you no dey carry Oga for head, na wetin make this one pain me well oo .

We shared love for God, service to humanity, family, good books and technological breakthroughs, Celey you lived on the pages of good books, and researched topical issues that impacted humanity, because the two times I rode in your car, I saw new books and tech demos. You successfully ran simultaneously 3 adverts, branding and activation agencies in 3 different countries, with panachè, integrity and resolute love for marketing communication.

Like the French might ask, “Quels livres ont été déterminants dans le façonnement des convictions qui vous animent aujourd’hui?” Loosely translate. “What books were instrumental in shaping your faith, idiosyncrasies and beliefs that drive you today?” We read the Bible, shared verses of the scriptures that touched our lives and evinced prophetic words. We ruminate on ideas about creative concepts that underpinned works of marketing in Africa.

Books and beautiful pieces that captured the essence of our humanity, and introspection on what truly made nationhood a cohesive force. We critiqued works of marketing or advertising, the sparse, delicate melodies that create memorable TV commercials or good ad copies, we unfurled the deep sense of space and tranquillity, that came with the practice of marketing in Nigeria and running an ad agency, our chats and phone calls now resonate deeply in my heart.

How did our paths cross? I was one of the panel members in ad agencies pitch, in a former organisation where I worked. I quoted copiously from “Confession of an Advertising Man” by David Ogilvy during the agency pre-pitch briefing. I never knew Celey took cognisance of my questions around creative directions, Go-To-Market strategies, lead generation insights, storyline behind the creative, the need to jettison the ephemeral “big ideas”, to market nuances that were relevant to our business. After this unforgettable pitch, his agency Novelpotta Y&R ( a Young & Rubicam global agency in Nigeria) didn’t get my former employer’s account. Somewhere along the way, Celey got my contacts, and sent me appreciation notes for my questions and kind words during their pitch.

He drove to my home one day, requested that my driver leave my car behind, while we rode in his SUV. He said to me, “even though we didn’t get that account, I want us to be close as professional colleagues and friends”. I was flattered, the CEO of a successful ad agency asking for my friendship and closeness. We later discovered we had close friends in our circles, Celey’s agency was in Ikeja GRA, and he would drive to Ikoyi just to catch up and share progress reports with me.

Celey lived in Nigeria and studied for his PhD at Capella University, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, his research was on organisation and management, with specialisation in leadership. He graduated through dint of hard work and sacrifices while running his agency in 3 countries. He won several awards from this doctorate programme, and his research excerpt was published in some peer-reviewed journals.

Celey was a devout Catholic, who never missed his mass, yet he came to my local church in Oregun four times. He loved my pastor, his discipline and his teachings. He disliked dishonest people and fake lifestyles, he appreciated good perfumes, his bow ties and white shirts (a dress sense he learned from his mentors in advertising Mr. Biodun Shobanjo and Steve Omojafor). An Esan man who loved the Esan Kingdom and their culture, when he ventured into politics, I called him I said to him “Bros good men like you should abhor and stay away from our politics for now please, because of the evil machinations of the players”. Celey’s reply was terse and funny “When good people stay away, rogues would take over, which country are we leaving for our children Bros?” He didn’t win that election, but he ran the most memorable and credible campaign.

He was a generous friend, he invited me to join the board of his brand activation agency. I politely turned down that offer, because of the self-serving and lopsided “conflict of interest” clause of my former employer. A decision I later regretted, because my eyes opened to the pretences of the purveyors of the puerile policy. Yet when Celey heard I left that organisation, he came to the gym invited me into his car and gave me an uncommon gift, why because I introduced him to two companies in Cameroon and Lagos. He said this before driving off: “this moment is when you will know if you have true friends”.

Our nation lost a highly respected, successful, ethical and valuable advertising man, whose work ethic, brilliance, and adroit creativity stood him with giants at Young & Rubicam Global CEOs and uncommon pantheon of marketing gurus.

Celey, I won’t mourn you, I will celebrate your unforgettable life, legacy, generosity, intelligence and peaceful dispositions at all times. Like the Bible said “Weeping May stay for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5. Rest in peace big Bro, my condolences to your wife, children, family and Novelpotta Y&R team.

 Kester Osahenye is a friend to Celey Okogun.