By Patience, Fred Buba and Enemana Alex
A foremost geologist in Nigeria and founder, MECON Geology & Engineering Services Ltd, a leading geoscience consulting company, Dr. Mathew E. Offodile at the weekend marked his 86th birthday and 58 years of Meritorious Professional service in the industry with a Valedictory workshop and the presentation of his autobiography, “This Is My Story” and two other flagship publications in Jos, Plateau State. They include, “The Geology of The Middle Benue Nigeria” which is the reproduction of his 1978 Doctoral thesis and “Hydrogeology: Ground Water Study and Development in Nigeria” a landmark publication in water resources development in Nigeria.
To commemorate the day , MECON Geology & Engineering Services Ltd in collaboration with Foundation for the Promotion of Earth Science Research (F.F.P ESRE) hosted a valedictory workshop/talk show at MEES-Palace events centre, Rayfield, Jos in honour of the octogenarian.
Dr. Offodile whose wealth of experience, spans nearly six decades is praised for his contributions in the advancement of the geological profession as well as the development of the solid mineral sector in the country.
Speaking at the event, the celebrant who could not hold his joy, expressed gratitude to friends, associates, former colleagues and well wishers for celebrating him at 86 and his years of active professional service.
The elder statesman said his decision to put his thoughts and professional experiences in writing is to contribute his quota toward the knowledge of geology in Nigeria and beyond.
According to him, documenting those thoughts and professional know-hows has become important so that it could serve as a point of remembrance especially among younger geologists long after he is gone.
“I am more delighted to be celebrated professionally than age wise. I thank God I am able to contribute to the knowledge of geology in this country and beyond.
“Everything that happens in this occasion is what I want to be remembered for. I put my findings into books, so that even when I am gone, I will be read. I don’t want to be remembered as a great man or big politician, but my contributions to the development of my country” he said.
Dr. Offodile who joined the Nigerian public service in 1964 upon his graduation from University College Ibadan (now University of Ibadan) as Geologist II in the Geological Survey of Nigeria did not mince word on what his advise is to younger professionals and the youths generally.
“The future of geology in the country will expand if we are sufficiently committed. Geology holds the country’s economy, because it deals with mineral resources.
“Therefore, I urge upcoming geologists to pay keen attention to exploration and with this, there will be findings which will lead to development. Patience, honesty, diligence and hard work is what young people needs to continue,” he counselled.
The event attracted the presence of top dignitaries, including traditional rulers, government officials, academics, leading geology professionals and other stakeholders in the mining sector who poured encomiums on the celebrant for his selfless services to fatherland.
The special guest of honor was Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, Hon. Minister, Ministry of Mines & Steel Development, represented by Prof Linus Asuquo..DG NMDC Jos, while Surv. Alabo C.D Charles, President, Nigeria Mining and Geosciences Society, (NMGS) was the Chairman of the occasion. The Plateau State Governor was represented by Mr Jude Dakan, the commissioner for Mineral Resources.
Other notable professionals include Engr. O.S Nkom, DG, Nigeria Mining Cadasre Office; Dr. A. Garba, DG, Nigeria Geological Survey Agency, Prof Hassan, DG, NIMG, Engr Kola Ogunbiyi, DG, NSRMEA Kaduna, Past Presidents of NMGS such as Prof. Rahman; Prof. Okunola and Prof. Dada were not left out. Also among them were Prof. S. Obiora, and Prof. M. Onuoha. Dr M Eduvie, NAH President who also represented the DG, NWRI kaduna, all graced the colorful occasion.
It is also notable to mention the Masters of ceremony for the great occasion….Dr Ige of University of Ilorin and Dr Alor from NGSA.
Who is Dr. Offodile?
Dr. Mathew E. Offodile KSM, Fnmgs, Fnah, B.Sc, M.Sc. Lond, Dip UC Lond, Ph.D. Upsalla, Comeg Reg number — GEM 0015, was born in Utonkon in Benue State, Nigeria.
He holds a traditional title as “Okaka”. He joined the Nigerian Public service in 1964 after graduation from the University College of Ibadan now University of Ibadan as Geologist II in the then Geological Survey of Nigeria (GSN).
He became a founding member of the Nigerian Mining Corporative in 1974 and retired in 1978 as Principal Geologist to set-up one of the foremost Nigeria Geoscience Consulting Companies, MECON Geology and Engineering Services, Nigeria Limited based in Jos.
He bagged his PhD since 1976. He was also the president, Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) from 1983 to 1985, a position he used in repositioning the society as the umbrella professional body in the Earth Sciences, which led to the establishment of the national secretariat in Jos, the plateau state capital.
One of the highlights of his achievements is the role of his company, MECON Geology & Engineering Services Ltd, as a raw material consultant to Ashaka Cement PLC for nearly two decades which led to the discovery of millions of tons of limestone reserves for the company, for the restoration of its industrial water supply, which almost drove the company out of business in the 1990s.
Dr. Offodile is blessed with a beautiful and humble wife, many children among whom is Chuka Offodile Ksm, MNMGS,MNAH, COMEG -Gem 0002712 ….a rave making core professional, closely following in his father’s indellible footsteps. He also has many Grand children, to the glory of God almighty.
