Some days just don’t go as planned.
It was requiem to that dark day of September 15, 2005, when like a scene from the mafia films, light went out of one of the brightest Nigerians.
The jigsaw puzzle created by the strange eclipse has not settled. The family said he was murdered but authorities alleged that he committed suicide by jumping from his rise building office located at the ICON House in Lagos, just as receiver/ managers arrived for the final phase of handover from Mobitel, his erstwhile company.
That was Engr. Charles Alaba Joseph, a friend, brother and indeed a mentor. He was cool, polished and a lovely guy caught in the web of counter claims and charges.
Joseph had an undying love for telecommunications as one of the earliest pioneers of private telecommunications networks in Nigeria with Mobitel. He was passionate about improving the teledensity in Nigeria.
His entire energy was channeled towards this effort and he died for the industry. What a price to pay?
He was born on November 2, 1957 in Ibadan, Oyo State to late Pa Evaristus Ayodele Joseph and late Chief Mrs. Valentina Folushade Joseph.
Joseph was well read and worked with various telecommunication organizations some of which are, Nitel, RCN, Siemens, before setting up his own companies.
He resigned from Siemens Nigeria Ltd to manage Medcom Nigeria Ltd, a company he set up with people of like minds. He later went on to take advantage of the deregulated telecom sector to set up a network known as Mobitel Ltd.
Joseph was a man of immense talent, a philanthropist and a successful man by all standards.
Though dead, Joseph’s influence and footprints still loom larger than life.
Three years after, the flashbacks and horrible feelings of guilt from friends who deserted the family in need pervade the air.
His death is a sad reminder of how not to treat a hero.
There is need to institute a prize in recognition of Joseph’s distinguished and outstanding contribution to the growth and development of the telecom industry in Nigeria.
This prize will serve as a remembrance of the legend who gave all he had for the growth of the industry we are now all enjoying.
