I am your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki. On Friday, January 11th, I missed a phone call. Shortly after, I received an SMS, prompting me to call back. To my pleasant surprise, the call was from one of the men who made me fall in love with the Igbo Nation in Aba—Dr. Basil Obasi, the medical director of Oribis Hospital. He hails from Asaga in the Arochukwu Local Government Area.
In 1985, when I was preparing for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and getting ready for marriage at the age of 26, I faced financial challenges. During this period, I was offering consultations at a chemist along Uka Road in Aba. Patients paid five naira per consultation, and on some days, I made as little as ten naira. I vividly remember walking from Uka Road to 81 Park Road, where I lived, just to save that ten naira. That money could buy two crates of soft drinks back then.
Dr. Basil Obasi played a pivotal role in my life during that challenging time. He gave me opportunities to work at his clinic, allowed me to manage patients, and supported my private practice during my NYSC days. I had received solid training at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, and acquired hands-on skills during my internship. This preparation enabled me to assist Dr. Obasi effectively. Our collaboration was a blessing—he needed assistance, and I was eager to learn and grow.
Dr. Obasi’s kindness extended beyond professional support. He gave me his office space and often guided me. He contributed significantly to my decision to remain in Aba. His wife also made remarkable contributions—she became a principal at Abayi Girls’ Secondary School and later served as a Commissioner for Education in Abia State.
Another incident that endeared me to the Igbo people involved a nameless taxi driver. One day, my wife, a friend, and I mistakenly left a bag of clothes in his taxi. We thought the bag was lost forever. To our amazement, the driver returned an hour later with the bag intact. That act of honesty touched me deeply and reinforced my appreciation for the people of Aba.
These experiences, along with the support of people like Dr. Obasi and others, shaped my journey. They helped me navigate the financial pressures of preparing for marriage, which at one point even caused my blood pressure to spike. I recall checking my blood pressure at Dr. Obasi’s clinic and realizing the toll the stress was taking on me.
Now at 82 years old, Dr. Basil Obasi’s voice remains strong, his laughter youthful, and his spirit clean. His influence and integrity left an indelible mark on me. I’ve always strived to honour the trust and opportunities given to me by respecting boundaries, maintaining integrity, and leaving positive memories behind.
Dr. Obasi’s eldest son is now a medical doctor in the UK, just as my eldest son practices medicine in Germany. These legacies remind us of the importance of living with integrity and leaving a lasting positive impact.
One person can influence another’s perception of an entire nation. For me, Dr. Basil Obasi, along with others in Aba, exemplified the best of the Igbo spirit. God bless Dr. Basil Obasi, the people of Aba, the Igbo Nation, and Nigeria.
I remain your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki. we have properties for sale. God bless you!
