Engr. Ghasarah,OFR was born on 6th October, 1948 at Ajio,Mbape, Ishangev -Ya in the present Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State. His father was a pioneer teacher in Tiv land and was staying in Awaji compound. Papa Awaji named him Awaji and he has related with the Awaji family as his family.
His Early Life and Education:
Eng. Ghasarah,OFR was raised by his parents as a kind,humble,hardworking and God fearing child. He went to St. Ann’s Primary School and finished in 1962. On completion of his primary education,he gained admission into Mount St. Michael’s Secondary School, Aliade where he graduated in 1967 with excellent grades. He thereafter proceeded School of Mines in Plateau State, where he bagged a Diploma in Mining. Eng. Ghasarah,OFR woked on the Jos – Plateau in the then Benue Plateau State for some years before proceeding for his further education. He got admission into the University of Wales, Cardiff,UK and graduated with B.Sc (Hons) in mining Engineering in 1980.
Eng. Ghasarah,OFR worked on the Jos tin mines, Nigeria Explosives and Plastic Company (NEPCO) from 1976 to 1977 and Imperial Chemicals Industries in the United Kingdom. He also worked with Chemical and Allied Products,Plc in Nigeria from 1982 to 1992. In order to give sufficient attention and concentration of the viability,efficiency and service delivery of his own company,Nigachem,Eng. Ghasarah opted for retirement from government employment,and he voluntarily retired in 1992.
Since 1992,Nigachem under the direct management and administration y Eng. Ghasarah has remained one of the most outstanding companies in the mining and explosives sectors. The company initially concentrated on importation and sales of ammonium nitrate and later, and with efficiency and valuable turn out in working capital, the company moved into civil explosive and accessories and finally manufacturing of civil explosives.
Service to Community:
Engr. Ghasarah,OFR is a community leader,a philanthropist,peace builder and source of inspiration and hope for the people in Kwande and beyond. He is on the boards of a number of companies,including some major Micro Finance banks between 2013-2015. He was a member of board for Benue Valley Investment and Trust Limited between 2014 to 2015. He also has interest in other companies notably Sil-Adiman Limited and Wajima Limited.
Engr.(Dr) Chief Sylvanus Ghasarah has an NGO that takes care of the under privileged,.the physically challenged, widows and the downtrodden in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, on monthly,quarterly and annual basis. These include the supply of assorted fertilizer,farms seedlings and inputs to less privileged farmers. Payment of medical bills for treatment of persons in Kwande,provision of secondary and tertiary scholarships to indigenes and the provision of local employment and empowerment opportunities to the youth. Eng. Ghasarah in collaboration with the Benue State Emergency Management Agency,has devoted a large chunk of his fortunes in ensuring the feeding and medical well being of the people of Kwande affected by the incessant herdsmen attacks in some parts of Kwande Local Government, held in IDP camps. Recently, he made financial and material donations to the authorities of Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, to support research and development in the institution.
Honours,Awards and Titles:
Over the long stretch of his selfless and dedicated service to government,society and humanity,and in recognition of his contributions to community and national development in Nigeria,Eng. Ghasarah,OFR has received saveral awards,tiles and honours that to his name and integrity. Some of the major ones include:
– OFR (Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic): A prestigious national honour conferred by the Government of the Federation of Nigeria.
– “Orwasen Tar U Tiv”: A major traditional title celebrating him as an exceptional ambassador of Tivland.
– Baaloro 1 of Orile-Igbore: A chieftaincy title awarded by the host community of his manufacturing plant in Ogun State.
– Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Mining Engineers (NSME);Recognizing his technical mastery and professional contributions to Nigerian engineering.
– Honorary Doctorate Degree: Awarded by the Commonwealth University, London.
– Honorary Doctorate Degree of Science (D.Sc) conferred on him by the Authority of the Benue State University,Makurdi
– Award of Best Emulsion Explosive Manufacturing Company of the Year 2015 by the Nigerian Society of Mining Engineers,2016.
Professional Competencies:
Engr. Ghasarah,OFR is a member of Nigerian Institute of Mining Engineers and Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society,with the vast experience in the explosive industry spanning over 30 years.He is a well grounded and versatile consultant and reference point in explosive matters in the Nigerian mining sector.
Eng. Ghasarah is well traveled, and has been to over 16 countries across the globe. He is happily married with children.
Sources: Benue State Book of Eminet Persons.
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Dr. Mkor Aondona, Facebook Page.
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