Eldest Son Of Nigeria’s First Minister Of Finance Appeals To President Tinubu To Immortalize Father On Currency

By Francis Sadhere, Warri

The eldest son of Nigeria’s first Minister of Finance, Chief Festus Samuel Okotie-Eboh, Prince John Edema Okotie-Eboh, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to honor his late father by engraving his portrait on the Nigerian currency.

The appeal, made in Warri, Delta State, marks the anniversary of Chief Okotie-Eboh’s death on January 15, 1966, during Nigeria’s first military coup.

Prince John Okotie-Eboh emphasized that his father’s groundbreaking contributions to Nigeria’s financial system should not be overlooked.

He said Chief Okotie-Eboh was instrumental in the country’s transition from colonial currency, and oversaw the introduction of the new currency and coins in 1959 that bore the title “Federation of Nigeria.” He also spearheaded the creation of the Central Bank of Nigeria in 1958.

Speaking to the our correspondent, Prince John Okotie-Eboh described his father as a trailblazer who not only pioneered the currency reforms but also played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s financial and economic development.

“He was the one who changed the colonial currency system and introduced the new Nigerian currency,” Prince John said. “He is also the father of the Central Bank of Nigeria, having initiated the Bill for its establishment.”

Prince Okotie-Eboh added that his father’s legacy extends beyond currency reform, noting his role in establishing the Nigeria Stock Exchange and securing Nigeria’s membership in key international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (IBRD). Despite these monumental achievements, the elder Okotie-Eboh has not been immortalized in any way, a fact Prince John found deeply troubling.

“It is unfortunate that, despite all his significant contributions, there is no institution or building named after him, nor is his portrait engraved on any denomination of Nigeria’s currency,” he lamented.

“It seems there may be a conspiracy to deprive him of recognition because of his minority ethnic background. But there is no reason why a man of his stature should not be immortalized like his contemporaries.”

Prince John pointed out that many of his father’s peers have had their names etched in history, either through portraits on the currency or through institutions named in their honor.

He therefore, called on President Tinubu to rectify this oversight, urging him to take the necessary steps to ensure Chief Festus Samuel Okotie-Eboh’s legacy is properly acknowledged in Nigeria’s history.

“It is time for the country to recognize the immense role my father played in shaping Nigeria’s financial system,” he said, calling on President Tinubu to “immortalize Chief Okotie-Eboh in the annals of Nigeria’s history.”