My name is Shedrack Anigbankpu, a Nigerian. I met Denis in 2004 while working as a trainee Project management personnel with a team different from Denis team thought under the same company -Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Needing help on how to go in different project management issues, he provided them easily with much enthusiasm – not minding that I was not working for him. The following year, he sponsored my training in Primavera software when I was still not his staff, and he was on his way for a project in Mobil Nigeria Ltd.
In 2007, I became the Planner on the Shell OKOLOMA Gas Plant – Afam reporting directly to Denis who was the Interface Manager. He introduced me to all aspects of project management and my work provided him with one of the tools for managing the Gas plant as Interface Manager. Our relationship was professionally enriching, and later turned into a family relationship. The expatriates on the project nicknamed me “Denis Son”.
I left Denis at Afam project in 2009 for another project but we remained in touch afterwards. In 2013, when he became the MD of IMPaC Nigeria Ltd and employed me to work as the corporate planner in the group company. Work at IMPaC was short lived and we continued working together till his death.
Denis was a good man with a heart of gold. He hated injustice, non-professionalism, and all foul play. Ever ready to help the next person in need but will refuse help when in need unless “lobbied” to it. I wish “Mr. Death” is wise enough to stay away from noble hearted people like Denis that was sent to make the earth a better place.
Goodbye, my big Oga (boss)! I will miss you greatly but the virtues you implanted in me will be used in line with your heartbeat – to make and leave the world better than I met it.