Yesterday October 8th 2024, Pa Shyngle Wigwe turned 90. And in an exclusive interview to commemorate his special day he granted the press, Pa Wigwe shared poignant reflections on his childhood and career journey, offering insights into his upbringing, professional experiences, and the values that have shaped his life after losing two sons, Osita and Herbert alongside his grandchildren.
Wigwe, who grew up in the village of Isiokpo, about 25 kilometers from Port Harcourt in Rivers State, recalled a humble beginning living with his grandmother.
“We used pots for cooking and used local torches made from palm oil chaffs since lanterns were too expensive,” he recounted. “Fetching water from the stream was our daily routine. Looking back, it was a normal life for us.”
Wigwe’s father worked as a policeman, leading to his family frequently relocating. He chose to remain in the village while his siblings moved with their father, a decision that kept him grounded during his formative years. Education became a pathway for him, with limited exposure to various careers. “We didn’t think about careers; we simply attended school because everyone did,” he said.
After completing his secondary education, Wigwe started as a clerk at the Nigerian Railway, where a chance encounter with an English teacher led him to a career in broadcasting. “He took me to the engineering department, and that’s how I became an engineering assistant,” he explained. Wigwe later passed exams with City and Guilds and the BBC, ultimately moving to the UK for further studies at Southampton Technical College and the University of Pittsburgh.
Reflecting on his time in the military, Wigwe shared a significant moment during Nigeria’s first military coup in January 1966. He had a close connection with Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, one of the coup’s leaders. Despite overhearing plans that could have implicated him, he chose silence, a decision he believes saved his life.
“I was afraid that speaking out would lead to my arrest. Thankfully, I kept my mouth shut,” he noted.
Following the Nigerian Civil War, Wigwe opted not to return to military life, choosing instead to pursue independent business ventures. He secured contracts for construction projects in Port Harcourt and later joined the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), where he rose to the position of Director-General.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Wigwe’s personal life has been marked by resilience. He lost his son, Osita, in an accident in 1977, and more recently faced the tragic loss of another son, Herbert, along with his grandchildren. Despite these hardships, he attributes his strength to his faith. “As a Christian, when these things happen, you don’t give up. You hold on to your faith,” he stated.
Wigwe also discussed the importance of family values and discipline in raising successful children, emphasizing the significance of putting God first in all endeavors. “I didn’t spare the rod. It’s essential to raise children in a disciplined way,” he said.
As he reflects on his life journey, Pa Shyngle Wigwe’s story serves as a testament to resilience, faith, and the enduring impact of one’s upbringing.
