As Sir Engr Charles Dorgu, FNSE, KSJ, JP, was laid to mother earth in Texas, USA, on Saturday, October 26th, 2024, I was both overwhelmed yet inspired by his life, his legacy, and his faith. On September 30th, 2024, we lost this giant of his generation—a man whose life embodied dedication, leadership, and selfless service. Sir Dorgu left behind a good name that will endure, etched not just in the buildings and roads he constructed in the course of his prolific engineering career but in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege to know him.
I was one of those privileged to meet and work closely with him, as he and his dear wife, Lady Gesiere Brisibe-Dorgu, became my first bosses as they gave me my first opportunity at the entrepreneurial journey that I have been on until today. Without any industry experience, they both invested their faith in me and gave me their expansive Port Harcourt hospitality property and his Port Harcourt division of his engineering business to manage, first as General Manager and later, on a lease, in my mid-twenties, just fresh out of the university. Sir Charles was not just a boss; he was a mentor, a guide, and a compass for me, as I drew many lessons from his many successes as well as the challenges he faced, which he shared freely with me on many of our airport rides home and meeting sessions whenever he visited Port Harcourt from his then base in Abuja. His journey from the vibrant streets of then Eastern Nigeria to becoming a revered figure in our community is a testament to his unwavering dedication and tireless work ethic—a virtue I have held on to till this day.
Born on November 15, 1944, Sir Dorgu lived a life of service to both his profession and his country. As a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE), his technical expertise was unquestionable. His tenure as Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) guided transformative projects that helped shape Abuja into the thriving capital it is today. Under his leadership, key infrastructure developments were implemented with meticulous attention to excellence. From major road expansions to the creation of vital districts, Engr. Dorgu’s vision was always rooted in building a city that reflected the aspirations of a growing nation.
Despite his many accolades, titles, and responsibilities, he remained grounded, approachable, and kind. His mentorship of younger engineers is a legacy that will outlive him, as he consistently emphasised the importance of nurturing talent and uplifting those around him.
His contributions extended far beyond engineering. As a Knight of St. John’s (KSJ), Sir Dorgu’s faith informed his actions, seeing his role not just as an engineer or administrator but as a steward of resources, driven by a deeper purpose. His title of Justice of the Peace (JP) symbolised his unwavering commitment to fairness and justice—principles that guided both his personal and professional life.
A man of humility and sophistication, Sir Charles Dorgu was fluent in multiple languages, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of his upbringing. His love for knowledge and engaging conversations bridged generations, genders, and cultures. He was a strategic thinker and an attentive listener, qualities that made him an exceptional leader.
His passion for nation-building, politics, fashion, sports, and music was evident in every aspect of his life. He found joy in the rhythms of King Robert Ebizimor and other Izon musical legends, as well as jazz, blues, country, and gospel. As a devoted Catholic Knight, Sir Dorgu served God and the community in his own quiet and silent way.
Today, as I reflect on his life, I do so with gratitude. I am thankful for a man who dedicated his life to making the world a better place—one blueprint, one conversation, and one act of kindness at a time.
Rest in peace, my boss, mentor, and inspiration—Sir Charles Dorgu. Your legacy, as guided by Faith and Shaped by Purpose, will live on in the many lives you’ve touched, especially mine, and your work will continue to shape the world for generations to come.
