Biography of TJPF founder Sir Dr. Thomas M. Asuquo John:
Sir (Dr.) Thomas M. Asuquo John, Ph.D., was born on the 21st of December, 1938, in Cobham Town, Calabar. He was born into the family of Surveyor Theophilus John and Madam Josephine Makamba John. After graduating top of his year in 1959, from St. Patrick’s College, Ikot Ansa Calabar, he went on to win a scholarship from the then Czechoslovak government, to read Chemical Engineering at the country’s esteemed Institute of Technology in Prague. In 1963, after becoming proficient in the Czech language, he commenced studies at the faculty of Process and Automation. In 1968, he had the distinction of being the first African to graduate from the institute, and at the top of his class. He won the institute’s highest honour for academic achievement.
Dr. Thomas M. Asuquo John would go on in 1970, to win the distinguished Commonwealth scholarship to Queen University in Kingston Onatrio, Canada. There he worked at Depuis Hall, Queens University, under the supervision of world renowned kineticist, Professor Bohdan Wojciechowski. His objective was to develop a kinetic model for catalytic cracking of gas oil. He accomplished this task in forty four months, and published three scientific papers. He became the first student up to that point, to obtain a Ph.D from Depuis Hall in less than sixty months, the average time on record at that time being sixty months.
In 1973, a delegation from the then Ministry of Mines and Power headed by Chief FRA Marinho, visited Canada on a recruitment drive. Dr. Thomas M. Asuquo John was interviewed, and the following year, he was offered employment at the Nigerian National Oil Corporation (NNOC). The Federal Government of Nigeria, as dictated by the Philip Asiodu National Economic Plan, had decided to construct two state of the art refineries in Warri and Kaduna. Dr. T.M John, as he became commonly called, was appointed as one of the Project Engineers. This would begin a long distinguished, trail blazing career in the petroleum industry, coursing through four continents, and culminating in being appointed as Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on April 21, 1990 by the then President General Ibrahim B. Babangida on the recommendation of Professor Jibril Aminu, Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources.
There would not be space enough to detail the achievements of Dr. Thomas M. Asuquo John, but the following summary serves to give some insight into the magnitude of his service and accomplishments:
1980: Appointed as the first Refinery Manager of the Kaduna Refinery. He ran the refinery for five years, during which time he conducted three successful turnaround maintenance. During his five year tenure as Refinery Manager, the refinery produced a full range of petroleum products, petrochemicals, asphalt for road construction industries and petroleum wax.
1985: General Manager and Coordinator of Nigeria’s Petrochemical sector.
1988: Successfully commissioned the Warri Carbon Black and Polypropylene petrochemical plants. Successfully commissioned the Kaduna refinery Linear Alkyl Benzene petrochemical plant. Linear Alkyl Benzene was sold to detergent manufacturing company NASCO within Nigeria, and Carbon Black was sold locally to Dunlop, as well as exported to France.
1990: Headed a dedicated team, who after meeting all the requirements of the World Bank and IMF (which included the proposal of a viable locally crafted design basis of the complex), enabled the Federal Government to obtain international financing for the Eleme Petrochemical Complex.
1990: Appointed Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
1991: In order to provide a site for an LNG plant, he had to successfully negotiate the relocation of the inhabitants of old Finima from their ancestral home in Bonny Island, to the new Finima. He supported the LNG multi-national project team, to meet all the other conditions precedent required, to construct an LNG plant.
1991: He was responsible both for obtaining a site in Calabar, and for the construction of a jetty at the site, to receive petroleum products for the over ten year unutilized Calabar tank farm.
1991: He was responsible for the design and construction of Phase 2 of the pipeline project, which ensured refined products distribution to all parts of the country.
1992: Obtained approval from his Minister of Petroleum, Prof. Jibril Aminu, for the choice of the design of the NNPC Towers (corporate headquarters), and its construction.
1992: After retiring from NNPC, Founded Hydropec Engineering Services Ltd (HESL). Hydropec engages in petroleum consultancy services, and water resource management. HESL drills boreholes for water and treats the water using a chemical free proprietary process which ensures quality water.
1998: Nominated by the then Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to serve on a Task force preparing Blue Print on the oil industry. Later, he went on to serve on the presidential Advisory committee on Petroleum and Energy.
2016: Twenty four years after his voluntary retirement from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Nigerian Government re-invited him to the Board of NNPC as a non-executive director.
2019: Dr. Thomas M. Asuquo John was appointed Acting Alternate Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) governing board, by the Nigerian Government.
Present Times: Dr. Thomas M. Asuquo John, has served on the Board of numerous companies. Presently amongst the board of other respected companies, he serves as a non-executive member, on the Board of South Atlantic Petroleum Company (SAPETRO).
Select Honours and Philanthropy:
Select Honours:
In 1990 he was invested with the title ‘Ada Idaha Ke Efik Ebrutu’ by the then Obong of Calabar HRM Edidem Boco Ene Mkpang Cobham the V.
In 1992, Sir Dr. Thomas M. Asuquo John was invested a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Sylvester by Pope John Paul II.
He is a member of St. Vincent de Paul society, and a life member of the St. Patrick’s College Calabar, Alumni Association.
He is a Fellow of the Polymer Institute, and the Nigeria Society of Chemical Engineers, where he served as the president of the society’s foundation.
Philanthropy:
The Thomas John Prostate Foundation (TJPF) was founded in 2008, by Sir Dr. Thomas M. Asuquo John. Prior to the official launch of the TJPF foundation on December 19, 2008, Dr. Thomas M. A. John had decided in 2004 to devote his life to promoting prostate cancer awareness and screening. He embraced this mission as a way of showing his gratitude to the Almighty God, for sparing him from prostate cancer, through the early detection of the disease. Dr. Thomas M. A John knew that whilst he was fortunate enough to have had the knowledge and means to have his prostate screened, there were many of his fellow Nigerians, who did not.
The foundations activities are run by Dr. Thomas M.A John, committed members of his Board of Trustees, dedicated foundation staff, religious organizations, benevolent medical doctors, nurses and various health care personnel.
To date, the Thomas John Prostate Foundation has provided free prostate cancer screening to tens of thousands of men in Nigeria, and free prostate cancer treatment to hundreds.
Family Life: Sir Dr. Thomas M. Asuquo John is married to Lady Roseline E. John, and they have four children: Dr. Jennifer A. Odutola, Dr. Chinwe D. John, Ms. Obehi A. John and Mr. Eskor John.
NNPC Ltd. Announces The Death Of Thomas John, Erstwhile GMD, Alternate Chairman
DECEMBER 14, 2023
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has announced the death of a former Group Managing Director (GMD) and Acting Alternate Chairman of the Board of the defunct Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Thomas Maurice Asuquo John, at the age of 84.
A quintessential administrator and oil & gas industry professional, Dr. John was the 5th GMD of NNPC, succeeding the late Dr. Aret Adams from April 1990 to June 1992.
He was also a Non-Executive Director, South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETRO), Executive Chairman, Hydropec Engineering Services Ltd., and former Non-Executive Director, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc., among other positions.
On behalf of the entire NNPC Ltd. Management and Staff, the GCEO, Mr. Mele Kyari, extends the Company's heartfelt condolences to his dear wife, family, friends and relatives during this very trying period.
President Tinubu Mourns Former NNPC GMD, Dr. Thomas John
December 15, 2023 in Press Releases
President Bola Tinubu sends his condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Dr. Thomas John, former Group Managing Director of the erstwhile Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
The President acknowledges Dr. John’s remarkable and impactful dedication to developing the Nigerian oil and gas sector, recognizing his years of tireless service to the nation, and versatile expertise widely acknowledged by industry players and colleagues.
President Tinubu prays for the repose of the soul of the departed and divine comfort for those who mourn the loss of this distinguished Nigerian.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) December 15, 2023
This is done by a LCDA chairman ooooo. Not even the governor!!!!!! You will know a serious state when you see one . Itesiwaju eko
Mayowa-David @Mayordavid_9
You see this area Ajelogo Akanimodo was the deadliest hideout in Lagos, no sort of criminality that wasn’t happening here. Drug peddling, human trafficking, sales of human body parts, kidnapping, notorious robbers hideout. Now it’s now a small London.
AJIBOLA BABS @haiamkophee
Hopefully other parts too gets a face lift. The transformation of that area is superb. This estate will open up the area....
Ajelogo used to be very notorious back then.
Nifemi Martins @niphymartins
This is LCDA, not Local Government ooo.
You might argue that it won't be affordable. But it brings development to the area.
Plus it turns the empty space of land between Ajelogo and Mile 12 that became hideout for criminals to an estate.
Hold your leaders accountable!
Yusuf @coach_You5uf
Laudable! Ajelogo-Mile 12 axis is a den of cultism, robbery and gang-related activities. Hope there's plan to ensure the security of lives of properties of the would-be residents of these new homes. "Greenwich Gardens", should be bequeathed with lots of greens (trees and flowers)
Barr. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare @thebbaproject
This project is laudable my dear brother and friend Hon. @HonMayorDele and congratulations to the good people of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA.
This PPP initiative is an attestation to the fact that Lagos State is the hub of real estate development in Nigeria.
Housing is a fundamental need, and I'm proud to inaugurate Greenwich Gardens, adding 101 housing units to Agboyi-Ketu. Our commitment remains strong to bridge the housing deficit. These homes reflect our dedication to providing decent, affordable housing for Lagosians.
Greenwich Gardens stands as a testament to our pledge to create livable communities in Lagos.
Kudos to Hon. Dele Oshinowo and Agboyi-Ketu LCDA for pioneering this remarkable housing project, setting a new standard for grassroots development.
Working together with our local leaders and the private sector, we aim to make homeownership accessible through convenient financing systems. Lagos, with its opportunities, welcomes real estate investors to join us in meeting the demand for shelter. We're resolute in completing ongoing housing projects for our residents.
UPDATE: Governor of Lagos State, Mr @jidesanwoolu today commissioned the Greenwich Gardens housing project (Phase I) built by the Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area, Hon. @HonMayorDele. This project was executed through a Public Private Partnership initiative.
The 27 Hectares-land Greenwich Gardens comprises 101 apartments; 66 units of 2-Bedroom Flats, 14 Units of 3- Bedroom Semi Detached House and 1 unit of 4-Bedroom Detached House, 20 Units of 3-Bedroom Terraces, and 65 residential plots (sites and service scheme).
The site of this project was formerly a food market at first which later became a dumping ground and a hideout for criminals in the Ajelogo area of Agboyi-Ketu.
The Greenwich Gardens structures on this estate were completed using 100 percent locally sourced materials which created direct and indirect jobs for residents and citizens of the communities.
FLASH: Governor of Lagos State, Mr @jidesanwoolu arrives at the commissioning of the Greenwich Gardens housing project (Phase I) built by the Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area, Hon. @HonMayorDele. This project was executed through a Public Private Partnership initiative.
The 27 Hectares-land Greenwich Gardens comprises 101 apartments; 66 units of 2-Bedroom Flats, 14 Units of 3- Bedroom Semi Detached House and 1 unit of 4-Bedroom Detached House, 20 Units of 3-Bedroom Terraces, and 65 residential plots (sites and service scheme).
The site of this project was formerly a food market at first which later became a dumping ground and a hideout for criminals in the Ajelogo area of Agboyi-Ketu.
FLASH: Governor of Lagos State, Mr @jidesanwoolu is today, set to commission the first phase of the Greenwich Gardens housing project built by the Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area(LCDA), Hon. Mayor Dele Osinowo @HonMayorDele which was constructed through a Public Private Partnership initiative.
UWCL: Nnadozie saves penalty in Paris first-ever win
15th December 2023
Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, made a crucial penalty save and several other outstanding stops as Paris FC defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in a UEFA Women’s Champions League game played at the Stade Robert-Bobin on Thursday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The win was the first for Paris FC in the tournament.
Goals from Julie Dufour and Gaetane Thiney gave Paris FC an early 2-0 lead six minutes into the game.
The Nigerian goalkeeper was in superb form and was on hand to show her penalty expertise by saving from the spot yet again in the 36th minute. It’s the fourth penalty the keeper is saving in this season’s Champions League, having saved two against english giants Arsenal and one against Wolfsburg, as Paris FC knocked out both favourites from the competition’s qualifiers.
The 25-year-old denied Spanish World Cup winner Olga Carmona a chance to half the deficit in the first half to ensure her side went into the half time break with a two-goal advantage.
Although Real Madrid pulled a goal back in the second half through Caroline Moller, Nnadozie and Paris FC held on to claim a historic win.
Nnadozie had pipped Khadija Er-Rmichi of Morocco and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini to the first-ever CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of The Year award last Monday.
She had been the hero for Paris FC during their qualification campaign enroute the group stages of this season’s competition.
The episode of the Bala Miller Show that I am desperately searching for is the one in which Kriss Okotie was the special guest. I can't describe what he wore. You need to see it yourself.
femi4: Odegbami was robbed in 1980. That was AFCON year. The mathematical was brilliant for Nigeria in tournament, scoring a wonderful goal in the final
Okocha should have won in 98 when it was given to Hadji.
Kanoute's award is the most controversial in the history of the award
1980, 1993 and 1994 are among the reasons why some Nigerians did not trust France Football.
Rabah Madjer was an obvious choice for the 1987 edition. He scored a crazy back-heeled goal in the final of the European Cup to enable Porto equalise with Bayern Munich (1-1). Porto went on to win the match with a 2-1 scoreline.
Laurent Pokou, who appears in the 1970 and 1973 editions, was the highest goalscorer in Nations Cup history. Rashidi Yekini needed only one goal to equal his record and I was sure that he would beat the record at the 1996 edition, but Nigeria withdrew from the tournament. It was very frustrating.
Till today Chief Segun Odegbami (MON) often talks about coming second to Jean Manga-Onguéné.
Meanwhile, one of the stars of the Cameroonian women's team (a person that has often been in the top three in the CAF awards) is Gabrielle Aboudi Onguene. People always assume that she is Jean Manga-Onguéné's daughter, but they are not related.
Politics › Re: Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Sales. by naptu2: 3:20pm On Dec 16, 2023
