Soldier, Physician, Poet, and Beloved Community Leader
Davidson Imimo David Otiotio, hailing from the historic Nembe-Bassambiri in Bayelsa State, was a man of extraordinary accomplishment and unwavering principle. A retired Army Captain, accomplished Medical Doctor, and gifted poet, he led a life marked by service, intellect, and compassion.
A Warrior and a Healer
Davidson Otiotio’s journey began amidst the tumult of Nigeria’s civil war, where, at just 16, he became a soldier for the federal side, battling in the war’s brutal frontlines from 1968 to 1969. Under the leadership of the formidable Brigadier-General Benjamin Adekunle, known as the Black Scorpion, he fought alongside heroes like Colonel David Akono and Navy Captain Ekeopre Beredugo, witnessing the capture of strategic cities like Aba, Port Harcourt, and Imo. His courage and commitment during these turbulent times laid the foundation for a life defined by service.
The Scholar’s Path
After the war, Otiotio sought knowledge with the same dedication he had shown in battle. From the Nigerian Military School to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, he earned a Medical degree while balancing his duties as an Army Officer-Cadet at the Nigerian Defence Academy. Graduating in 1978, he embarked on a distinguished career in medicine, serving in various military and civilian hospitals, and rising through the ranks to become a Senior Medical Officer with the Rivers State Health Management Board.
Throughout his medical career, Otiotio made significant contributions to the health sector, particularly in Bayelsa and Rivers States, where he worked tirelessly for the betterment of his community. He retired as a Chief Medical Officer in 2011, but continued to serve his people, taking on roles in local hospitals until his passing.
A Poet with a Voice
Otiotio was not only a warrior and healer; he was also a poet whose words captured the complexities of life and the struggles of his people. His poetry, published in the Mariner journal and local newspapers, reflected his deep understanding of history, society, and the human condition. His poem The School Uniform is an evocative example of his literary prowess, offering a poignant commentary on the struggles of Nigerian life. Here is one of his reflective poems:
The School Uniform
That stand along the road
And collecting the Nigeria images
Into the offering bags and
Said ‘it’s my head muster that
Authorized’
But it’s for the colours in their lives
And for their trees and said
‘It’s my turn, it’s my turn’
‘I must collect it, I must collect it’
The school uniform
That stands along the road
Are you a tax collector?
Sun and moon, you are
On the track.
The school uniform
I saw the Nigerian
Images open their mouth
For evil and it’s for you.
Their eyes are full of waters
And is gone to the sky, the cloud
Like the Israelites were in
Egypt, And that has become a
Stone for you.
Family and Faith
Though he was a polygamist, Otiotio was devoted to his family, raising four children and offering them his guidance and wisdom. His faith was integral to his life; a member of the Anglican Church, he was also known for his engagement with the Baptist community. His spiritual beliefs were grounded in compassion and service to others, which he demonstrated daily through his actions.
A Legacy of Service and Kindness
Otiotio’s legacy transcends his remarkable achievements as a soldier, doctor, and poet. His unwavering kindness, sense of justice, and dedication to his community left an indelible mark on those who knew him. He was a man of integrity, always willing to go the extra mile to help those in need. His participation in the development of Bayelsa State’s healthcare system and his role in the civil service earned him accolades, but it was his innate kindness and generosity that truly defined him.
His Final Days and Passing
In the twilight of his life, Davidson Otiotio was struck by a brief illness in 2020. He passed away on June 26, 2020, at the age of 69, after being admitted to Tobis Hospital in Yenagoa. Though his death came during the global COVID-19 pandemic, it was not due to the virus. Otiotio was laid to rest in his hometown of Bassambiri-Nembe on September 12, 2020, leaving behind a legacy of courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to his people.
Davidson Imimo David Otiotio’s life was a tapestry of triumphs, sacrifices, and profound contributions to society. He will be forever remembered as a hero, a healer, a poet, and a man who lived by the highest ideals of humanity. His memory lives on in the stories of his service, the lessons of his life, and the love he shared with all who were fortunate enough to know him.
