“A man’s greatest achievement is not the empire he builds, but the love that keeps him anchored when the world begins to move.”

Introduction

Nothing special, just another day, a son was born to a couple on the 1st of May, 1991, in Jos, Nigeria, though he hails from Abalama in Asari-Toru local government area of Rivers state, Nigeria.

“My boy!” Hon. Biaye Dappa JP held his son gently in his arms as he studied his son’s facial features. There was so much satisfaction on his face as he held him in his hands.

From the moment that the world didn’t notice, Dr. Ofori Desire Dappa’s life began. Though his father, Hon. Biaye Dappa JP, worked tirelessly to provide, guide, and be a good father, his life’s journey was never an easy one because life took an unexpected turn in his family, leaving the responsibility of taking care of him and his five sisters on the shoulders of his mother, Mrs Ere Dappa.

Due to financial constraints, Mrs Ere Dappa was not able to continue her education, which she had tried to further in a commercial college after her Standard 6 completion. No, she didn’t back down. She developed herself remarkably well amidst the limited resources that surrounded her. She found herself competing with graduates through her reading hobby and her intellect.

Being raised among his five sisters, Dr. Dappa’s life was also shaped by the different contributions of his f ive sisters. In such a large family as his, he learned the power of teamwork, love, loyalty, and the role that being supportive plays. In all of these, life was still never a bed of roses for him. He learned forbearance, endurance, patience, consistency, and how to be a goal-getter.

Instead of looking like how he began, Dr Dappa has emerged as a highly accomplished person that the sands of time cannot let go of his remarkable impacts, which has gone global.

His career in logistics and shipping rose with the same energy and passion that was a part of his upbringing. Over the past seven years of consistent, intentional, and excellent practice, his company has become a trusted brand in the logistics field and is undoubtedly recognized for its expertise in freight forwarding, frozen cargo, and global cargo shipping and handling.

He has gone beyond his company through his mission of establishing valuable connections, which has made him stand out excellently. He sees past the need to deliver goods from one destination to another, to understanding that it isn’t just a business but more of a need to help others survive because out there is a family in need waiting for a livelihood, and a community depending on the supplies.

“Greatness is not born in isolation—it is nurtured in the discipline of a mother, the encouragement of a father, and the unwavering belief of a family who see the leader before the world does.”

Phase 1: THE SON OF A MARKET WOMAN

In the 1990s, Jos, the capital of Plateau, looked more like a gentle secret sheltered by the hills. The mornings were cool with the tin roofs humming with mist. Time moved slowly. Sounds of laughter echoed through the streets. Children played with one another, and some of the grown-ups listened to the radios, which played soft highlife. The city was beautiful. Then his first cries echoed in a land known for its beauty, diversity, and resilience.

The birth of Dr. Ofori Desire Dappa on the 1st of May 1991 in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, did not mean that his story came from the city itself. He hails from Abalama in Asari-Tolu local government area of Rivers State.

Being the last child of his parents, he was blessed with five older sisters. While growing up, looking around him, he realized that he wasn’t just gifted five sisters by God. God placed them in his life to be his first circle of support. It is one thing to have family bound by blood and zero support coming from them. In the Dappa family, they lived with the mindset of always having one another’s back — this is the longing of every high dreamer.

Though his early education started at Educare Private School, Jos, from 1994 to 2001, he continued his education at Radiant Way Private School, Bukuru, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, from 2001 to 2003.

While other children ran off into dust-filled playgrounds in the afternoons, laughing, chasing balls, and playing other local games, he was not engrossed with playing that he forgot that there was time for everything.

When things became chaotic and rules blurred, he was always the one adults turned to. This was how responsibility found him before he even thought of looking for it. Soon, it was an unavoidable responsibility because he was noticed by his teachers and was appointed the Appointed assistant head boy in his primary school days. 

“Education is not the absence of struggle — it is the art of turning every setback into a stepping stone toward purpose.”

Phase 2 : THE JOURNEY

Very fast-paced footsteps were heard, as if it were a stampede. Doors closed faster. Voices dropped, and pantings were louder. The breathless ones fell to the ground as their feet failed them as well. Smoke rose. Wailings for the loss of loved ones filled the air.

“Stay hidden.” Mothers hushed their children. Fathers counted their household to ensure they were all safe. A little peep through the window from time to time. Hands trembled. Hearts beat faster than a fast-beating drum.

It was chaos. Chaos all over the land, which was known for its serenity. The gentle Jos was no longer safe enough to be innocent.

The radios crackled with bad news. A high number of casualties were recorded. Properties and different establishments that were destroyed were not even of concern.

“It is a religious crisis.” They said.

Routines were altered. Every movement had to be calculated. To young Dr Dappa, it all sounded like classmates who never returned to their desks, education becoming uncertain. His childhood quietly cracked.

His father, Hon. Biaye Dappa JP, came up with a decision with his wife. The intentional couple had deliberately considered every move and its impact.

“It is time to leave. We must survive this crisis, but not by staying here.” He addressed his children. The words he spoke were heavy. This was not a good way to relocate. For it was too sudden and unplanned.

“Every setback was never the end — it was merely a redirection. What began as survival became vision, and what vision demanded, resilience delivered.”

Phase 3 : HOW IT PROGRESSED

Dr. Dappa’s mind was confused. He couldn’t believe his ears as he looked at his interviewer. The date of his graduation from the University of Port Harcourt was proudly on his certificate. The year of his graduation was not omitted either. This left him pondering over what his interviewer had asked him.

“We need someone with work experience of over two years.” His interviewer added.

Dr. Dappa’s eyes widened slightly in disbelief. He was shocked not just at the interviewer’s words but at the fact that all the interviewers he had been meeting all said the same thing, as if they all planned this.

“Can I get a chance to prove how valuable I am?” Dr. Dappa tried to negotiate.

The interviewer cuts, “There is no room for that in our organization as we only hire professionals.”

Leaving the interview that day, he stood outside the building staring into the clear sky. Just like many young graduates in Nigeria, his life after university felt like he was standing at the edge of a wide ocean. His dreams were swelling up in his chest, and he desperately wanted to act. Yet, the system was not helping. This was the fate of every young, fresh graduate. He found himself standing at that edge in 2016. Just as how harsh the job market stories are told, that was how merit submissively bowed too frequently to connections and at that point names mattered more than experiences and efforts.

The period between a man’s vision and its manifestation is his waiting season. Dr. Dappa understood that though the waiting season is usually tough and looks like every effort will prove to be abortive, it still didn’t mean standing still and doing nothing.

Note of Thanks

No milestone was achieved without the involvement of another. This biography has one name on the cover, but in its pages are the prayers, sacrifices, and the influences of more than one person, all woven together to produce a masterpiece.

A three-fold cord cannot be broken. Dr. Dappa’s story is not just of his personal achievements. It is an opportunity to honor the behind-the-scenes people whose support helped him through.

Acknowledging his two foundational pillars, his father, Hon. Biaye Dappa JP, and his mother, Mrs. Ere Dappa, for their perfect love which laid the foundation Dr. Dappa stands on. His mother, Mrs Ere Dappa, is a builder whose spirit and values are traceable in every one of his successes and decisions. In several ways, this entire book is saying that her life’s work still exists through her son.

His heartfelt thanks go to his father, Hon. Biaye Dappa JP, a man who provided the wings he soared on. Through being his guiding compass, he gave his son the rare gift of total trust, which offered his son a steady ground to stand on.

To the hidden anchor that held him, making the impossible feel easy — his sisters. A profound acknowledgement to his sisters: Dr E.M. Abbey, Pastor Mrs Victoria Richman, Mrs Mina Dappa-Ibama, ESV. Sotonye Bille, and Mrs Obele Okpo. They offered him loyalty and companionship which shows the power of family.

The most heartfelt thanks go to the people who turned his house into his home — his wife and son. Mrs Angel Burumchi Dappa-Wealth and their son, Emperor Taribo Dappa-Wealth provides him with love that keeps him well anchored. Their strength pushes him forward when he gets weary.

To his teachers, mentors, and institutions that guided him and refined his thinking, he feels indebted. His deep appreciation goes to people who pushed him toward excellence and growth.

He greatly honours the institutions that contributed largely to his professional development. Starting from the University of Port Harcourt, the University of Sunderland, to the Rome Business School. They nurtured and shaped his intellect and character, helping him truly understand that knowledge is not for personal use alone but to serve others.

With gratitude in his heart, he wishes to thank all his colleagues, business partners, teammates, co-workers, and associates who have worked with him in logistics, cargo and international trade. He recognizes their time and effort contributions, trust and their shared vision to skyrocket the growth of Buan Enterprises.

Finally, to you, valuable reader of this biography, thank you for your active engagement in his journey by reading till this page. Your engagement shows you honor not just Dr. Ofori Desire Dappa but also his values.

This book stands as a celebration of teamwork and loyalty.

Thank You
– Dr. Ofori Desire Dappa