By Kate Obodo

Omordi George Ugboma is the captain of the Ibori Golf and Country Club and a top government functionary who is in love with the game of golf. In this interview with Hi Groove, he opens up on his private life, tastes in fashion,  lifestyles  and more. Enjoy!

Growing up

I grew up having my both parents with me, happy that they were both married till death separated them. Within that time, I learnt a lot of things from my mother, especially domestic things, and also being upright in all my dealings, because she was a very strict disciplinarian.

My father was also a very strict disciplinarian and yet with no violent disposition. He was a very quite person and he instilled discipline in us by through counselling but my mother sometimes resort to beating to drive home her point.  To us, my father was the more charismatic personality and we appreciated his approach better. But both of them gave us a sound upbringing.

Our home was a Catholic home in totality. My father was not a church-goer but he believed so much in the faith and held the Reverend Fathers in high regard. At one time, I had a desire of becoming a Reverend Father myself  but somehow along the line it did not work out. In essence, I had a good religious background that guided my life and I think I still have that in me.

Childhood memory

As a child I was a role model to most of my peers. My parents had confidence in me because of the way I behaved. Apart from when I was very little, my mother was by me to guide me in the right path, making sure I did what needed to be done right.

*Omordi George Ugboma

I can’t really recall when my parents were mad at me for any serious wrongdoing, except, maybe when I was very young. That is not so say they were not chiding me from time to time but I think I seemed to know where to draw the line.  The same worked for me in school, especially during my primary and secondary school days. I was so well behaved and did so brilliantly in my studies.

In fact my father always said ‘this is my child’ due to my behaviour and my brilliance and he was very proud of me. I never brought shame and disgrace to my family.

Venturing into golf

A friend of mine introduced me to playing golf and when I came here (Ibori Golf and Country club) I sawn that it is a sport worth doing, especially to keep the body and mind together. And at the same time it brings the opportunity to meet a lot of people and  to socialize. Golf also teaches you a lot of things. Gradually, I took much interest in the game and after my training, I became a regular player

Daily routine

I started my day with the morning devotion after which I take my bath. Then,  I eat my breakfast and set out for the day.

Fashion and style

I like to dress very well, and the way you dress speaks volume about you. I like to dress decently. I also like going along with the trend  but not all cases. At the same time, if I want to buy wears that are in vogue, they must suit my person. Mostly importantly, I consider quality before buying; I also look at colours before buying clothes. Not all colours suit me. Most especially, I don’t dress to impress people . When it comes to looking good, I also wear hat depending on the circumstance.

When it comes to jewellery I like them a lot.  I am very conscious of matching colours and at the same time very sensitive with what I wear. I also like good perfume

How expensive is captain Ugboma when it comes to fashion?

I could be very expensive depending on the occasion. But not all my wears are expensive; some are at the low side while others are of the high quality. In all, I like very good things but at the same time I  am not outrageous in spending money but I make sure everything I buy have good value.

Mood and dressing

The occasion determines what I wear not my mood.

Smoking/drinking

Yes, I used to smoke but not any longer . On  drinking, I drink occasionally .

Outside golf

I play table tennis. I also unwind after playing golf by relaxing with people, take some drinks. Once in a while, I attend parties such as wedding ceremonies, birthday parties etc. I also go clubbing once in a while and  listen to good funk music, especially, traditional music and old school oldies . I am not in tune with music that is in vogue currently but sometimes I try to get along.

Me and women

It is a common knowledge that as a public figure  people admire you and if you are a man your looks may drive admirers to you. But beyond my looks, people admire me mostly for my brilliance and kind nature. However, I don’t drive people who admire me and even if you have some tendency that I don’t like I will make you know that it is not going to be that.

Meeting my wife

It was love at first sight but I admired her most for her beauty. Back then in the university she was a very beautiful woman and when I got to know her I was more attracted to her for her determination in life than any other thing. We dated for sometime, got married and now have a beautiful daughter.

Idea of a good home

My idea of a good home is where the husband and wife are friends, not just husband and wife.  For me, being husband and wife is not enough, a deep friendship must exist between the couple for the relationship to be sustainable.  A good home is where the flame of love is kept alive between the couple as it were when they were courting each other. Once there is a genuine friendship there is a bonding in the family.

Best meal/fruits

My best meal is yam.For fruits, I like a lot of fruits, such as watermelon, orange, paw-paw etc.