Sir Michael ‘kind, humble’

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By GYNNIE KERO
STAFF of the Office of Governor-General have described the late Sir Michael Ogio as a father figure to them, “generous, humble and easy-going”.
Sir Michael passed away on Saturday afternoon in the presence of his children, grandchildren and Lady Esmie Ogio at their residence at Government House in Konedobu.
Aide-de-Camp Captain Samuel Pilake described Sir Michael as a “father figure” who always offered him “fatherly advice” and “words of encouragement” to do better as a citizen.
Stewards Alfred Kava, Gilford Nelson and Dani Bel remember Sir Michael for his generous spirit, humility and easy-going nature.
Long-serving staff Nelly Pouna, who has been working at Government House since 1994, said Sir Michael was “a man of great strength and wisdom”.
“I found him to be very humble and a man of few words,” Pouna said.
“But when he spoke, it was with authority and everyone respected him so much.
“Sir Michael stood up to all odds.
“Even on his sick bed, he spoke highly of his love for the office he served.”
Sir Michael, a teacher by profession, began his teaching career in the 1960s as a primary school teacher and later became a school inspector.
He entered politics in 1980 as a Member of the North Solomon government and served as deputy premier and minister for Education.
In 1987, he was elected to Parliament as the North Bougainville MP, a seat he held until 1997.
In 2007, Sir Michael was re-elected to Parliament as the North Bougainville MP.
He was the president of the People’s Democratic Movement.
Sir Michael served as deputy prime minister, deputy speaker and held the ministerial portfolios of Environment and Conservation, Forest, Culture and Tourism, Correctional Services, Mining, minister of State responsible for Bougainville, Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, and Community Development.
Sir Michael also served as vice-minister for Bougainville Affairs and Corporate Affairs.
In 2011, he was elected the ninth governor-general and awarded Knight of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George by Queen Elizabeth.
In 2012, Sir Michael was awarded the Knight of Grace of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem and Grand Prior of the Order of St John in London.