Dieudonne Kwetcha Ngnoumen (Donnie) former Chief Executive Officer of Texaco Nigeria Plc has been buried in his native Cameroun. He was 76 years old when he passed away on June 15, 2020, in Lagos, Nigeria.
He was born in Douala, Cameroon on July 14, 1943, to Thomas and Tchangha Ngnoumen.
From a young age, Donnie had a love of life that was powered by athleticism, an adventurous spirit, insatiable intellectual curiosity, and an exemplary work ethic. Never one to shy away from challenges, he welcomed meaningful opportunities to expand his horizon. As a teenager, he captained the Cameroonian national basketball team. There, he gained the moniker “Le Gorille”, because he was a force of nature on the basketball court.
Donnie received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in the United States of America. He earned a scholarship to Bates College in Lewiston, Maine and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. At Bates, he explored his acting skills with The Bates College French Club. He roared with the Bobcats as a fierce competitor on the soccer pitch. Donnie set a decade’s long, goal scoring record and was awarded the Senior Soccer Award for the senior who has made the greatest contribution to Bates College soccer.
After Bates, Donnie went on to receive a Master of Arts degree in Economics from Ohio University, Ohio and an Executive Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Miami, Florida.
Donnie’s distinguished career spanned the globe and began at Texaco. There, he established a track record of delivering transformational leadership and results for underperforming operations in North America, Africa, and the Caribbean. His intellect, integrity, courage, and tenacity earned him the title “The Lion” and led him to become the first African managing director of Texaco Nigeria PLC, and later, CEO of Texaco Nigeria PLC. For his contributions at home and abroad, Donnie was awarded the Cameroon National Medal of Honor. After retiring, he began a second career as an advisor to African multinational corporations such as Conoil and Globacom.
Donnie’s appreciation of nature, music, and art, enabled him to marvel at the simple expression of a tree or that of a gifted artist. He was a technology and sports aficionado, who enjoyed playing tennis and running. His competitive spirit made him a formidable competitor at anything he set his mind to.
Ever cerebral, Donnie was reserved yet he had compassion for others, a trait that in his youth almost led him to become a priest. He was a perfectionist who always gave the best of himself and expected the same from others.
Coeur de Lion, Donnie had a fervent and unconditional love for his children and family. To those who had the honour, he was a loyal friend. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who knew him.
Dieudonne is survived by his wife, seven children, and five grandchildren.
Our Lion has slept.
The family is grateful for the prayers and support of family and friends.
Signed:
Ngassam and Ona Ngnounmen. (Children)
On behalf of the Ngnoumen and late Chief J. C. Okeke (Ogbunechendo Nnewi) families, In-laws and Friends.
