Late GG was a simple man says son

The Late Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio lived a simple life.

These were the words from Benedict Ogio, the son of the late vice regal who died in office.

“Our late father was a simple man and lived an educationist and a political figure, his home was for anyone who needed help,” Benedict read in the eulogy.

Sir Michael Ogio served the country’s public service as a teacher, provincial and national politician for 37 years. 

He was born on July 7, 1942 as the only child in the family.

The late Governor-General hails from Tinputz in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

Sir Michael after completing his education in AROB (formerly North Solomon Province), he attended Port Moresby Teachers Training College to become a community school teacher.

His first posting was to Angoram in East Sepik Province in 1960s after two years of teacher training.

In 1971, he attended Australia School of Public Administration and attained a Diploma in Education and Administration

Sir Michael started his political life in the 1980s.

From 1980 – 1984, Sir Michael was the Deputy Premier and Education Minister in the North Solomon Provincial Government

1987- Sir Michael entered the National Political Level – Elected to the 4th Parliament as MP for North Bougainville Open Seat.

1992- Re-elected to the 5th parliament and become the Minister for Bougainville Affairs.

1997- Re-elected to 6th Parliament become Deputy PM and Speakers apart from Minister Responsibility

2007- Re-elected to 7th Parliament – And was Parliamentarian Leader for the Democratic Peoples Movement Party.  

2011- Sir Michael was elected the 9th Governor-General of Papua New Guinea.  

He was the President of National St Johns of Papua New Guinea and patron of varies NGOs and Charity Organisations when he died on at the Government House State residence on February 19.

(Picture by Kennedy Bani)

Author: 
Charles Yapumi