Honoring the Legacy of Chief Evaristus

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Discovering the Life and Influence of Chief Bassey

A Life of Leadership

Chief Bassey built an extraordinary career as a pioneer in Nigeria’s financial security sector. From his early days as one of the founding staff of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company to becoming Africa’s leading bank-notes security printer and later Executive Director of Operations, he set standards of integrity, professionalism, and quiet excellence that shaped the institution for generations.

Learn More About his life

A deeper look at the experiences, values, and moments that shaped the man he became.

Early Life and Foundations

Chief Evaristus Etim Ekpo Bassey’s journey began in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where his quiet confidence and curiosity took shape early. He grew up with a strong sense of responsibility, carrying with him the values of hard work, humility, and care for others. These foundations became the compass that guided every chapter of his life, both personally and professionally.

A Trailblazer in National Service

His career became a model of dedication and excellence. As one of the pioneering staff of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company, he played a key role in shaping the nation’s financial security sector. Rising to become the foremost African Bank Notes Security Printer and later Executive Director of Operations, he helped build systems defined by integrity and precision. Beyond titles, he was a mentor to generations—often remembered not just for what he taught, but for how he carried himself.

A Life Filled with Passion and Warmth

Outside the workplace, Chief Bassey lived with a genuine enthusiasm for the world around him. His homes were always lively, sometimes with up to twelve dogs. He loved the water, spending time at the Ikoyi and Lagos Motorboat Clubs, and continued to enjoy tennis well into his later years. He had an easy, welcoming charm—sharing Nigerian native gin with international friends, encouraging young professionals, and embracing everyone who stepped into his orbit with warmth and generosity.

A Legacy of Kindness and Principles

What people remember most is the way he treated others. His domestic staff were family. His tenants felt his kindness. His children’s friends found acceptance and safety in his home. He carried himself with quiet dignity but stood firmly for fairness, never hesitating to protect or uplift those around him. To colleagues, he was a guide. To friends, a steady presence. To all who knew him, a true gentleman. His life leaves a lasting imprint—one built on compassion, integrity, and genuine care.

A Mentor with Heart

His influence went far beyond his official roles. He guided colleagues from as far back as 1965, freely sharing both technical knowledge and the values he lived by—integrity, dedication, and respect. Whether at work or in informal conversations, he had a way of uplifting people, encouraging younger professionals, and supporting friends, tenants, and domestic workers with genuine care.

A Life Lived Fully

Outside the office, he embraced life with warmth and curiosity. His homes were filled with animals he loved, including up to a dozen dogs at one time. He found joy in the water through the Ikoyi and Lagos Motorboat Clubs, and he played tennis well into his later years. He had a gift for connecting people—from introducing international guests to Nigerian native gin to welcoming his children’s friends like family. His quiet dignity and strong sense of fairness defined the way he treated everyone around him.