society
“It Gives Me Joy When I Put Smiles On Peoples Faces”, .. Say Ezendigbo Foundation Philanthropist, Ozonkpu Onyeka Onyenachie Ifekandu By Ifeoma Ikem
“It Gives Me Joy When I Put Smiles On Peoples Faces”,
.. Say Ezendigbo Foundation Philanthropist, Ozonkpu Onyeka Onyenachie Ifekandu
By Ifeoma Ikem
Was it not Lucky Dube, the late popular South African Music maestro who once wrote and sang a song, “that blessed is the hand that giveth, than the hand that taketh”
Indeed,this song which built its lyrics root from the Holy Bible , in book of Act of the Apostles ,chapter 20, Verse 35, is widely known as an axiomatic fact.
Talking about giving, it presupposes that the giver must have before giving, possibly rich.
But the Bible conspicuously in the book of Matthew Chapter 19 verse 24, did fore-warn that ” it is easier for the camel’s head to enter the eye of the Needle than the rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
However, the story of this rich young Igbo international Business Mogul and Eze Ndigbo Lagos Island , appears to make an exception to the Biblical assertion.
Meet Eze Dr. Onyeka Onyenachie Ifekandu, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, CEO Of Mac-Akudiufu Nigeria Ltd , Capin Parin Bureau De Change Ltd , Park Bureau De Change Ltd, Who has been campaigning and advocating that wealthy business Men and women should devote zero point one percent of their yearly incomes to the cause of the indigent and less privileged in the society.
Little wonder he founded the Corporate Work of Mercy Initiative, which he called “Ezendigbo Welfare Foundation ”
Accomplished and Acknowledged Giver, lover of the poor and wretched of the society , who despite commiting hundreds of millions in uplifting the less privileged and down trodden in the society, projects that in five years time, he would triple his poverty alleviation and empowerment budget, as well as increase the number of indigent federal university students on his scholarship program, from 30 federal university students to over 100 students.
Infact this amiable, humble and unassuming rich young ruler’s generosity, has garnered to him,seven exclusive prominent Igbo titles bestowed on him at a tender age of 37 years, which many of his contemporaries,who are older and richer than him could not attain such rare titles and height respected so much in Nri, his home land.
Some of the titles he has been decorated with are: His Royal Highness,HRH Ezeanakiliekili 1 of Lagos Island; Ozo Wire-Wire ; Omechaluili Ofumbosi; Akuoma Di Ufu; Mkpata Enugwu-Ukwu Na Umunri and Ozonkpu,
This rare achievements, Ozonkpu title holder ,as he is fondly called by his peers, said, was Propelled by his love for the poor and Indigent People in the society.
It is on record that his “Eze Ndigbo Welfare Foundation”, has spent some significant multi millions of naira on scholarships awarded to over 30 brilliant indigent students,who had gained admission into their choice federal university, polytechnic or tertiary institutions of higher learning before they accessed the scholarship portal.
Surprisingly, the scholarship program of his Foundation is far from being the reason his beneficiaries have nicknamed him ” Mayor Of Empowerment”.
This is simply because Ozonkpu, the calm headed Philanthropist has many other empowerment programs for the poorest of the poor, such as the ‘Apprenticeship Support Aide ‘ for freed apprentice, who their bosses refused to settle or were given insignificant settlement Fund.
As a major business mogul in the importation and sales of tailoring materials, in partnership with the Chinese manufacturers, Eze Ifekandu, had initiated a special “goods on credit initiative” to assist poor, average and upcoming traders in his line of business.
Besides renting and paying shops rents for poor traders, who are dynamic and business conscious, focused individuals in Lagos Island, Ozonkpu equally supplies them with goods on credit or what he usually calls, “return after sales basis” empowerment.
It is also on record that Ozonkpu’s unlimited philanthropic gestures and empowerment foundation, have donated three brand new Camry luxury cars and built houses and apartments for many young beneficiaries within his Enugwu -Ukwu, Umunri community in Anambra State and beyond.
As an acknowledged bridge builder and a philanthropist without borders,which many said , have endeared him to the popular and respected Traditional Ruler, Oba Rilwan Akinolu, the Oba of Lagos, who considering Ozonkpu’s large heart, kindness, spirit of giving,generosity,milk of human kindness and selfless empowerment programs, conferred on him the title of Eze Ndigbo in Lagos Island, ever before he was crowned by his Igbo community.
That is why many non Igbo people, especially Yoruba, Hausa and other ethnic groups, bestowed on him the title of the ” De-tribalized Man of the people ” .
For four years running since the inception of his Foundation, Ozonkpu ,has been empowering Jobless Indigenes in Lagos Island and Anambra States, through his poverty alleviation projects, as well as provision of job opportunities for the less privileged, especially the potentially crime prone street urchins, Miscreants and Hoodlums, who his philanthropy have helped in no small measures in taking them away from Crimes and criminality.
It will shock Purveyors of tribalism and ethnicity to know that majority of his internal staff are Yorubas, including personal assistants and private security, who are seen freely executing their duties even in his wife, Lolo Nkechi’s kitchen.
Enquires by our Correspondent at his business district around Docemo street area of Lagos Island and beyond, revealed the enormous love traders, non- traders and “Area Boys” have on the kind hearted Eze Ndigbo Lagos Island, who they testified the fact, that he weekly and periodically sponsor market feeding program in an atmosphere of funfair in the market area, where even lucky customers are not hindered from partaking.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with our Correspondent in his Palace at the Green Field Estate, Eze Ndigbo Lagos Island ,explained that his humble beginning was very difficult, not Rosy, full of early stage hardship , hence his early poor background now motivates him to help the poor .
Indeed,Ozonkpu was not born with a silver lining spoon in his mouth, rather he was a Child of circumstance ,born into a poor,humble but God fearing home of late Pa Alex Chionye and Madam Charity Ifekandu, Who now but daily glorify God for the blessings , pride and honor He has used her son, Onyeka ,to bring to her family, kindred and Community at large.
While growing up 47 years ago, circumstances of life made Ozonkpu to drop from school, immediately after the death of his benefactor, his late father.
That sudden twist in life,pushed him to abandon school for one year,to seek financial refuge in a hotel Job, at the age between 16 and 17 years of age, where he worked for one year to raise funds for his school certificate examination, as his family could not even afford the N1000 fee for the West African Examination Council ,WAEC entrance then.
Determined to survive and succeed in life, the then teenage boy, Onyeka Ifekandu, was forced by circumstances to move to Aba, in Abia state, to start up the popular Igbo trade apprenticeship Scheme called “Nwa boyi”,with his late father’s old friend for five years,shortly after his School certificate acquisition .
After freedom, he re-located to Lagos in 1993, during the Igbo mass exodus after M.K.O. Abiola’s presidential election crisis, where he admitted that he witnessed the tribal hate, disparity and disunity between Yorubas and Igbos.
Undeterred by the crisis, he decided to remain with some of his colleagues at the Lagos Island,When other Igbo traders relocated to trade fair Complex due to maltreatment by the Yorubas.
He confirmed that he remained behind in Lagos Island, to propagate peace and harmonious co- existence between the Yoruba host and the Igbo entrepreneurs.
It was that M.K.O. Abiola’s presidential election crisis situation that made his sub conscious mind to determine to work hard within the 30 years he has been engaged in the tailoring materials business , to become a good Igbo Ambassador and bridge builder between the Yoruba and Igbo ethnic groups.
Despite the hard terrain of doing businesses in Nigeria, Ozonkpu did not abandon his age long dream of acquiring a University education and certificate , as he combined business with studies through the then distance Learning centers .
And today, he is a happy and qualified Banking and Finance graduate, a law student in view and an honorary Doctorate Degree holder,PhD, who is happily married to Lolo Nkechi Ifekandu and blessed with four children, three boys and a girl, all at various stages in their University education.
According to him, What he witnessed on his journey in life, shaped and sharpened his philosophy of life, which propelled him to vow that he will always give back to the society ,and will always help the indigent and less privileged until he goes to the great beyond.
Hear him: “Because I belong to a school of thought which believes that we are Sojourn here on earth , naked we came, naked we will go. Inspite of earthly acquisitions, when death comes, all would be abandoned behind,which is my motivating factor”.
Continued he : “Again My Good will and Corporate work Of Mercy have been paving ways for me.Iam happy and contented with what I have and enjoy sharing the little I have acquired with the indigent people , the youth and those victim of circumstances, because I went through hell to train myself through secondary school.I urge the rich in the society to learn to give back to the society ”
“I love harmonious co-existence with other people from other tribes, like the Yorubas.I love to see people being happy, though Iam not a billionaire but God has been keeping me and not allow me to go hungry”.
“It gives me Joy when I put smiles on people’s faces and lives and Iam contented with what ever I have because good will is futuristic and we must learn to love our neighbors as our selves, because it is God that created the Igbos and Yorubas”.
“What legacy are we living for posterity ? he asked?.
For him, “giving is not about what you have but good will and will power to give.When you give, God guarantees your blessings, when you give back to the society.Giving does not make one poor”.
On his recent coronation as Eze Ndigbo Lagos Island, he said : “My recent installation as Eze Ndigbo Lagos Island by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State and Igbo King Maker,in recognition of my love for humanity, it is a testament of the impact of my Corporate work Of Mercy Initiative.”
Old Students Association rejects alleged commercialisation of Unity School land
By Ifeoma Ikem
The Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) has rejected the alleged commercialisation of any unity schools land under the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) initiative.
The association made its displeasure known during their awareness walk to protest the concession of the 33 hectares of land belonging to Federal Government College (FGC) Kano yesterday in Lagos.
The members were carrying placards, some of which read “PPP: Save the Future”, “Protect Unity Schools”, “PPP must serve Education not land conversion” and “Schools are not for Real Estate”.
President-General of the Unity Schools Old Students Association USOSA Michael Magaji says Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) was designed to improve public institutions, and not strip them of assets or reduce their land.
Over 60 Unity schools members were drawn from across the nation for the awareness walk to protest against the alleged sale of the school lands.
The P-G said the association was advocating for a sustainable funding model that would preserve educational assets while improving infrastructure, manpower and learning conditions.
“Our coming together is to restore the lost glory of Unity Schools and strengthen Nigeria’s education system. Unity schools are nation-building institutions that have produced leaders across various sectors.
“Unity Schools were not just about education, they were about integration built not by spectators but by active citizens that believe in one nation.
“ The alumni support PPP but oppose the sale of educational assets. Unity never happens by chance but designed, nurtured and protected,’’ he added.
He added that the awareness walk brought about by the alumni across the nation was also to have a stronger network to revive the vision of the Unity Schools.
Mr Humphrey Nwafor, Lagos Chapter President, Federal Government College, Kano Old Students Association said that they are pushing back against the alleged commercialisation of Unity School lands.
Nwafor pointed out that the 33 hectares of land belonging to FGC Kano was concessioned without adequate consultation with stakeholders.
“We are saying there is a better option. Instead of selling our lands and assets, we would rather fund the schools ourselves.
“If the government says it does not have enough money to run the schools, the old students can provide support without taking one inch of the land,” he said.
According to him, the concession arrangement involving the school’s land will undermine the future of unity schools, which were established in the first place to promote national integration.
“These schools were established to unite Nigerians from different ethnic and religious backgrounds and we are appealing to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that public educational assets are protected,” he added.
He called on the Federal Government to leverage alumni networks in addressing funding challenges confronting unity schools.
“We are in solution mode and impact mode and we believe alumni associations should be integrated into the process of repositioning these schools.
“We recently met with officials of the Federal Ministry of Education and discussions are ongoing toward finding mutually beneficial solutions,” he said.
Mr Alex Akindumila, President of FGC Idoani Alumni Association said the concession controversy was a national test of how public assets and educational institutions are being managed.
He said that they are concerned that reducing lands allocated to unity schools could limit future expansion, agricultural projects, sports facilities, technical workshops and staff accommodation.
“The lands allocated to unity schools were deliberate and visionary.“They were designed to ensure that the schools remain self-sustaining and adaptable to future needs.
According to him, when you shrink the land of a unity school, you do not just reduce space, but reduce possibility , reduce ability to run agricultural programs that can feed students and teach enterprise, even the space required for sports facilities that build discipline, health and national pride.
Also, Mrs Ifeoma Okeke, an alumna of FGC Nsukka, called for transparency, due process and stakeholder engagement in any PPP arrangement involving educational institutions.
She said PPP agreements should align with the public purpose of the schools and not diminish their long-term capacity.
“There must be transparency, competitiveness and proper stakeholder engagement in any concession process involving public educational assets,” she said.
society
NAPS Southwest Condemns Delay in Passage of HND,/B.SC Dichotomy Bill, Issues 30 Days Ultimatum to Nigeria Senate and Federal House of Representative
NAPS Southwest Condemns Delay in Passage of HND,/B.SC Dichotomy Bill, Issues 30 Days Ultimatum to Nigeria Senate and Federal House of Representative
The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) Southwest has strongly condemned the continued delay in the passage of the bill aimed at ending the long-standing disparity between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) qualifications in Nigeria. The association has described the delay as unjust, discriminatory, and harmful to the future of polytechnic education in the country.
The NAPS Southwest expressed deep frustration over what it called the unacceptable silence and inaction from the Nigerian Senate and Federal House of Representatives regarding the bill. The proposed legislation seeks to abolish the dichotomy between HND and B.Sc holders, a divide that has for years limited career progression opportunities for polytechnic graduates, particularly in the public sector.
This ongoing delay represents a significant policy gap that must be urgently addressed. The continued discrimination against HND holders contradicts the principles of equity, fairness, and meritocracy that should define Nigeria’s public service.
For years, polytechnic students and graduates have faced systemic discrimination in employment opportunities, career progression, and societal recognition an injustice that undermines the value of technical and vocational education in national development. The proposed bill represents a critical step toward equity, fairness, and the full recognition of polytechnic education in Nigeria.
We therefore call on the current administration and the National Assembly to prioritize the reintroduction and immediate passage of this critical legislation. Nigeria cannot afford to sideline a significant segment of its skilled workforce due to outdated and discriminatory policies.
It is therefore disheartening that the Nigeria Senate and House of Representatives has yet to act decisively on this matter of urgent national importance. The continued delay raises serious questions about the commitment of lawmakers to addressing the challenges faced by millions of Nigerian youths in the polytechnic system.
The NAPS southwest unequivocally calls on the Senate and House of Representatives to, without further delay, deliberate on and pass the bill to end the HND/B.Sc dichotomy. The future of countless students and graduates depends on this decisive action.
The continued delay in passing this bill is a direct attack on the dignity and future of millions of Nigerian students and graduates, the statement read. We cannot continue to tolerate a system that places artificial barriers on capable individuals simply because of the institution they attended.
Failure to meet this demand will leave NAPS Southwest with no choice but to mobilize Nigerian Polytechnic Students and Graduates across the country for peaceful but firm actions to press home our demands. We are prepared to take all legitimate steps necessary to ensure that justice is served.
NAPS Southwest has therefore issued a strong warning to the Senate and House of Representatives, urging lawmakers to prioritize and immediately pass the bill without further delay. The association made it clear that failure to act promptly would trigger nationwide protests and coordinated actions by Nigerian polytechnic students and graduates.
We urge all relevant stakeholders to initiate comprehensive reforms that will harmonize qualification frameworks, ensure equal opportunities for career advancement, and restore confidence in the civil service system.
NAPS Southwest remains committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of polytechnic students and graduates across Nigeria. We will continue to engage constructively with policymakers and mobilize support until justice is achieved.
Signed
Comr Ogunsola Adewale John
NAPS Southwest Coordinator
+234 704 720 2907
society
African Focus Historic Royal Visit of Olúkòyí of Ìkòyí Ọba Iyiola Akande Morenigbade in Los Angeles, CA —
African Focus Historic Royal Visit of Olúkòyí of Ìkòyí Ọba Iyiola Akande Morenigbade in Los Angeles, CA —
African Focus Inc. its 20th Anniversary with Goodwill Awards and Induction Ceremony in April, 2026, held at the Renaissance LAX in Los Angeles, California.
The landmark event brought together distinguished guests, cultural leaders, and members of the African diaspora for an evening of recognition, reconnection, and celebration.
The ceremony honored outstanding community leaders and cultural champions whose contributions have strengthened African heritage and unity across generations.
The evening featured an elegant dinner, and an inspiring awards presentation, commemorating two decades of impactful service.
Highlight of the event was the African Family Induction, a signature tradition of African Focus.
18 Diaspora Africans were formally welcomed into native African families for a meaningful cultural experience.
The Inductees received certificates bearing their native names, along with cultural artifacts symbolizing their new lineage.
This initiative continues to foster cultural identity, bridge generational and geographical divides, and encourage deeper engagement with the African continent.
Many past inductees have gone on to travel to Africa with their host families, strengthening cultural bonds and understanding.
This year’s event was graced by a Yorùbà monarch His Royal Majesty, Oba Iyiola Akande Morenigbade, the Olukoyi of Ikoyi in Osun State, Nigeria who doubled as special guest of honour and historically served as Royal Father of the Day.
His royal presence brought cultural significance to the celebration.
The event was hosted by Uchenna Nworgu, Founder and Director of African Focus Inc, alongside a distinguished team of Cultural Ambassadors and leaders, including Paul Babatunde, Director of Cultural Initiatives; Dominique DiPrima, Cultural Ambassador; Wole Nipede; Ojise Isedale (also known as Olubunmi Olukanni); Ade James; and other notable contributors.
The event was concluded with vibrant music and dance, reflecting the spirit of unity and cultural pride that has defined African Focus for the past 20 years.
African Focus is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reconnecting the African diaspora with their cultural roots through education, cultural exchange, and community engagement initiatives.
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