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Chief Ikenna Okafor, an influential figure in Anambra’s business community and known for his philanthropic endeavors, has made a bold commitment to galvanize 1000 fellow billionaires from the state to pool together $1 billion for the purpose of bolstering Anambra’s economy.
After accepting the prestigious honorary degree of Doctor of Entrepreneurial Innovation at a special convocation held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Okafor underscored his belief in the capability of the state’s residents, asserting their capacity to realize this ambitious endeavor within a short timeframe.
He emphasized that the proposed investments have the potential to ensure long-lasting prosperity for disadvantaged members of the community.
As the Managing Director of Keves Global Leasing Limited, a reputable oil and gas enterprise, Okafor emphasized the critical importance of the present moment, urging individuals with the necessary resources to extend their support to those experiencing hardship.
He said: “Anambra is blessed with many billionaires but unfortunately we have been using our money in places they are not felt. There are things we will do and they will never be forgotten.
“I want to challenge 1,000 Anambra billionaires to bring $1million each to invest in things that will bring about generational wealth for our people. Let’s not waste our money in drinking champagne alone. I will champion the cause.”
He urged people to shun ostentatious lifestyle at a time like this and conserve resources to help the less privileged in the society.
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In his speech, the Chancellor of the university, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, the Gbong Gwom Jos, who declared the special convocation open, congratulated the awardee, noting that it was a merited honour.
“This honour by this university of all times is a call to even do more. I also seize this opportunity to urge the Vice Chancellor to keep up with the admirable tempo of his administration as his tenure winds down and I equally enjoin the university community to continue to give him the commendable cooperation, ”
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Charles Esimone, elaborated on the rationale behind awarding Ikenna Okafor, emphasizing his extensive philanthropic efforts, particularly in education.
Okafor’s impactful initiatives have included the provision of infrastructure support to educational institutions spanning primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, both within and outside Nigeria.
Recalling Okafor’s extraordinary contributions, Professor Charles Esimone noted how Okafor’s independent funding facilitated the establishment of the ultramodern UNIZIK Business School and numerous other key projects within the university.
He further mentioned that Okafor generously sponsored the sports team of UNIZIK during the recently concluded South East Universities Game, where the university achieved notable success.
